Liverpool’s owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), once introduced an unusual “anti-Arsenal” clause into the contract of one of their top players due to a previous contentious transfer saga.
On Tuesday, Arsenal stunned the football world by reportedly completing the unexpected signing of Martin Zubimendi, a long-term midfield target for Liverpool. This move reignited the long-standing rivalry between the two clubs over high-profile transfers, which has often led to tensions.
One notable incident stands out as a catalyst for this rivalry: Arsenal’s attempt to sign Luis Suárez in 2013. The Gunners submitted a then club-record bid of £40 million plus £1, exploiting a clause in Suárez’s contract requiring Liverpool to inform the player of offers exceeding £40 million. Outraged by the bid, Liverpool’s owner, John W. Henry, famously mocked Arsenal on social media, asking, “What do you think they’re smoking over there at the Emirates?”
Determined to avoid a repeat of such a scenario, FSG ensured that a similar clause wouldn’t work in Arsenal’s favor. When Roberto Firmino joined Liverpool from Hoffenheim in 2015 for £21.3 million, his contract included an £83 million release clause—applicable to all clubs except Arsenal. If Arsenal had ever wanted to sign Firmino, they would have been forced to negotiate directly with Liverpool, likely for a fee far higher than the release clause.
Firmino went on to become a Liverpool legend, scoring 111 goals and providing 75 assists in 362 appearances. During his time at Anfield, he won seven trophies, including the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup.
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