He's just stalling to see if he gets a better offer, but he won't. Trouble is his confidence in his abilities is great than his ability. His ego got in the way of his development at Norwich & it will in his next club too.
If this tweet is true, it could indicate SW's thinking behind the evolution of the squad on the brink of the PL season. In some ways it would be similar to the Rhodes loan deal, which also didn't include a buy option, as that couldn't be agreed. It's an expensive deal, but it has to be put in the context of this season's PL money. If we stay up, it's money well spent. If we don't, then we're not stuck with an expensive player who doesn't want to play in the Championship and is then sent out on RvW style loss making loans. To buy a GK at Fahrmann's level would be hugely expensive and we don't have the budget for that this season. If we do stay up and Fahrmann wants to stay, then we could afford to buy him or another keeper of similar quality. As it is, it will take a large proportion of the budget available to pay the fee and wages, but there would still be enough money left for any business we have yet to do. In that light, it makes sense.
It strikes me as a very "Webber" deal, reminds me of Leitner. A player on paper who is far beyond us, who we've been able to bring in due to his circumstances. It sounds like Schalke have Nubel as #1, but he may well leave next summer, so they'll want Fahrmann back. €3m loan fee, plus a similar amount in wages, seems pricey, but a Champion's League quality GK for £5m is never going to happen in any other way. If he plays a big part in us staying up though, and Nubel stays or their other young 'keeper steps up, we might be able to thrash out a deal.
Pukki's agent has said there's been interest from China, but that it was quickly dismissed by the player. Not too suprising!
It only makes sense to me if those numbers are correct if; They intend on being first choice and playing him. This for me is OK, I still consider Krul to be one of our weakest links, there is no saying he can't add as much or even more than Krul to the defense with communication and influence, as well as being better with his feet and in nets. His wages are not out of line with our existing top earners. What might Pukki, Arrons et al now be on with their new contracts? Fahrmann is just under £50kpw, I don't think we'd do it if as a loanee Fahrmann was coming in on more. Webber has made a big deal about the potential harmony impact such moves could have. I think this loan signing could just be the evidence for those asking where's the money gone. I think we might well have moved our wage structure up to perhaps a £50kpw ceiling and rewarded our top guys with aroundabout that. (The only alternative I can think of is that it's maybe £40kpw and a staying up bonus of equivalent to an added £10kpw) If so, it seems at least for now a reasonable strategy because thet're all signing up for longer contracts and so far haven't lost any. (I'm sure to that the relegation clauses have greater teeth this time around too) Certainly will be an interesting addition, so far perhaps the only one that looks like a probably improvement to the starting XI. Bah!
I think when Webber suggested we'd spend about £20m this summer, that meant on new signings, but I can see the reason that figure is low being improved contracts for our existing players. In terms of how that's been spent, Fahrmann for £5m, Drmic £2m (wages), Roberts £2m (fee+wages) doesn't sound mad? I'd still think there's money available for another first team addition or 2.
I agree the £20m figure related to new signings and their wages. Whether that figure gets increased with players like Franke and hopefully Nelson soon off the wages and with modest fees I don't know, but like you I think there is likely budget for a couple more to come in around first team level. At the very least I think we still need a right back. As for a striker, lets hope Idah's elevation keeps that money in the hutch. Bah!
Surely the talk of £55,000 a week is nonsense. For a keeper on loan? That sounds totally outside of our normal recruitment. (Really like seeing that training kit in the sunshine. Really smart.)
The compilation video suggests that Aidan will be a good fit into out attacking style with good movement and the ability to cut in and score goals from a variety of positions. It looks like he could be the on the bench if either Roberts injured or when his loan expires.
