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

[DrGonzo]

Did somebody really suggest that an on loan zaniolo, could play in watkins’ place better than an on loan Abraham? WTLF?  Player without a goal or a clue where the goal lies against a proven premier league/European  striker? Give it up he’s shit.

[Matt C]

Seems PL clubs have voted (according to Matt Law at the Telegraph) to restrict amortisation of contracts to 5 years like the rest of Europe

And oddly, it seems like Chelsea were one of them.

Not retrospective and stops other clubs doing what they’ve done.

[VILLA MOLE]

Seems PL clubs have voted (according to Matt Law at the Telegraph) to restrict amortisation of contracts to 5 years like the rest of Europe

And oddly, it seems like Chelsea were one of them.

Not retrospective and stops other clubs doing what they’ve done.

Bring up the draw bridge after cheating

[SamTheMouse]

I'd be very wary of rocking the boat in January, to be honest. We've got a decent squad and Emery is adept at using the bench.

I'm resigned to the idea that we can't bring in any direct, big-name competition for Watkins as we know how he reacts to that. Duran is improving (had some lovely touches in his recent appearances) so I'd be inclined to leave that alone. Possibly someone like Bowen (but obviously not Bowen) could provide cover for Ollie without giving him the yips.

Other than that, just a right-footed version of Moreno and I'd leave it at that.

If it ain't broke...

[pauliewalnuts]

Two things would fuck us up to season-wrecking levels - injuries to Martinez or Watkins. Cover there, plus a RB please.

[Monty]

An injury to Martinez would be both less likely and much, much more devastating IMO. I can imagine a scenario where we've got Bailey and Diaby up front (for instance) and scoring boatloads, but no scenario in which Robin Olsen qualifies for the Champions League as a no. 1.

[brontebilly]

Two things would fuck us up to season-wrecking levels - injuries to Martinez or Watkins. Cover there, plus a RB please.

Think we need another option in midfield. Luiz, Kamara or McGinn get injured and I think we would in big trouble. The Donk isn't up to it and Tielemans doesn't look as if he can cover Luiz or Kamara either.

The drop off from Watkins to Duran is huge for sure.

[DrGonzo]

Finding quality players that are willing to play second fiddle is the main problem here. If we can establish ourselves as regular performers in the top 4 that will become easier.  As it stands we will look for either first team starters, young and talented or end of contract that are willing to move for a pay rise.

[Footy-Vill]

Two things would fuck us up to season-wrecking levels - injuries to Martinez or Watkins. Cover there, plus a RB please.

Think we need another option in midfield. Luiz, Kamara or McGinn get injured and I think we would in big trouble. The Donk isn't up to it and Tielemans doesn't look as if he can cover Luiz or Kamara either.

The drop off from Watkins to Duran is huge for sure.

To go through a long season, a squad in our position needs the appropriate quality it's essential.
I believe there will be some signings rather than none and a push for one to be a major player.
I don't think We're going to stand still and we can't if we are to compete for 'positions of power'
Federico Chiesa or Thiago Almada from MLS to strengthen attack would be nice.

[Footy-Vill]

Finding quality players that are willing to play second fiddle is the main problem here. If we can establish ourselves as regular performers in the top 4 that will become easier.  As it stands we will look for either first team starters, young and talented or end of contract that are willing to move for a pay rise.

We could look to exploit release clause values in La Liga. Monchi wil know exactly where to go to get deals and prise away assets.

[Steve67]

Finding quality players that are willing to play second fiddle is the main problem here. If we can establish ourselves as regular performers in the top 4 that will become easier.  As it stands we will look for either first team starters, young and talented or end of contract that are willing to move for a pay rise.

Why do they have to play second fiddle? Sign players better than what we have, and play them. Make the competition even more fierce because buying second fiddle players does not raise the bar.

[eamonn]

We're interested in Red Bull Salzburg's Israeli midfielder Oscar Gloukh, 19, according to Football Insider.

Signed him on Football Manager a few weeks back. Same thing happened with a certain Juan Pablo Angel over 20 years ago. Get him signed.

isn't football insider a lot of nonsense ?

It is, but that's why we have this thread.

Tis true I will stand down

Don't Stand Me Down

[Matt C]

With the exception of a right back where we have an obvious gap, I don’t see us doing much in this market - at least unless we can move players on.

[Footy-Vill]

Right back / and Defensive Midfield
Left wide / and Striker

The two players I take umbridge with on  player performance are Zaniolo and Cash. I would also say Chambers is stinking things out and must move on.
So for me, those are the areas that need addressing for more suitable players.
 
Kamara and Watkins are two key players who could use healthy competition to improve the squad's strength.
 
So that would be four players, ideally.
I think it will be 2 or 3 instead, though.
Now the left-side attacking player may be someone who can also play upfront, and the right-back may be someone who can play midfield defensively. So adaptable and technical players are worth pursuing.

[DrGonzo]

Finding quality players that are willing to play second fiddle is the main problem here. If we can establish ourselves as regular performers in the top 4 that will become easier.  As it stands we will look for either first team starters, young and talented or end of contract that are willing to move for a pay rise.

Why do they have to play second fiddle? Sign players better than what we have, and play them. Make the competition even more fierce because buying second fiddle players does not raise the bar.

I feel that trying to buy in players of that quality in January risks breaking the cohesion of the team that exists at the moement, the thing that is making us successful.  Big signings should  be a summer thing so they have time to bed in and don't upset the dressing room.  Also those type of players aren't generally available in January unless 1:they are being forced out of a team 2: are trying to engineer a move or, 3: they have only 6 months on their contract.  Except in the 3rd situation they are probably a player that isn't going to have the attitude we need at VP.  Just my opinion.