January Transfer Window Rumours/Suggestions/Hearsay/Heresy/Horseplay

[ozzjim]

If for sake of an argument we got Rhodes and a winger in before the deadline, short of a keeper and maybe a centre half in the summer i think we would be fairly set. 

[Old Kodjia]

If for sake of an argument we got Rhodes and a winger in before the deadline, short of a keeper and maybe a centre half in the summer i think we would be fairly set.

I'd like an upgrade on Jedinak and a replacement for Hutton.  Another LB maybe if Amavi leaves?  Unless we go with the young Bury kid as cover.

One thing is for sure, it will be a tame window compared to th last 2.

[Toronto Villa]

If for sake of an argument we got Rhodes and a winger in before the deadline, short of a keeper and maybe a centre half in the summer i think we would be fairly set. 

I don't mind Rhodes. If he comes in fit then he'll score goals with better service. McCormack never looked in shape and the service was terrible for the most part. Just bad all round.

[OCD]

It looks like it will be between Bree and De Laet for the right back spot so it suggests Hutton will be gone.

There might be one or two changes in the summer. It looks like we have a strategy of signing promising young players so there may also be a few signings that aren't expected to go straight into the first team but may be around the periphery or go out on loan.

[PeterWithesShin]

If for sake of an argument we got Rhodes and a winger in before the deadline, short of a keeper and maybe a centre half in the summer i think we would be fairly set.

I'd like an upgrade on Jedinak and a replacement for Hutton.  Another LB maybe if Amavi leaves?  Unless we go with the young Bury kid as cover.

One thing is for sure, it will be a tame window compared to th last 2.

De Laet would be back by then.

[VinnieChase84]

It looks like it will be between Bree and De Laet for the right back spot so it suggests Hutton will be gone.

There might be one or two changes in the summer. It looks like we have a strategy of signing promising young players so there may also be a few signings that aren't expected to go straight into the first team but may be around the periphery or go out on loan.

Hutton us out of contract in the summer anyway, the lack of any new deal on the horizon definitely means he is off. De Laet can also cover LB which is handy.

[BOB MANSFIELD]

If for sake of an argument we got Rhodes and a winger in before the deadline, short of a keeper and maybe a centre half in the summer i think we would be fairly set. 

I don't mind Rhodes. If he comes in fit then he'll score goals with better service. McCormack never looked in shape and the service was terrible for the most part. Just bad all round.

Just read once again, Rhodes' goals per game record at 3 clubs and on that evidence alone you would buy him if possible. But, as with McC, what would you have to do to re-create the conditions that helped him create that record ?
And, the big question is....is that exactly what SB has done with his midfield re-construction?

[tomd2103]

Taylor's positional play is appalling. He gets caught out far too much, and without Ashley Williams next to him this season it's been highlighted even more. And he's just been replaced by Norwich's left back.

If you watch his performances for Wales and for Swansea, there is a huge difference in standard.

He's not better defensively than Amavi and worse going forward.

I hope I'm wrong, but he will be a massively underwhelming signing for me. Would much rather all cash and we can pick our own left back.

As someone who follows Welsh football, I would disagree a bit with that.  For a few years now he has been playing left wing-back for Wales, which doesn't really suit him and he has had a bit of upheaval at Swansea as well.  Play him left back with a decent winger in front of him and he would be a good signing for us. 

[The Laughing Policeman]

Just been checking the sports news on the Beeb red button and there's a story where Mourinhio says that Schweinsteiger is staying at Man Yoo.
That's not at all interesting 'till you get to the bottom of the piece and Mourhinio says the only player that could be leaving before the window closes is Ashley Young.
Could we afford him, do we need him and more to the point would he want to come back?

[eamonn]

No, kinda and almost definitely not.

[Hairbandinho]

So we are selling Ayew. Fine if he wants to go and we can get good money.

But selling Gestede only to replace him and Ayew with Rhodes, who is worse than both Ayew and Gestede make no sense at all. Literally no sense.

So w are left with Slow and ponderous Rhodes. Overweight McCormack +if he stays) and Gabby. Jesus!

[Villafirst]

Again madness to sell Amavi. ....let's just sell anybody any good and be left with the likes of Westwood...

[SheffieldVillain]

But selling Gestede only to replace him and Ayew with Rhodes, who is worse than both Ayew and Gestede make no sense at all. Literally no sense.

Ayew has scored 50 goals in his career in 253 games. (1 every 5.06 games)
Gestede has scored 59 goals in his career in 205 games (1 every 3.47 games)
Rhodes has scored 185 goals in his career in 359 games. (1 every 1.94 games)

I don't see how, as a striker, that makes Rhodes worse than both Ayew and Gestede.

If Bruce is looking for a central focal point for the attack, it makes complete sense to go with a striker who is more likely to score goals. However, he will have to set up the team to play to his strengths.

[ASHTONVILLA]

Again madness to sell Amavi. ....let's just sell anybody any good and be left with the likes of Westwood...

Amavi is not very good though, and we are linked with better left backs. He can't defend, and flatters to deceive going forwards. If we can get upwards of £10m for him then the club would be bonkers not to take it.

I would be quite happy to see any or all of Westwood, Amavi, Ayew, and Tsibola go.

I'd like to see RM and Grealish given a go with the new better midfield players around them though.

[SheffieldVillain]

Again madness to sell Amavi. ....let's just sell anybody any good and be left with the likes of Westwood...

Amavi is not very good though, and we are linked with better left backs. He can't defend, and flatters to deceive going forwards. If we can get upwards of £10m for him then the club would be bonkers not to take it.

I would be quite happy to see any or all of Westwood, Amavi, Ayew, and Tsibola go.

I'd like to see RM and Grealish given a go with the new better midfield players around them though.

I'd like to see RMc get himself in some kind of physical condition that he deserves to be given a go first.