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A loan where the receiving club can buy the player permanently at the end for a pre-agreed fee. It lets clubs try before they commit and spreads the financial risk. Sometimes the option is an obligation that automatically triggers under certain conditions (like staying in the league or appearances). Clever clubs use these to get around spending restrictions.
Chelsea's loan with option to buy for Mateo Kovačić from Real Madrid eventually converted to a permanent deal - the loan year let both parties assess fit before committing to a €45 million transfer.
Robbie
Jan 26, 2026
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