Just a few hours to the first Clásico of the season, many Real Madrid fans found out that Jude Bellingham's transfer could cost more than 130 million euros. Controversy has sparked over this figure, which exceeds the amount initially agreed. However, the Englishman's performance in his first season has silenced many critics.
The original deal with Borussia Dortmund was agreed at 103 million euros. But, according to German outlet Sport Bild, the final cost could reach 133.9 million. Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke said "it would've been a poor negotiation if the final price had only been 103 million." This owes to the performance clauses included in the operation, which are "very likely" to be fulfillled.
Much of the extra €30.9m is tied to targets. Madrid will have to pay more if they win titles such as La Liga or the Champions League. In fact, the recent league title triggered an additional payment of €10m.
Bellingham's prominence on the field also makes the transfer more expensive. If the Englishman wins the Ballon d'Or, the club will have to pay another 8 million euros.
Joan Laporta uses Fermin as an example
Meanwhile, FC Barcelona are taking a stand on the issue. Joan Laporta, questioned by many over the club's finances, is not speaking publicly, but he does in private. According to reports in Barcelona, the Barça president has boasted about his youth squad in a confrontation with Bellingham.
Laporta has cited Fermin López as an example. The young player is from the youth system and plays in a similar position to Bellingham and hasn't cost a single euro.
As Bellingham looks to continue his career at Real Madrid, the debate over the philosophy of both clubs continues. Is it better to invest large sums in established players or to rely on the youth system? Bellingham and Fermin López represent two different paths. The first, with a high cost, but with immediate returns. The second, the result of years of training and patience.
In any case, it is Real Madrid that has been lifting the Champions League for years. In fact, Jude Bellingham himself did it last year in his first season. Just a win. On the other hand, Barça hasn't won the top European competition for almost a decade.