chriswallace85
Striker
They can't. You're right.A club can't force a player to leave while he is under contract. They can't take the money till he agrees terms with the other ckub either.
But look at this way. The club are happy for you to go as they've accepted the bid. It doesn't exactly scream "you're wanted here, please stay" does it. It puts the player in the mindset of well they'd rather have the money than me so perhaps I should leave.
And you don't know what words of encouragement the lad's getting to move on.
We villainised Bent years ago, but listening to his side of the story, the club weren't exactly fighting to keep him. So it gives players something to think about.
I remember receiving what seemed a fairly reliable PM on here years ago, which suggested Henderson and his dad never wanted the Liverpool move when it came, but the club had taken the money and practically showed him the door.
These deals in football aren't always as cut and dry as people think.