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.
Football Manager 2024 will launch on November 6, 2023. However, you can gain early access to the PC/Mac version now if you pre-order the game on Steam.
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:
. Pierre Ekwah
30% of the fee if Pierre Ekwah is sold will be owed to former club West Ham. Sunderland will also owe the Hammers £500k if the midfielder reaches certain appearance milestones. Photo: FRANK REID
. Aji Alese
25% of the profit made on Jji Alese will be owed to former club West Ham (signed for £500k), according to the popular simulation game Football Manager 2024. Sunderland also owe the Hammers three payments of £100k over the next three years. Photo: ADRIAN DENNIS
. Joe Anderson
Everton will be due 25% of Joe Anderson's next transfer fee should Sunderland sell him, according to Football Manager 2024. Everton will also be owed £100k after the defender reaches 20 league games for the Black Cats Photo: Jeremy Ng
. Abdoullah Ba
According to Football Manager 2024, 25% of the profit on Abdoullah Ba's next transfer will be owed to former club Le Harve (signed for £850k). Photo: Frank Reid
. Joe Hugill
If Joe Hugill is sold by Manchester United, 10% of the transfer fee will be owed to Sunderland - according to Football Manager 2024. Photo: Manchester United
. Safc RMfc Ballard 1 (1).jpg
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
17. Patrick Roberts
15% of Sunderland attacker Patrick Roberts' next transfer fee will be owed to former club Manchester City, according to the popular simulation game Football Manager 2024. City will also be owed £1m if Sunderland gain promotion from the Championship Photo: George Wood
18. Niall Huggins
30% of Sunderland defender Niall Huggins's next transfer fee will be owed to former club Leeds United, according to the popular simulation game Football Manager 2024. Photo: Frank Reid