3 different options or possibilities.
1, If you estimate what it would cost to buy a player of similar ability = £3m
2. Sensible price to recoup our losses £800k +
3. Zero cos he takes up the employees option of 12 months maternity leave after his baby is born, unless we agree to release him free.
Are you sure about number 3. I ask because a contact with a football club is not the same as a contract of employment that you and I have. And also, isn't it a 12 week option, not 12 months? I thought companies only had to agree for up to 12 weeks unpaid...