Borussia Dortmund may end up losing money even if they defeat Real Madrid in the Champions League final because of Jude Bellingham.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Borussia Dortmund are aiming to finish the season on a high by beating Real Madrid in the final of the Champions League at Wembley on Saturday, June 1. The Bundesliga side have enjoyed a phenomenal European campaign, knocking out Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain on their way to the final. The fixture brings a reunion with former midfielder Jude Bellingham, who moved to Madrid in the summer. However, Bellingham’s transfer means that if Dortmund are successful they stand to lose money.
THE EXPLANATION
Bellingham’s transfer to Real Madrid contained a number of clauses related to the Champions League, as reported by Rhur Nachrichten. If the England international lifts the European Cup with Madrid then Los Blancos will have to pay a further £4.3 million (€4.9m/$5.3m) to Dortmund. Another payment of £1.7m (€1.9m/$2.1m) will have to be paid out if Bellingham is included in the Champions League Team of the Season.
The losing finalist earns £12.9m ($16.2m) in prize money, which would total £19.3m ($24.1m) for Dortmund combined with the bonuses for Bellingham. If Dortmund triumph in London next month they would make less than that sum, with the prize money standing at £17.2m ($21.5m) for the winner.
