So what's happening with Valero?
A relative of mine is in the process of trying to sell a property in Spain and it's a little stressful, to say the least.
They've quickly found themselves victims of Spain's 'Manana' syndrome. This is the concept of where you put off until tomorrow what could be done today.
And it seems Albion have been suckered by it themselves.
Here are a few points about Borja Valero. He was at the club yesterday, he trained with the players today while his wife waited for him in reception. He walked past me in the training ground. He's here, he's brought his boots, he's ready to play. If he signs for Albion before 5pm on Friday you may yet see him on Saturday.
I left the training ground after 3.30pm, just as he was having an English lesson at the training ground.
So what's the hold up?
The reason is seems is down to paperwork. Contracts are being swapped from club to club and, in some instances between two FAs. Those are in English or Spanish. At times there is a need for translations of documents. As far as his agent is concerned the contracts have all been signed - the deal is done. That, in effect, is the case. But there is still more paperwork to be exchanged, which has merely muddied the issue.
Because of this it's taking a while for the deal to be finalised, not least as the Spanish club are in no rush. Albion would, of course, like him in time for Saturday's game against Everton. Mallorca are merely working at their own pace. They are putting off until tomorrow what could be done today.
All of which means that Albion's record signing is in danger of doubling up as the record for the longest-ever transfer saga. Gareth Barry can only look on in envy.
Of course that doesn't explain why so many transfers between English and Spanish clubs go through swiftly, without this hold-up. That's a mystery which I can't answer.
Tony Mowbray's comments from today's pre-match press conference have now been issued as a statement by the club website and, effectively, announcing to the world that the player is still potentially available for transfer, until, at least, all forms have been rubber-stamped by the respective FAs.
Albion's website merely confirm that Valero is a target. But then you've all known that for nearly a week. The media and supporters appreciate that Albion don't usually comment on transfers until they're done but surely, in the light of comments made by his agent, a statement explaining the hold-up would have been of more interest and value to the fans.
Meanwhile, the most expensive player Albion have signed/have yet to sign (delete as appropriate) remains in football's no-man's land.
Bizarre.
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Chris Lepkowski
Mail man Chris Lepkowski’s view of what’s going on at West Bromwich Albion FC.
Thanxs for the information Chris. But as Albion fan..i feel somewhat let down by the PR side of things down at Albion..like you said it is being construed as though the player is still available. Would it not have been better for a spokesman from WBA to come out with a statement and to reassure the many albion fans who are perplexed by what is going on? I fully understand the principles of the club not to talk about transfers until they are done..but certain situations mean they should adapt in accordance i.e this being one of them. Albion can never do things the easy way..though i dont feel this is entirely Albions fault as why the transfer is taking so long...
And " Bizarre" sums it up Chris!
WTF,nothing is ever easy with Elmur Fudd Pearce at the helm,im starting to get a sweat on over this. Why can,t we just do things the normal way? Poor old TOMO must be pulling his hair out.Come on Baggies sort it the f.ck out PLSE.
It's a frustrating situation, but I'd rather that the club made sure everything was squeaky clean after the Tevez debacle. I doubt we would be as lucky as West Ham were.
I agree with you Chris that the club would help matters if they just came out and said "We've signed him, he's passed his medical, he's agreed terms. We're just making sure that the English and Spanish versions of the paperwork match completely and that's taking a little longer than we thought it would. We're just closing legal loopholes to protect the club and player but this exercise should not have any effect on the signing which is, in effect, a done deal". It would definitely stop the very open concern growing in the fans.
You need to get some decent players in quickly,Baggies.
Losing to Arsenal was understanable, but defeat by a very poor Everton side was a different kettle of groaty dick altogether.
Be heartbreaking if Wolves took your place in the Prem next season.
Derek Boateng close to West Bromwich
The Ghanaian midfielder is close to sign a contract with Premier League team West Bromwich. Boateng already agreed to all WBA's conditions and will probably sign later today.
FC Koln, Dynamo Kiev, Rapid Bucharest and FC Twente showed earlier interest in the Ghanaian international, but Boateng will apparently chose for the Premier League a few days before the end of this summer's transfer period.
Beitar Jerusalem gave Boateng its approval to negotiate with West Bromwich Albion. The midfielder will surely move to the Premier League already this summer as Beitar will get a million euros transfer fee, before January when Boateng will become a free player.
source: http://www.il-sports.com/
How true is this Chris?
FAO - Dave
It's completely wide of the mark Dave. He was watched but that's as far as it got.
Hope that helps.
Cheers Chris. Hope you enjoyed your first wedding anniversary watching the Hartlepool game last night.I remember reading your blog the other week where you were not best pleased as to where you had to go! Although a dissapointing result..let us hope to a better result and performance on Saturday."IN MOWBRAY WE TRUST"