Real Madrid have handed contract extensions of their youngsters who have known who now have a combined release clause of 2.1 billion dollars.

The trio of Eder Militao, Rodrigo, and Vinicius Junior were revealed to have signed contract extensions with the European Champions on Sunday ahead of the 2022/2023 La Liga season.

Eder Militao signed a six-year extension until 2028 with a £425m release clause, while Vinicius Jr, who scored the winning goal for Real Madrid in their 1-0 victory over Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League final last season, signed a five-year extension.

The Brazilian’s contract will run until 2027 with an £850m release clause, same as Rodrygo, who has signed a contract extension until 2028.

After winning the UEFA Champions League last season and the subsequent exit of some players with, most notably Marcelo departing, from the club, Real Madrid have to manage their squad ahead of the next season.

German defender Antonio Rudiger has joined from Chelsea on a free, while Aurelien Tchouameni joined from Ligue 1 side AS Monaco for £72m.

Meanwhile, Belgium forward Eden Hazard says that French forward Karim Benzema deserves the ballon d’Or for 2022 after his extraordinary performance for Real Madrid last season.

Benzema led Real Madrid to the La Liga and the UEFA Champions League double, scoring 42 goals in the UEFA Champions League and La Liga combined, and the former Chelsea forward believes it’s enough.

“I think he deserves it. You know, there’s no doubt about it. But I think he deserves it not just for that season, but for his whole career, you know? It’s like he’s been at the top for 15 years. Maybe he’s scoring more goals, which is why people just want him to win this Ballon d’Or, but I think he deserved it before, like five years ago.” Hazard said.

Written by: Daniel Ademiju Idowu