Sporting Lisbon buy Scottish teenager Ryan Gauld from Dundee United and put a €60m buy-out clause

Ryan Gauld’s contract states a €60m buy-out clause

Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon have bought Scottish teenager Ryan Gauld for £3million from Dundee United on a six-year contract.

But what will catch football fans’ attention will be the buy-out clause for the 18-year-old set by Sporting Lisbon, which is capped at €60m.

A Dundee United official statement said: “Subject to the usual formalities, Dundee United confirm the transfer of Ryan Gauld to Sporting Lisbon, for an undisclosed fee, was completed last night. Everyone at the Club wishes Ryan sincere best wishes in his future career."

Gauld has impressed everyone with his style of play, which has earned him the nickname ‘Mini Messi’. He was also nominated for the PFA Scottish Young Player of the Year last season.

He has scored eight goals in 38 appearances for the Scottish club and has impressed manager Jackie McNamara.

McNamara, who himself has won 33 caps for Scotland, praised Gauld and touted him as the next big player in the future to watch out for.

"He's going to be a massive star in our team, so there's no doubt about that," McNamara had said in December. "He will be one of the greats of our game."

The prodigy was being eyed by most top clubs in Europe but Sporting Lisbon were the quickest to seal the deal.

Dundee United finished fourth in the league table and were runners-up in the Scottish Cup last season while Sporting Lisbon, who have won the Portuguese League 18 times, came second behind arch-rivals Benfica last season.

Official: Sporting have signed Dundee United's 18-year-old midfielder Ryan Gauld. 6-year deal. €60m release clause. pic.twitter.com/qwfbKFg5KV

— Jan Hagen (@PortuBall) July 2, 2014