The Latics offered a non-commital statement regarding the sell-on clause when former player James Tarkowski recently signed for Burnley. Some fans were up-in-arms with the club as rumours abounded that they had sold-out the clause to raise money, thus missing a major 20% windfall. The club stated:
"James Tarkowski is a product of our academy system and as such we are all thrilled and proud of his progression and believe with Burnley Football Club he has every chance of playing Premier League football. Everyone connected with our club should take great pride in his achievements to date. The details of commercial agreements, such as those relevant to the transfer of Tarkowski to Brentford, are subject to confidentiality and speculation about fees, clauses and add-ons remains just that.
We can, however, confirm that our football club has received a sizeable fee relating to the original transfer and further substantial payments relating to add-ons and that some of the figures quoted in the media are inaccurate. The club has missed out in the past on potential ‘windfalls’ when add-ons or sell-on fees have not materialised. ‘Tarky’ is a shining example to all our academy players of what is possible through hard work and dedication and we wish him well with his future career."