5 talented footballers with "low" release clauses

Ever since Neymar's €222 million shock transfer from FC Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain last summer, clubs have been frantically increasing the release clauses of their players, in hopes that such a departure would not be repeated.

Players such as Real Madrid's Marco Asensio, and FC Barcelona's Sergi Roberto have had their release clauses go up dramatically, to €700 million, and £440 million respectively.

However, the 5 players on this list still have "low" release clauses, which make them susceptible to transfers in the coming transfer windows.

"Low" is in quotations, as some of these release clauses wouldn't be considered low any other year, but it is 2018, and the market has been inflated, indirectly by PSG's splurge for Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.

Here are 5 footballers with low release clauses that can be easily matched by other clubs:

#5 Kevin Strootman - £45 million

Strootman is a regular for AS Roma, and the Netherlands national team, making 33 appearances for the former and 9 appearances for the latter last season.

A tall, physical, and hard-working defensive midfielder, Strootman is a very skilled midfielder who can do it all: solid at tackling and interceptions, fantastic technique on the ball, and the ability to ghost into attacking positions and get goals/assists.

This season, he has been in fine form alongside Radja Naingollan, playing a huge role in Roma's midfield to such a degree that he has earned the nickname "la lavatrice", or "the washing machine" in Italian.

His current contract with Roma, which lasts up to 2022, includes a release clause of £45 million, an absolute steal in the current market, especially for someone as versatile and skilled as the Dutch international.

At the moment, no club is reported to have interest in the defensive midfielder, but with his impressive performances this season coupled with being fully recovered from the injuries that have stunted his career's growth, it wouldn't be surprising if a bigger club comes in to sign him, especially considering his low release clause.

#4 Toby Alderweireld - £25.4 million

Toby has been one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League

At 29 years old, Alderweireld is not getting any younger - which might be a reason Tottenham aren't worried he'd get signed to another club.

However, with a low release clause of £25.4 million, the club shouldn't be too confident that no other club would take interest in him.

The centre-back is very solid as well as being reliable and has not made a defensive error this season.

He is great on the ball and passes the ball very well but his best quality is arguably his leadership. He is constantly marshaling the backline and motivates his teammates when needed.

Whenever he has been out through injury, Spurs have struggled defensively.

With a defender like Virgil Van Dijk going for £75m, don't be surprised if Alderweireld gets the attention of clubs that could use some polishing in defence, such as Arsenal, or Manchester United.

#3 Timo Horn - £5.4 million

Timo is a long-term prospect for Die Mannschaft's number one spot

Timo is undoubtedly one of the hottest prospects in the goalkeeper position, with the Olympic silver medalist one of the stars whose performances carried FC Koln to the Europa League last season. This season, he has continued his form, with a saves-per-goal rate of 1.50.

However, he hasn't been able to help the team out of relegation waters this season.

Now, with the Billy Goats battling relegation, the 6 foot 4 keeper is reported to be looking to move to a bigger club, which could be an easy task, considering that his release clause is a mere £5.4 million!

For a goalkeeper with such quality and potential, his release clause is a steal as even a middling goalkeeper like Asmir Begovic costs £11m which is double Horn's release clause.

Clubs like Liverpool or Borussia Dortmund which are having problems in the goalie position could look to sign the German this summer

#2 Samuel Umtiti - €60 million

Umtiti has been outstanding following his move to Barcelona

Umtiti was signed from Lyon for €25 million and has proven to be one of Barca's best signing in a long time.

An indispensable part of the Catalan side's defence, the 24-year old defender has been one of the most consistent players in the team, with his strong tackling, decision-making, and positioning.

He is also very capable on the ball, averaging a 92% passing accuracy this season, impressive stats for a centre-back.

All this, and he has a €60 million release clause. This fee may seem high, but for a young, potentially world-class player who is crucial for both his club and national team, €60 million is an absolute steal. As a result, FC Barcelona's main priority right now is to renew his contract.

It is unlikely that he will move clubs anytime soon, but any club that gets him for his release clause would be very lucky to get a player of his quality for such a low price.

#1 Dries Mertens - £24 million

Mertens has been super impressive in the past two years

Scoring 33 goals in 48 games last season, with an average of a goal every 95 minutes, Mertens had a cracker of a season. He has continued his form this season, scoring 17 goals in 27 games.

The Belgian striker is known for his sharp finishing and creative passes, as well as his defensive contributions to the team, a rare quality in a forward. He is very physical and likes to dribble, and his only real weakness is in the air.

Given his quality, you'd think he would have a high release clause, but in fact, he has a £24 million release clause!

After Neymar left Barca in his big-money move to Paris, Mertens had this to say about his release clause - "€28m is basically nothing. I have become a bargain; where can you find a player who scored 28 goals in Serie A and is as cheap as I am? Nowhere, right?"

A possible reason for his low release clause might be his age - Mertens turns 31 this year and is not getting any younger. But for a player of such quality, nobody can deny that his release clause borders on the ridiculous.