How a R60 million buyout stalled Jaisen Clifford’s dream move to Dynamo Moscow
Jaisen Clifford has opened up about a missed transfer to Russian powerhouse Dynamo Moscow, which was stalled when a hefty R60 million buyout clause came into play. The Bulgaria-based winger has spent a decade in Europe.
The 29-year-old revealed to FARPost that the deal collapsed when Dynamo Moscow baulked at the €3 million [about R60 million at the time] fee demanded by his then-club.
The South African winger’s journey in European football began in 2015 when he signed for Maltese second-tier side Gudja United. He then moved to Lithuania in 2017, joining Stumbras, where he played a key role in their historic 2017 Lithuanian Football Cup victory.
His career continued with a stint at Portuguese third-tier club Condeixa before he returned to South Africa in the 2020/21 season, signing for Cape Town All Stars in the Motsepe Foundation Championship. He debuted and scored his first goal for the club in a 3-1 victory over Bizana Pondo Chiefs on February 4, 2021.
Prior to the second half of the 2021/22 season, Clifford returned to Europe, signing for Armenian team Van. He is currently playing in Bulgaria, continuing his European football adventure with Sportist Svoge.
JAISEN CLIFFORD ON FAILED DYNAMO MOSCOW DEAL
“[My stay in Europe] has really been great. I think it’s been positive for me being overseas. I’ve had a chance to win titles. I got the chance to play on the European stage in the Europa League. We went in there twice,” Clifford told FARPost.
“I played against some of the biggest coaches in the world, like Roberto Mancini. I’ve been coached by some of the biggest coaches as well, like Mariano Barreto.
“Of course, financially, it’s been rewarding as well. I think these will probably be some of the highs. Also, playing in really good stadiums and facilities?”
He added that exploring various countries has been a significant highlight, allowing me to experience diverse cultures and learn different languages. Coming to his lows, he mentioned being away from family.
The unsuccessful Dynamo Moscow transfer ranks among his biggest disappointments.
“When I was in Lithuania, I had signed a three-year contract with this club. I had a high release clause. That was €3 million. And it wasn’t valued against my salary. When Dynamo Moscow made a transfer bid for me, which was way under what they valued me at, they obviously easily declined it. They keep you in a contract even though it’s not really good for you? So, the contract was really one-sided. I was too young. I didn’t have the correct people around me to help me with those kind of things.”
Meanwhile, will be a free agent at the end of the season when his loan spell at Svoge from SFC Etar Veliko Tarnovo comes to an end.
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