Want Gerard Pique? Pay 500 million euros- Defender agrees Barcelona deal with huge release clause

Barcelona were given a fresh boost on Thursday when key defender Gerard Pique signed a contract extension until 2022.

Having recently lost Brazilian superstar Neymar in an aggressive contract buy out by Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona have put a 500 million euros ($611 million) buy out clause in Pique's new contract.

"FC Barcelona and player Gerard Piqué have reached an agreement to renew the player's contract through to 30 June 2022. His buyout clause has been set at 500m euros," the club confirmed through an official statement.

"In the coming days the club will announce the date of the official signing of the new contract, which will keep the La Masia product at FC Barcelona for the rest of the current season and for the next 4 years."

Pique progressed through the youth ranks of Barcelona before moving to United in 2004.

The 30-year-old defender was brought back to his childhood club by Pep Guardiola only four years later and has since proved to be an increasingly steady presence as centre-back with the Catalans winning three Champions Leagues and six Spanish Liga titles during his tenure.

The 6ft 4in (1.94m) Pique was part of the Spain side that won the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 European Championships.

Barcelona currently top the Spanish League with a nine points lead over Atletico Madrid, but are an impressive 19 points clear of fourth placed arch-rivals Real Madrid.