Almeria slap 40m release clause on World Cup breakout star Cipenga amid transfer scramble

Almeria have placed a 40m price tag on Congo World Cup sensation Cipenga after rejecting big-money advances, signalling they will not allow their new star to leave on the cheap.

The 24-year-old winger, who arrived as a free agent only weeks ago, has seen his value soar following a standout performance at the 2026 World Cup, including a memorable goal against England in the last 16.

Having joined the Andalusian club at the start of the summer after his contract with Castellon expired on 30 June, Cipenga has gone from relative obscurity to one of the most talkedabout names on the market.

Now Almeria are refusing to negotiate below his release clause, which has been set firmly at 40m, and are prepared to hold their ground against growing interest across Europe.

World Cup strike that changed everything

Cipengas profile exploded during the World Cup in North America, where his goal against England in the round of 16 thrust him into the global spotlight.

That strike, described locally as memorable, capped a dynamic display on the wing and alerted scouts and clubs who had previously tracked him in Spains lower divisions.

Within weeks of landing in Andalusia on a free transfer, the Congo international has turned into one of the summers most coveted attacking options, transforming Almerias perception of his value and importance.

Almeria dig in after rejecting Krasnodar

Russian side Krasnodar are understood to be among the clubs to have tested Almerias resolve, but their offers have been rebuffed as the Spanish club set out a hardline stance.

By turning down Krasnodars millions, Almerias hierarchy have made clear they either intend to build their sporting project around Cipenga or cash in only if a club is willing to trigger what would be a recordbreaking deal for the outfit.

The decision is seen within Spanish football as a statement that Almeria will not be pressured into a cutprice sale despite the wingers rapid rise and the short time he has been at the club.

Coqueluche of the fans and the market

Inside the club, Cipenga is already viewed as the new coqueluche the darling of the supporters with his pace and direct play giving Almeria a fresh attacking dimension.

By blinding their asset with what they regard as an XXLlevel release clause, Almeria are attempting both to protect their competitive ambitions for the coming season and to position themselves to pull off what local media are calling la vente du siecle the sale of the century should a suitor decide to gamble.

High stakes for wouldbe buyers

For any club hoping to prise Cipenga away this summer, the equation is now clear: meet the 40m clause or look elsewhere.

Almerias uncompromising stance underlines a wider trend in La Liga, where midtable and smaller clubs increasingly use release clauses not just as legal formalities but as powerful bargaining weapons in the transfer market.

With the window still open and interest ne fait que grandir only continuing to grow all eyes will now be on whether a European heavyweight is prepared to test Almerias resolve and turn Cipengas meteoric rise into one of the biggest transfer stories of the summer.