Valencia double Otorbi's release clause to €60m to block Liverpool's move for teenage winger

Valencia have moved to protect teenage winger David Otorbi from a cut-price exit by exercising an early renewal option in his contract, doubling his release clause from €30 million to €60 million — a direct response to reported interest from Liverpool.

The Reds had been understood to be ready to trigger Otorbi’s original €30m clause to bring the 19-year-old to Anfield, but Valencia acted swiftly to make any deal significantly more expensive. According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, the new contract extends Otorbi’s stay at the club until June 2031, three years beyond his previous deal, and also improves his salary terms.

“Valencia CF has responded by exercising the renewal option included in Otorbi’s contract,” Fichajes reported. “This modification increases his release clause from €30 million to €60 million. Furthermore, the club has improved the player’s salary terms and is considering a future review of his contract.”

The renewal was originally conditional on Otorbi making ten appearances of at least 45 minutes each, but Valencia chose to fast-track the process specifically because of interest from England.

Otorbi made his senior debut in August 2024 and has been carefully managed into first-team football under head coach Javier Aguirre, who has handed him three La Liga starts in the current 2026/27 campaign. He scored his first league goal against Racing Santander in a 2-2 draw earlier this month, but was forced off through injury within 15 minutes of Saturday’s defeat to Villarreal.

“The player will focus on his recovery while Valencia finalises the official announcement of his new contract,” Fichajes added. “Looking ahead to the January 2027 transfer window, the next move will depend on whether English clubs are willing to negotiate for less than €60 million or ultimately rule out signing David Otorbi.”

Liverpool appear unlikely to pursue a deal at the inflated price. The club already strengthened their attacking options during the summer by signing Victor Munoz, 23, and Bradley Barcola, 24. Cody Gakpo has made a positive start to the season across multiple attacking positions, and there is a growing case for keeping a clear path to regular football open for 18-year-old Rio Ngumoha.