Former Gunner Yunus Musah signed a contract extension with Valencia this week, taking him to 2026 with a €100m release clause.

Valencia announced on Friday that Yunus Musah had signed a new deal with them to 2026.

According to CBS Sports, this contract has a €100m release clause, a huge fee for an 18-year-old. Though perhaps it won’t seem so large in four or five years’ time if he keeps progressing at his current rate.

Musah recently got his first call-up to the U.S. Men’s National Team, and the English FA are also very keen to win his senior international allegiance. It’s no surprise, considering his exploits at club level.

Playing for a good club like Valencia in one of Europe’s top-five leagues, Musah managed to break into their starting lineup as a 17-year-old. He’s already made 10 La Liga appearances this season, and you’d expect many more this campaign.

Personally, I was hoping he might run down his deal and return to Arsenal, but it seems the midfielder knows he’s valued at his current club and is happy to spend the next few years developing there.

Why did Arsenal let Musah go?

The truth is that they didn’t have much choice. Despite giving him his u18 debut at just 14 years old, and making him a regular in the side the following season, Arsenal couldn’t convince Musah to sign with them.

When his contract expired in 2019, there was no way to stop the teenager from moving on. In fairness, he was very complimentary of the club on his departure, saying:

“I cannot express my gratitude to the overwhelming support the club gave me throughout the course of my journey with Arsenal.

“Not a day will pass without remembrance to those who have helped me achieve in my career thus far. A profuse thank you to all of my teammates and staff who have helped consolidate me as a player. Once a Gunner, always a Gunner.”

Evidently, it was a good decision for Musah to go somewhere they were willing to play him in the senior side so young.