We hold on too long, Newcastle move to another target. We decide to keep the player, for fear of being "weaker and short", he either doesn't play at all or massively phones it in, all the while losing a massive chunk of value so when we come to sell him post-relegation we probably get £15m.
As with the Richarlison deal, we held absolutely none of the cards. Through years of sheer ineptitude we have worked our way into a uniquely dreadful bargaining position. We can puff our chests out and try our luck if we like, but not a chance that would have worked out in any way positively for us.