Real Madrid can't seem to find a break from controversy, as a leaked document emerged today with Gareth Bale's real transfer numbers.
Los Blancos' president Florentino Pérez had always claimed that the team paid Tottenham Hotspur a fee of €91 million for the player's services, but the six-page document leaked by "Football Leaks" explains that Real Madrid ended up paying €100,759,418, almost five million more than the amount paid to sign Cristiano Ronaldo back in 2009.
An excerpt of Bale's contract, as published by Football Leaks.
The document also reveals that Real Madrid agreed to pay the fee in four installments. The first 25 millions had to be paid 10 working days after the transfer was made official. The second installment was due on July 24, 2014, with the same amount to be paid. The next installment was due on July 24, 2015, and the final payment has to be made by the end of the ongoing season.
Curiously enough, Tottenham Hotspur included a clause that clearly stipulates that Los Blancos would have to pay a ten-million pound fine if they chose to sell Bale back to any Premier League side. According to the document, Bale's value was increased since Real Madrid agreed to such a payment scheme.
The amount Real Madrid paid to sign Bale was kept a secret in order to appease Cristiano Ronaldo, who doesn't like to be asked about the matter, and prefers to think of himself as the most expensive player in the roster. The relationship between both players has been deemed as "respectful", although some sources indicate the Portuguese forward does not get along with Bale that much.
Bale's agent Jonathan Barnett was baffled by the report, and demanded an investigation to solve the matter.
"There should be an inquiry and an independent investigation. I think it’s disgraceful that people can get hold of this sort of stuff. It shows complete disregard for both clubs and the player," the agent stated.
Bale came down with a calf injury last Sunday, as Los Blancos defeated Sporting Gijon 5-1. Bale scored a brace before limping off the pitch, and his recovery time could take up to three weeks.
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