January 2023 Transfer Rumours, Discussions and Done Deals Thread

[Dave]

For me it comes down to: what are your ambitions, not just for this season but the start of next? Because Martinez and Kamara won't hang around out of the goodness of their hearts. Making a play for Europe now we're far closer than we imagined is imperative, I feel. If we don't reinforce now, or pay for what we need to make a real charge, we'll be buying a new keeper and DM in the summer too.

Although we could, through trying now, be creating deals for the summer instead. The likes of Guendouzi and Dembele may not be available now but could be in July. So should we buy lesser players now, only to have to fuck them off again in 6 months?

Well, no, we shouldn't. But I don't feel like those are the only two options. Can't you buy a reasonable alternative and also add your first choice later, which can only strengthen the squad?

We've also opened up two loan spots by shipping out Bednarek and Augustinsson. I'm more than happy to see a winger and a forward come in on loan until the summer.

[PaulWinch again]

For me it comes down to: what are your ambitions, not just for this season but the start of next? Because Martinez and Kamara won't hang around out of the goodness of their hearts. Making a play for Europe now we're far closer than we imagined is imperative, I feel. If we don't reinforce now, or pay for what we need to make a real charge, we'll be buying a new keeper and DM in the summer too.

Although we could, through trying now, be creating deals for the summer instead. The likes of Guendouzi and Dembele may not be available now but could be in July. So should we buy lesser players now, only to have to fuck them off again in 6 months?

Well, no, we shouldn't. But I don't feel like those are the only two options. Can't you buy a reasonable alternative and also add your first choice later, which can only strengthen the squad?

We've also opened up two loan spots by shipping out Bednarek and Augustinsson. I'm more than happy to see a winger and a forward come in on loan until the summer.

Yep exactly - whichever way you look at it we need more depth.

[eamonn]

I'd keep shipping them out, personally.

Nakamba, Chambers...they're not up to it and need games.

We'll have a lean team evoking the spirit of '81!

[boozey182]

I agree with the general sentiment here that we do need an extra player or two to push on this season, but I don't think it would be a complete disaster if we didn't.

Since Emery took over we've had to start matches without Kamara (I think he came on against Man U on his way back to fitness), Ramsey, McGinn, Digne, Watkins, Martinez and Cash - plus Moreno and Durán. Even with those injuries, we've been the second best team in the league during that time - at some point you'd like to think we'll have a fully fit squad to pick from.

I still think we'll get a couple in though. Probably loans to keep us going until the summer, where we'll buy 3 or 4 players for big money. Ings is the one player that has made a notable contribution which I think we need to replace (if Durán isn't up to it - maybe they've seen him in training and changed their mind?).

Our squad is so much better than it was at the start of the season, because we have a much better manager. Last season we added a couple of (seemingly) decent signings in January, and results got much worse. It might not be a case of getting bodies in, they need to ensure we win more matches.

[frank black]

I'd keep shipping them out, personally.

Nakamba, Chambers...they're not up to it and need games.

We'll have a lean team evoking the spirit of '81!

Knowing us it would be more the spirit of 86-87

[Luffbralion]

Cluthing at a straw (if we don't get another forward in) but perhaps Unai is playing mind games and he is, in fact, ready to "unleash" Duran and watch him terrorise Premiership defences.

[frank black]

Cluthing at a straw (if we don't get another forward in) but perhaps Unai is playing mind games and he is, in fact, ready to "unleash" Duran and watch him terrorise Premiership defences.

Won’t have much choice TBF. At least he must get a decent chant going, surely

[not3bad]

Starting to see the first hints that we may move into the loan market if we can't make the right deals by then end of the window.

[Chris Smith]

I saw comments from Emery over the weekend where he said he is still looking to bring in another striker so he clearly understands the risk. We just have to keep our fingers crossed that they sort it.

[algy]

According to the Birmingham Mail, Nakamba's agent has been told to find him another club before the end of the window.

[Pete3206]

Cluthing at a straw (if we don't get another forward in) but perhaps Unai is playing mind games and he is, in fact, ready to "unleash" Duran and watch him terrorise Premiership defences.

That would be incredibly stupid.

[pablo_picasso]

While being fairly relaxed about the fact we are a decent bet to finish safely enough and now have a very good manager, I do agree with the comments above that Lange has very limited time. It has been very clear that the money and the will has been there to buy a couple of Emery targets but that has not materialised for whatever reason, but it's Lange and Purslow who should have been backing that through. Would not be shocked to see both leave before the summer. Purslow has been notably quiet.

Good. Both of them are shit at their jobs...

[Smithy]

Cluthing at a straw (if we don't get another forward in) but perhaps Unai is playing mind games and he is, in fact, ready to "unleash" Duran and watch him terrorise Premiership defences.

I'd be surprised if Duran doesn't get a decent number of premier league minutes, whatever happens. Especially given the 5-sub rule.  Emery's comments were merely to take the pressure off.  We don't want people getting on his back if he goes five games without scoring. Treating him as a "prospect" doesn't mean he won't have a part to play.

I'll still be very surprised if we don't get another forward in before the deadline, loan or otherwise.  I do wonder if the Dembele deal is close, but his contract situation might have complicated matters.  He's free in the summer, so there are any number of ways we could "acquire" him now.  Permanent transfer and long contract. Permanent transfer but very short contract. Loan for 6 months only and he can do what he likes in the summer. Loan with a pre-contract signed for the summer. And Lyon will want to maximise their revenue here too.  Dembele is in a very strong position.

[pablo_picasso]

We keep saying about Lange etc. but short of kidnapping and extortion what's supposed to do if the player we want doesn't want to join? He's not responsible for the club appointing an under qualified scouse arse to pick the team, and he's somewhat reliant on results on the pitch to entice players in.

Plus, Boubacar Kamara for nothing is the fucking deal of the century.

But some of the other dealings have been criminally crap.

[eamonn]

Every club's hit to shit ratio is mixed (apart from perfect Brighton).