- Jan 20, 2013
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I believe it was said by that journalist who was known to have a personal relationship with AVB
And yes I agree pinch of salt - hence my saying it is difficult to know where to attribute blame some times (there is reasonable doubt either way in the Benteke affair I believe)
The facts you mention are also in line with the notion that AVB preferred to spend the money on Solado - as in the club already knew the cost of signing Soldado and when negotiations with Villa indicated that his fee would cost a similar amount to Soldado and Benteke no longer the cheaper option AVB insisted we opt for Soldado (again whether this is true or if the decision was Levy's or indeed someone elses is up for debate)
I know it is just one example - I said in the message I quoted you in that failure to cement deals once bidding for a player is all too common an occurrence with us and the line about selling clubs moving goal posts happens all too often to believe it is always their fault and none lies at the door of Levy (and or whoever has in put in getting these signings done)
Clearly there has been a problem at the club in the past getting deals done for the players we want and then resorted to cheaper, shitter alternatives (the summer window just gone is a perfect example of this) and it seems that the same may still be happening if we end up losing out on Wimmer and no doubt other targets going forward
Same old story I fear
On the AVB/Benteke matter, to reinforce what you're saying, there was a video that did the rounds at the time by some Villa fans who managed to get Benteke to roll down his window and have a chat with them as he was leaving the Villa training ground. They heckled him on if he was going anywhere, and he remained coy and said "I dunno," but when they asked him specifically if he wanted to move to Spurs, he lost the screen. Started grinning ear to ear and trying to cover his face. The message was clear as day as the Villa fans themselves reacted.
Not a doubt in my mind, he wanted it. I point to AVB as the reasoning behind that, just as his journo friend did.
In this case though, we've no idea. It might not even be on our end as Koln may just simply like other offers, and as it's not a transfer window they're under no obligation to finalize anything.