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).
9. Jack Clarke
Tottenham will be due £3m if Sunderland gain promotion from the Championship before 30th June 2024. Sunderland also have four payments of £500k (£2m in total) left on the Clarke deal according to Football Manager 2024. 30% of the profit from Jack Clarke's next transfer will be owed to Tottenham. Photo: Ben Roberts Photo
10. Denver Hume
20% of Portsmouth defender Denver Hume's next transfer fee will be owed to former club Sunderland, according to the popular simulation game Football Manager 2024. Photo: Julian Finney
11. Francis Okoronkwo
10% of Everton man Francis Okoronkwo's next transfer fee will be owed to former club Sunderland, according to the popular simulation game Football Manager 2024. Photo: Nathan Stirk
12. Trai Hume
25% of the profit Sunderland make on any potential sale of Trai Hume will be owed to former club Linfield, according to Football Manager 2024. Photo: Stu Forster