Belgium midfielder Axel Witsel does have a release clause in his contract at Chinese club Tianjin Quanjian but clubs have missed the window for it, according to manager Paulo Sousa.
The 29-year-old moved east from Russian outfit Zenit Saint Petersburg to Tianjin Quanjian back in 2017 and has so far played 35 league games, scoring five goals.
Witsel played in six out of seven World Cup fixtures for Belgium this summer as the European side finished third overall, losing to France in the semi-finals before defeating England in the third-place play-off.
The midfielder’s form has attracted the attention of some of Europe’s big-hitters, who are rumoured to want the star as he enters his peak years.
However, Tianjin Quanjian manager Sousa has insisted there has been no transfer news regarding the player and that he expects him to return to duty this Sunday.
“There has been no news about his transfer to leave the team from the club or the player,” Sousa said according to ESPN.
“I believe he will come back. He is very important to the team. I hope that I see him come back to training on August 5, and then he can continue to help the team for the rest of the season.”
The former Swansea City boss also touched on the reported clause in Witsel’s contract that would allow the player to leave the club should a certain offer be made.
However, Sousa has poured cold water on this rumour, stating that any such clause has now expired due to the closing of the Chinese transfer window.
“My understanding is that there may be a special clause in the contract, but any transfer should be in the early part of the transfer window. China’s transfer window is closed.”
The post Tianjin coach explains Axel Witsel release clause amid Premier League links appeared first on Squawka News.
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