2024 January transfer window - hopes, needs, expectations and rumours.

[Somniloquism]

I wouldn't state buy for a statement of intent, but at least purchase in the one or two areas we might be light.

Potentially another CB on loan if Lenglet is being sought by Bayern, the missing RB as Konsa can't always play there, and the more experienced Watkins backup/upgrade depending who is available. And maybe cover for other positions if we sell people.

[tomd2103]

I wouldn't state buy for a statement of intent, but at least purchase in the one or two areas we might be light.

Potentially another CB on loan if Lenglet is being sought by Bayern, the missing RB as Konsa can't always play there, and the more experienced Watkins backup/upgrade depending who is available. And maybe cover for other positions if we sell people.

I agree with that and your suggestions of potential.areas to upgrade.  If Dendoncker moves on, then I think we would probably need to bolster our central midfield options as well.

What I meant by statement of intent was if we were to go out and make a couple of really big, quality signings that said that we are here to challenge. 

[OCD]

Unless Lenglet has a clause allowing Barcelona to recall him, it doesn't really matter who wants him.

[pablo_picasso]

Loic Openda would be my ideal choice for striker.

Maybe not in Jan as he might be expensive, but out of all strikers that could be considered as "ambitiously gettable", especially if we can gain Champs League football for next season, he appeals to me the most.

He's fast as fuck, versatile, good with both feet, not too short, works hard, good on the ball & knows where the net is.

He could partner Watkins in the Diaby role, play in place of Watkins, & can also play on either side in the Bailey / McGinn / Ramsey role.

He seems to have a level head on him if how he dealt with transfer options he had on that Sky football agent "documentary" is anything to go by. When he moved to France, he had other "stronger" options. Including the Prem, but he saw France as the perfect place for him to grow before eventually moving to the Prem.

Lutsharel Geertruida or Jeremiah St. Juste would be my choices for RB.

Both can play RB, CB & CDM, both are 6'1", both have a bit of pace, although St. Juste is ridiculously quick, both are better defending than attacking so gives a different option to Cash, both are good on the ball & both can pass the ball well.

St. Juste at 26/27 comes with some injury consistency concerns, so Geertruida at 22/23 might be the more sensible option out of the two for the long term.

Thats if we are going after more versatile defensive RBs.

If not, then Frimpong is another "ambitious" potential target.

[brontebilly]

Bound to be a few players at Old Trafford available with the permacrisis there. I think Mount would suit our midfield four setup challenging likes of McGinn, Ramsey and Tielemans. He has lost his way and isn't going to be getting in ahead of Fernandes anytime soon.

[AV84]

I don't know what Emery's plans are for January but to think of the difference in our "pulling power" now even compared to the summer is amazing.

[Risso]

Did somebody just suggest Mason Mount? Blimey!

[KevinGage]

Financial unFair Play plays such a big part now, and with what's happened to Everton, clubs will be even more wary of going mad.

I could see us going for another Alex Moreno-style bargain if the opportunity presents itself and maybe a judicious loan. Our hand may be forced on that one if there's anything in the Lenglet rumours.

I can't see Frimpong moving with Leverkusen currently top of the Bundesliga.

[AV84]

We should see if Barca will loan us Ferran Torres for the rest of the season.

[LeeB]

Bound to be a few players at Old Trafford available with the permacrisis there. I think Mount would suit our midfield four setup challenging likes of McGinn, Ramsey and Tielemans. He has lost his way and isn't going to be getting in ahead of Fernandes anytime soon.

I know its nearly Christmas mate but go easy on the sherry.

[Monty]

Bruno Fernandes is an interesting one, probably the best player I absolutely don't want at VP. Imagine having that guy as your captain.

[Clampy]

Mount's not a bad player at all really. Not sure he'd suit us though.

[Ian.]

Bound to be a few players at Old Trafford available with the permacrisis there. I think Mount would suit our midfield four setup challenging likes of McGinn, Ramsey and Tielemans. He has lost his way and isn't going to be getting in ahead of Fernandes anytime soon.

Crikey, what with your very stingey after match player ratings I think signing Mount will set a new bar for you. It would be -10 every week!

[Risso]

Mount's not a bad player at all really. Not sure he'd suit us though.

No he's not bad, but considering we have Kamara, Luiz, Tielemans and McGinn as midfield options, he's not getting anywhere near our first team.

[AV84]

I know Emery can work miracles with players but I don't think it needs to be a requirement for every one we buy. I'm sure someone could do a job with Mount but I think in January we should be looking for immediate impact.