Pape Gueye’s 45 million clause holds key to Villarreal’s summer | OneFootball

Pape Gueye’s 45 million release clause is central to Villarreal’s summer, after Senegal’s abrupt and controversial World Cup exit and his brief step away from selection amid staff disagreements.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, club and player have signalled he could be the big sale, though it remains to be seen if he returns under Iñigo Pérez. Last year brought major fees for Yeremy Pino, Álex Baena and Thierno Barry. This summer looks restrained unless an unforeseen deal arrives or Gueye moves.

Neom in Saudi Arabia showed interest last summer, and in January Galatasaray made an approach that fell well short of Villarreal’s stance, which points to the 45 million clause. At certain market levels that figure is not viewed as excessive.

At 27, he played more than 2,800 minutes across 39 games, limited by the Africa Cup, which Senegal initially won with his extra-time goal before Morocco took it in the boardroom. He scored five times, all in the domestic league.

This is his second stint at Villarreal and he is contracted until 2028. The squad is considered largely set, with focus on midfield after the exits of Dani Parejo and Thomas Partey.

Gueye’s stay or sale would reshape that plan. If he remains, the idea is to add a holding midfielder for balance and a box-to-box option.

One slot could go to an academy player, with Alassane Diatta and Carlos Maciá in contention. A major spend is not foreseen unless a guaranteed replacement for Gueye is needed.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo