Lautaro Martinez' clause, from affordable to impossible

Inter Milan's Argentinean striker Lautaro Martinez's 112 million euro buyout clause, which until a few months ago was seen as a relatively cheap market opportunity, has suddenly become unaffordable because of the coronavirus' economic impact. 

Before the season was interrupted by the health emergency, the Argetine having the best year of his career and his great performances in the Inter forward line made him, at 22, one of the most desired players in the football market.

Clubs like Barcelona and Real Madrid, as well as several English giants, had been following his performances carefully week after week and his clause, set at 112 million euros, had the Italians concerned and well aware of possible poaching. 

That amount, set years ago in Lautaro's contract, which expires on 30 June 2023, was relatively low considering the inflated prices on the European market and the performance of a 22-year-old player who has already scored 16 goals in 31 matches this year.

However, the coronavirus pandemic has caused football clubs millions of euros in damage and they will have to manage their investments in the transfer market very carefully.

Juventus sports director Fabio Paratici acknowledged that the next market could "bring football closer to the NBA" and be, in the process, marked by loans, given the lower economic power of the clubs.

In Italy it is estimated that a closure of the Serie A season would cause a loss of around 1 billion euros, forcing teams to significantly reduce their expenses.

A phenomenon that will extend to many European clubs and which may significantly complicate the possibility of paying amounts exceeding 100 million euros, as in the case with Lautaro Martinez' clause. 

The player perfectly represents the mentality of the coach of Inter, Antonio Conte. Determined, always ready to help the team in the defensive phase and unbeatable in the definition phase. Together with Belgium's Romelu Lukaku, they made an irresistible pair this season.

He has also performed impressive displays with his national team, where he has already received some illustrious displays of appreciation from coach Lionel Scaloni and former playerplayer Diego Milito.

"I'm not saying he is completely mature yet, but I'm almost there. He's one of the best strikers at the moment, he plays for a great team and it will be difficult to get him out, although he's a target for some big European clubs. I hope it stays that way, it's a blessing for Argentina," said Scaloni in a recent interview.

He is seen as the perfect partner to lead Argentina's forward line alongside Lionel Messi, as acknowledged by Diego Milito, who recommended Lautaro to Inter in 2018.

"The affinity with Leo is natural. It is clear that Messi and Lautaro have a good relationship. Great players look for each other," said Milito, who won the Serie A, Coppa Italia and Champions League treble in 2010 with Inter.

"I don't know if it's true that Barcelona are interested, but it's normal that they like it. But I know that Lautaro is very happy to be at Inter," he added.

At the moment, the Argentinian striker is at ease at Inter and is not considering leaving the club. His position is currently protected by a clause which, following this economic crisis, is no longer particularly favourable."