Quote Originally Posted by TWGL1 View Post
Looks like another deal ( this time for Ebou Adam’s) was in the pipeline months ago , that’s how many transaction's work. The complexity of most transfers, the fact that they have to have medical’s , find accommodation etc etc takes time.

"I’ve known (of the interest) for a good couple of months. I was aware of it strongly before I travelled to the Africa Cup of Nations and after I’ve come back, I thought it was a good opportunity to play for a club in the position that they are now”

If you think most are last minute then you’re not thinking clearly.
Some transfers are explored long in advance.

Some.

That may even include agreements in principle around fees and personal terms - with the exporting club, the player and/or the player's agent. No tapping up of course - that would be wrong!

But deals are not done. They can be gazumped. One or other party can change their minds. The agreement in principle may be reliant on a lot of other dominoes falling. Form, fitness and a host of other factors can change the original assumptions and calculations. None of the deals can be signed off until the window opens.

Your original claim way back was that most deals are done in advance, put in a drawer and revealed at a time when they meet the PR needs of the club or the demands of Sky Sports News for deadline day headlines. This based on your understanding of one transfer to Burton Albion a few years back.

That is nonsense and why you are getting regular piss takes.

FWIW I think the majority of transfers this window have been 'last minute' - and are the 2nd, 3rd, 4th etc choices of the receiving clubs who have seen deals for their preferred options fail. I'm sure Diedhiou was on the club's long list at the start of January - but he clearly wasn't at the top (or second place). Hopefully he turns out to be the best option.