Atlético Madrid will have to pay Chelsea €6 million if they want to play on-loan goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois against the Blues, should the two sides be drawn against each other in the Champions League semi-final.
Madrid-based newspaper AS have reported that there is a clause in the Belgian's loan deal which states that Atleti would have to play Chelsea €3 million per game for Courtois to line out against his parent club.
Courtois, 21, has been on a repeatedly-extended loan deal at the Calderón since 2011 and has been a key figure in Atleti's steady rise to the top of Spanish football. Not only did they power past Barça last night to reach their first-ever Champions League last four, they lie a point clear of the Blaugrana at the top of La Liga.
The dilemma for Atlético, should they be matched with Chelsea, is whether the potential €6 million penalty would be worth paying anyway - qualification for the final would surely cover the costs.
However, such a risk seems unlikely. According to AS, Atlético President Enrique Cerezo has already said the club "wouldn't be able to pay that amount".
While the sum would be pocket change to Chelsea, Atlético are reliant on loans and outside investment and would struggle to part with such money for the sake of one player's involvement - even if he is a vital member of the team.
Courtois' loan deal to Atleti includes a payment clause if the keeper plays against Chelsea. 3 million euros a game.
— AS English (@English_AS) April 9, 2014
Atleti boss Cerezo has already said the club "wouldn't be able to pay that amount".
— AS English (@English_AS) April 9, 2014
