Sergio Arribas is back in transfer talk, with Benfica linked to a move that could also send money back to Real Madrid. The key detail is Madrid’s 50% share of his transfer rights. If Almeria sell, Los Blancos stand to benefit without bringing him back through the door.
The fee dispute around Almeria's asking price
The reported price is not settled. One report says Almeria want around €20 million for Arribas, while another puts the asking price at €25 million.
That difference changes Madrid’s return in a straightforward way. At €20 million, their 50% stake would be worth €10 million. At €25 million, the payout rises to €12.5 million.
Madrid's sell-on model keeps paying
Arribas is one more example of how Madrid have built protection into academy exits. One report says they sold him to Almeria in summer 2023 for €6 million, and another says the club have already earned over €100 million this summer from former player deals.
There is a broader pattern here, even if this specific move is still only a rumour. Madrid have kept half of the transfer rights, and that makes any serious bid for Arribas more than a simple striker chase. It becomes another test of how far the club can turn departures into income.
For now, the decision sits with Almeria and whichever bidder meets their price. If the fee lands at €20 million, Madrid get €10 million. If the €25 million figure proves right, the return climbs to €12.5 million.
Written by Daniel Hartley with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 2 outlets. How we work →
