In the summer of 2023, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund reached a blockbuster deal for the transfer of English midfielder Jude Bellingham, with a fixed transfer fee of €103 million. However, the amount Real Madrid will have to pay could be significantly higher, as the final transfer fee could soar to €133.9 million based on various clauses.
Bellingham is still working hard to regain his goal-scoring form from last season, but Real Madrid continues to foot the bill. Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke revealed a little secret to AS newspaper: “If the transfer fee was only €103 million, our negotiations would have failed. The actual amount is much higher!” The Frankfurt Stock Exchange, where Borussia Dortmund is listed, has also confirmed this staggering figure.
While the specific details of the variable clauses have not been disclosed, according to German media outlet Bild, €25 million out of the €30.9 million in variable transfer fees are considered “highly likely to be achieved.” These bonuses are tied to both team and individual goals, which are relatively easy to meet.
On the team level, if Real Madrid wins La Liga or the Champions League, or qualifies for the Champions League over the next six years (the duration of Bellingham’s contract, until 2029), they will have to make additional payments. In fact, Real Madrid’s recent victories in La Liga and the Champions League have already triggered an additional payment of €10 million.
Bellingham’s personal performance can also increase his transfer fee. A key aspect is whether he becomes a core player in Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical system, which involves his playing time and the number of matches he participates in. This is one of the easiest goals to achieve, but it is not the only one. There are also clauses related to performance levels. For example, if Bellingham is selected for the FIFA Best XI, Borussia Dortmund will receive another payment. If he wins the Ballon d’Or, the stakes get even higher, with Real Madrid having to pay an additional €8 million to Borussia Dortmund. Currently, Bellingham is competing for this prestigious award alongside teammates Vinicius Jr. and Carvajal, as well as Manchester City’s Rodri.
