The Football Leaks website has challenged the opaque nature of the game recently. The website has created controversy recently, most notably revealing the details of Gareth Bale’s contract – much to the annoyance of Bale’s agent.
However the website has struck once again – this time revealing the contract nature of Arsenal and Germany star, Mesut Ozil.
According to The Telegraph, the transfer document reveals that Real Madrid negotiated a buy-back option from Arsenal for Ozil on a deal that was indeed worth €50 million (£42m).
In a similar vein to former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas’ contract at Barcelona, the North London club too inserted a first-option clause. However Arsene Wenger failed to take up this option and Fabregas was sold to London rivals Chelsea.
A surprising difference is that the clause allows Madrid a 48-hour first option on Ozil should Arsenal agree a sale for him to another Spanish club.
However this clause is not applicable should Arsenal decide to sell Ozil elsewhere in the world. If Arsenal were to agree a sale to a German club for example – Real Madrid would be obligated to match that transfer fee.
Below is a breakdown of the transfer fee according to The Telegraph:
- €24 million payment that was completed on Sept 2, 2013
- €15 million was then payable on Sept 30, 2014
- €5 million on 30 Sept, 2015
- €6 million fee split over six years from July 1, 2014 subject to Champions League group qualification.
- Real Madrid will receive a 33% sell-on fee should Ozil be sold to another Spanish club for €50 million or more
The contract also contained a confidentiality clause – however with Football Leaks website revealing the contract details of Ozil and other high profile names, such as Anthony Martial – this could cause alarm bells for the games authorities.
