Teams often choose not to reveal transfer fees for financial and tactical reasons. Undisclosed amounts allow clubs to manage their public image and avoid scrutiny over spending decisions. It also prevents rival organizations from understanding their financial capacity or negotiating leverage in future deals.

Secrecy surrounding transfer costs can benefit both buying and selling clubs. Selling teams avoid appearing desperate if they accept lower amounts, while purchasing sides protect themselves from inflated valuations in subsequent negotiations. Player agents may also prefer confidentiality to shield their clients from unwanted attention or complications with current employers.

The practice remains common across top European leagues despite growing transparency in modern football. Regulatory bodies and media outlets continue pushing for fuller disclosure, though clubs retain significant discretion over what information they release publicly.