As the transfer deadline day madness unfolded Manchester United’s pursuit of Ander Herrera was shrouded in mystery against a backdrop of fraudster lawyers and purported broken promises.
The Athletic Bilbao midfielder has now spoken about the transfer drama which many believed was, at one point, a ‘done deal’.
Herrera was the subject of an initial offer from United that was rejected by Bilbao who demanded that the Red Devils pay the players full buy-out clause of €36million.
It is understood that United were willing to spend that amount on the player but Spanish tax laws meant the deal became much more complicated than United had hoped.
“Manchester United never told me, or any of my representatives that they would pay the buyout clause,” Herrera told a press conference.
“The lawyers who were at the LFP offices did not represent me. I did not even know who they were.
“I don’t feel bad that United dropped their interest. I’m just happy that the one of the biggest clubs in the world, such as United, bid for me (but) I did not talk at any time with United. I’ve been very quiet.”
The difficulties in Herrera’s transfer arose from the fact that players themselves must activate a buy-out clause with Spanish clubs.
Herrera would have to receive the money from United to deposit with the Spanish football authorities and, as soon as this had happened, the money would be subject to extra taxation.
“They made an offer. The president told them what they have to do; pay the clause,” Herrera continued.
“I think the Athletic acted perfectly. They did what they said they would; they don’t negotiate. That’s the club.”
Herrera was just one of the many midfielders that United targeted during the transfer window including Cesc Fabregas, Luka Modric, Thiago, and Sami Khedira.
However, new manager David Moyes was only able to secure the services of his former Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini for £27.5million.
Image courtesy of Sky Sports via YouTube, with thanks
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