That is now possible (sort of!) thanks to Football Manager 2024 and its clauses section, where fans can see how deals are structured, although it must be stressed that some may not be fully accurate.
Football fans can delve into unrivalled depth and detail in FM 2024 as you take charge at your club. Join the elite by writing your own headlines, earning the love of the fans and dominating the competition. It's not just about picking tactics or crafting a team.
Here, we take a look at the interesting payment plans, buy-back deals and sell-on clauses inserted into the transfer deals and contracts of these current and former Sunderland players (note: doesn’t include the latest transfer window as the game has not yet been updated yet).
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Arsenal will be due £2m if Sunderland gain promotion from the Championship before 30th June 2025. 40% of the profit on Ballard's next transfer fee will be owed to former club Arsenal, according to the popular simulation game Football Manager 2024. Sunderland also have two payments of £500k to complete over the next two years. Photo: FRANK REID
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30% of the fee from Jobe Bellingham's next transfer will be owed to Birmingham City, according to Football Manager 2024. The game also states that Birmingham will be due £500k when the youngster reaches 25 league appearances for Sunderland. The Blues will also be due £1m if Sunderland gain promotion to the Premier League. Photo: FRANK REID
7. Jewison Bennette
25% of the profit made on Jewison Bennette's next transfer will be owed to Herediano (signed for £950k), according to Football Manager 2024. Photo: Frank Reid
8. Dennis Cirkin
Tottenham Hotspur can buy former player Dennis Cirkiin back before May 30, 2024. If Sunderland were to sell the defender elsewhere, 40% of the profit in Cirkin would be due to Spurs (signed for £600k). The Premier League outfit are also owed a further two payments of £200k over the next two seasons. Photo: Frank Reid