Winter 2025 Transfer Window - hopes, speculation, rumours etc.

[Risso]

I'm not sure it's completely true we're missing Diaby anyway. Rogers is his direct replacement, and so far in he's posting similar numbers to Diaby, and will probably be ahead of him by the end of the season. What we're missing is last season's Bailey. Now that may or may not be down to Diaby's absence, but there isn't any way of proving it either way.

This time last year Leon was causing other teams a real headache, and had three goals and three assists. On top of that he was dragging defenders out of position making it easier for Watkins to have more space. This season he's on two assists, and the opposition barely have to bother marking him at all, as he either normally runs into somebody, pings the ball off their shins or turns round to pass it backwards.

[ChicagoLion]

I'm not sure it's completely true we're missing Diaby anyway. Rogers is his direct replacement, and so far in he's posting similar numbers to Diaby, and will probably be ahead of him by the end of the season. What we're missing is last season's Bailey. Now that may or may not be down to Diaby's absence, but there isn't any way of proving it either way.

This time last year Leon was causing other teams a real headache, and had three goals and three assists. On top of that he was dragging defenders out of position making it easier for Watkins to have more space. This season he's on two assists, and the opposition barely have to bother marking him at all, as he either normally runs into somebody, pings the ball off their shins or turns round to pass it backwards.

Yes the difference in his performance is significant, this time last year there was a palpable crowd reaction when he got the ball in attacking situations.

[Risso]

this time last year there was a palpable crowd reaction when he got the ball in attacking situations.

There is this year to be fair. Head in hands, groans, and "FFS Bailey!"

[WarszaVillan]

I'm not sure it's completely true we're missing Diaby anyway. Rogers is his direct replacement, and so far in he's posting similar numbers to Diaby, and will probably be ahead of him by the end of the season. What we're missing is last season's Bailey. Now that may or may not be down to Diaby's absence, but there isn't any way of proving it either way.

This time last year Leon was causing other teams a real headache, and had three goals and three assists. On top of that he was dragging defenders out of position making it easier for Watkins to have more space. This season he's on two assists, and the opposition barely have to bother marking him at all, as he either normally runs into somebody, pings the ball off their shins or turns round to pass it backwards.

I guess if we had Rogers and Diaby, then Bailey could be left out when off form.

[Dave]

But then, we have Philogene which means Bailey could / should be left out when off form.

The argument could easily be made that he's not as good as Diaby, but we clearly bought him with the idea of him being part of our attacking options this season.

[Smithy]

Dont think he rates ned much either as he is getting very minimal game time. Can see him probably be loaned out again maybe championship or a team in europe

Ned is only 18, and came from a second-rate league - the fact that he's getting ANY minutes at all in our first-team is, I think, a sign that Unai does believe he has a long-term future with us.  I didn't expect to see much of him at all this season.  New country, new language, new club and style.  That all takes time, even for experienced players, and we forget he's almost literally still a kid.   He's only a month older than Kadan Young, and a full two years younger than Duran. 

A loan for him wouldn't be the worst thing in the world in January, given he's had a bit of UK acclimatisation with us here, but I very much doubt the club would loan him out unless they were 100% confident in his welfare (which includes the language barrier and living arrangements - because again, he's only 18 and in a foreign country)

I'm all for looking for a Cash upgrade, but whoever we bring in will likely have Ned as his back-up next season.

[OCD]

He still has a slight physique and needs to build up a bit. He'd probably get bullied in the Premier League.

[Martyn Smith]

Thoughts on Antony? I personally don't think he'd be any improvement on what we've got and definitely not at £200kpw. But others may have a different POV

[paul_e]

Thoughts on Antony? I personally don't think he'd be any improvement on what we've got and definitely not at £200kpw. But others may have a different POV

Fuck no, awful player who looks totally unsuited to the league.

[Mellin]

The one who plays for Man United? Arguably pound for pound the worst signing in Premier League history.

[ChicagoLion]

The one who plays for Man United? Arguably pound for pound the worst signing in Premier League history.

Also a wrongun.

[olaftab]

Thoughts on Antony?

FFS Martyn, what’s wrong with you?

[Demitri_C]

Thoughts on Antony? I personally don't think he'd be any improvement on what we've got and definitely not at £200kpw. But others may have a different POV

My thoughts are he is utter shite and we would have to bw insane to contemplate signing him!

Rather break bank and get mbeulo in

[VILLA MOLE]

I would rather Mark Anthony and he has been gone a while

[brontebilly]

I reckon we need an 'out and out' left winger who hugs the line as much as possible. reasons being:

1) Ramsey and Rogers too much of a likeness and cover same territory.
2) Ramsey doesn't 'assist' or 'score' many goals.
3) Stretch the play and give our midfielders more space to weave their magic.
4) Takes an eternity for our left back to get into a crossing position.
5) Will create more space on right wing and give Bailey more room to operate (a bit like Liverpool do with Salah).
6) Watkins will start heading towards the goal posts again instead of the corner flag.
7) When playing out from the back, more space to find a midfielder.

Sell Ramsey, put money towards left winger. In addition, get better right back and world domination will beckon.   
 

Ramsey is a brilliant player who will gets lots of goals and assists, IF he can get and stay fit. Id like to see us get genuine competition for McGinn and Ramsey on the sides of that box midfield. If either are out at the moment our midfield is horribly unbalanced.