The most prominent Viola storyline of the early summer was Moise Kean’s possible departure, fueled by a laughably low €52 million release clause that was only available for the first 2 weeks of July. Kean dropped off the face of the map and, when no credible offers arrived, returned to preseason training with the understanding that he’d be receiving a new contract from Fiorentina shortly. And, much to my delight, that’s what happened.
Reporting about the actual numbers varies, but piecing together fragments from outlets I trust, I think Kean will earn €4.5 million a year, possibly rising to an even €5 million if he hits performance metrics, through 2029. The real story, though, is the release clause. After all the terror the fans felt in July, the expectation was that if a release clause was included, it’d be at least €80 million. Instead, everyone agrees it’s at €62 million.
Kean’s spoken about wanting to repay the trust Fiorentina’s placed in him and this extension confirms his statements, but it’s hardly til death do us part. Last year’s capocannoniere Mateo Retegui moved for €65 million earlier this year; Kean is worth at least as much in the open market. €62 million is a lot of money, obviously, but leaves him well within reach for any club with the financial power of, say, the Premier League’s 16th-place team.
This isn’t a shot a shot at Moise. He could’ve forced his way out of town pretty easily and he’s demonstrated loyalty to and trust in a club that hasn’t always deserved either in its recent dealings. If he wants to leave himself an easy exit in case everything implodes in Florence, that’s reasonable, especially after such a tumultuous summer.
It won’t do to think of such sad things right now, though. Right now, we can think of another 3 seasons of Moise Kean at the peak of his powers, which means nothing less than enjoying Serie A’s most explosive and charismatic striker. That’s worth more than €62 million and we should celebrate it, albeit in a less tacky way than Fiorentina did.
