People (not specifically you) make these comments on Txiki's performance - yet they do not know the brief he has been given by Soriano and Khaldoon. Yes it will certainly have aspects of securing top players, but I guess that it will also include securing a professional reputation and this being demonstrated in how we do business. Why should the Sheik, Khaldoon - or any one at the club - and this includes fans - want to be sneered at as some thick lottery winner that can be mugged off because they know no better. The club is becoming increasingly professional in all areas - and it is time that we made transfer dealings the same.
And who actually can evidence poor performance by Txiki in this KDB affair - the comments made on here are so banal. He has likely spent months preparing the ground through the agent and thereby getting the player onside, then choosing the right time to approach the club - he is perhaps better qualified than anyone on here to determine when that should be.
Of course the selling club were always going to play hard-ball. What would have happened if we had gone in straight away with £50m - they would have accepted?? I doubt it - more like they would have thought "lets milk the chavs for £75m" - and there would have been some crass negotiation settling on £60mish.
I think that Ric is right and we are likely to end up with a settlement between that offered and that requested - has anyone actually thought to give Txiki credit for therefore getting the starting point of expectation lower so that the eventual settling point is lower?
I think thats a very good and logical view on the whole transfer window for us. People can be selective in the information they pull out of things and Khladoons end of season review is the perfect example. He said we would go after the best this summer and everyone took that as Sterling, Pogba and KDB. He also said we are now in a position where we wont be held to ransom by clubs when we are in for their players. We have to be realistic in these transfers and have faith in the people who have delivered 5 years of fantastic football and success.
If Wolfsburg are taking the piss (and why wouldn't they seeing as they seem not to want to really sell) then surely we have to either negotiate or walk away. Txiki will surely have a very clear mandate on how much it will take in the clubs mind to get these players. If Wolfsburg want 5/10 million more than that then surely the club is now in a position to walk away and say thanks, but no thanks.