Mystery over Higuain clause

Sources disagree on whether Gonzalo Higuain's buy-out clause, which would allow Juventus to force Napoli into a sale, is still valid.

The Bianconeri look set to unleash an absolute storm in Naples by taking the most prolific scorer in Serie A away from their direct rivals.

Sources disagree on whether Gonzalo Higuain's buy-out clause, which would allow Juventus to force Napoli into a sale, is still valid.

The Bianconeri look set to unleash an absolute storm in Naples by taking the most prolific scorer in Serie A away from their direct rivals.

Aurelio De Laurentiis has repeatedly stated that he does not intend to sell the player, even though some believe the Pipita intends to leave.

Higuain had a buy-out clause that allowed other teams to force a sale, even against Napoli's will, by paying €94m. Surprisingly, though, no-one seems to know whether that crucial clause is active or not.

The Gazzetta dello Sport reported in the last few days that the clause had expired on June 30. Today, they are running the claims by 'the player's entourage', who apparently believe the clause is still valid.

Gianluca Di Marzio and Calciomercato.com both claim that the clause can still be activated, and paid in two yearly instalments of €47m. The latter source believes the expiry date for this item in Higuain's contract is in fact July 31.

However, CalcioNapoli24 claim to have contacted Napoli themselves, whose official sources allegedly confirmed that the clause expired on June 30.