All this talk about signing Bremer earlier or on lower numbers is hogwash. Of course there is a delay, but we have used that time to secure other transfers in June. And everyone knew dealing with Torino isn't going to be easy.
There is nothing to suggest that Bremer would have been available for 25m 2 months or 6 months back. Torino did not deal with anyone for him (and we have Marotta/Ausilio to thank for that). Torino's intentions were clear when his contract was extended. You can say Bremer is a fool to sign that, but he would have a gentleman's word from Cairo.
The simple facts are
- this was meant to be dragged out. Cairo's past transfers (or lack of) have demonstrated that.
- there was never a clear price set on Bremer's head.
In fact the number we kept hearing (25m) was provided by Marotta, and that anchored the value. Same way to how Skriniar's value is anchored to 70m, again set by us.
Last year, Serie A's defender of the year was sold for over 40m. This year, teams like Chelsea and Tottenham were desperate for defenders, and had cash to splash. Do we really think Bremer could have ever come for 25m?
If we are even considering a number like that, then it's due to Marotta who anchored that. Same way we anchored Scamacca's earlier valuation, but realised it won't be feasible or we don't want him cos of Lukaku.