They are not sergio and he doesnt want to leave imo
Tolmie was clear , a signal had to go out that he was not in the way of haaland
And that is tolmie's reading of it, as much sense as it makes, doesn't make it a fact anyone can just claim. It may well be a side benefit to signal to any signing that there is a first choice space available, but I very much doubt it was the real or even primary reason for announcing it when they did. It was donevwith Sergio in mind as much as anyone. Giving him time to sort his next move out, giving him the end of the season without the pressure of his contract hanging over. That is respect in itself.