These additional fees can quickly become substantial. Manchester United provide a useful example.
In the club’s financial results for the third quarter of 2024-25, published on 6 June, United stated on page 45 of the 47-page report that agreements with other clubs and agents could require further transfer-related payments beyond the sums already recorded as registration costs. These payments would become due if specific performance conditions were fulfilled.
United reported that its possible liability stood at £138.82m on 31 March 2025. This included £112.25m linked to player appearances, team achievements or contract renewals, £3.19m tied to international appearances and £22.03m associated with awards. The remaining amount was listed under other conditions.
These figures illustrate how transfer add-ons work and how rapidly their combined value can increase.
After Anthony Martial joined United from Monaco for £36m, the club indicated that one bonus clause depended on the French forward winning the Ballon d’Or. That condition was never met.
United also promptly dismissed claims that Mason Mount had activated an add-on in his transfer agreement from Chelsea by representing the club in a European final, following the Europa League final loss to Tottenham.
The Ballon d’Or condition in Martial’s deal was clearly much harder to achieve. However, United maintained that it would have been pleased to make the payment if he had reached that level, as his success would likely have delivered major benefits through the team’s performances and results.
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