To be fair, as much as I've quoted you and sometimes bashed your comments I will admit you do talk sense.
The absolute truth is that no one knows what's going on except those involved. We're going by journos who, at the end of the day, are in it for themselves. They know people are desperate for updates and will post whatever they can to get the clicks and traffic.
Yes, its difficult to remember this each time an update comes out regardless of where we stand on it.
It's a business for these guys as you say, they need to get paid too and protect their reputation and if / when it gets done or falls apart they'll try pretend they have the exclusive and it was what they've said all along.
I do want the deal to happen but I'm looking at it from a point of a player who knows he's on borrowed time at the club but has this glimmer of hope that all will be sorted. He knows it probably won't be, but he doesn't want to burn any bridges with the club, the fans or his team mates. If he leaves, he wants to leave on good terms I'd imagine with no grudges. If he stays, then he wants the fans to continue to support him.
He's a very good player is FDJ, I've never said he isn't.
It's more so the constant chest thumping about wanting to stay put and I don't buy into the burn any bridges sentiment cause players always talk up moves to other clubs these days, there's zero loyalty in the game.
If he publicly came out and said something to the effect of wanting to test his abilities in the premier league with United, he can also add to that he is being held at Barca due to the deferred payments, his contract wouldn't be null / void for saying this.
If its all about money for him which is fair enough & wanting to go to United... why should he care what the Barca fans think, say or do then?
Jesus how many players have we had hand in transfer requests and talk up moves to rivals? Ronaldo? Rooney? Both are still cheered on by our supporters and considered legends by many.