When William Saliba left the stretch in July 2019 against 30 million euros, Stéphanois leaders had joined a 20% clause on the capital gains of a future resale. Six years later, this provision turns out to be a real war treasure for ASSE. With a market value now estimated at 80 million euros by TransferMarkt, the French defender represents a potential financial windfall of almost 10 million euros for his training club.
A solid gold clause negotiated in 2019
The official extension with the Gunners until 2030 certainly distances the prospect of an immediate check, but it mainly secures investment. Unlike the fears of a free departure which would have brought back zero euro to the Greens, Arsenal now locks its central defender. Any future transaction will require a paying transfer, guaranteeing the fallout for Saint-Etienne.
The persistent interest of Real Madrid for William Saliba maintains the flame of Stéphanois hope. The Merengues, who carefully monitor the situation of the Bondy native, did not give up their ambitions despite the extension. According to information from the specialized press, Arsenal would even have set a price of 120 million euros to discourage the suitors, an added value that theoretically reports 16 million euros to ASSE.
ASSE financial investment: William Saliba
Real Madrid still in ambush for Saliba
The Madrid context also plays in favor of ASSE: faced with an aging central hinge and the physical uncertainties of Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba, Casa Blanca could go to the offensive from next summer, or even this winter. Friendship with Kylian Mbappé, also from Bondy, is an additional argument in negotiations.
For ASSE, this extension is finally similar to a secure financial investment. The more arsenal awaits, the more the value of the Saliba increases, and the more the benefits for the Greens will be significant. At 24, the French international (28 selections) remains in age force and its constant progression in the Premier League only enhances this asset.
Paid strategic patience
Stéphanois leaders, who are looking for funding sources for their rise in Ligue 1, can therefore count on this golden insurance policy negotiated by Ivan Gazidis in 2019. The London signature is not the end of a dream, but the start of a strategic expectation which could prove to be particularly lucrative by 2027-2030.
