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

[Dave]

Playing occasionally (mostly as a sub) for Vasco, who aren't doing very well.

[Drummond]

Whilst acknowledging the PSR issues the recruitment team had to navigate in the summer, I hope the next couple of recruitment windows are better than the summer just gone, which with hindsight, was shit.

Agree, not 1 of the summer signings has improved the first team.

Maatsen has, whether that's directly or indirectly given the improvement in Digne.

Barkley and Onana have been better than having McGinn and this year's Luiz covering for Kamara.

[LeeB]

I think the squad is improved but it's also fair to say none have asserted themselves as outright first choices in the way say Rogers did on arrival, though I personally think Onana has been a lot better than I've seen him given credit for.

[PaulWinch again]

Whilst acknowledging the PSR issues the recruitment team had to navigate in the summer, I hope the next couple of recruitment windows are better than the summer just gone, which with hindsight, was shit.

Agree, not 1 of the summer signings has improved the first team.

That point is interesting, because I’d largely agree (although I’d wait and see on Onana and longer-term Maatsen is a strong addition) but the prevailing narrative from many is that Doug and Diaby weren’t up to much. I think we’re seeing their value now - Doug more as a regular starter, but Diaby offering something we badly lack.

[brontebilly]

Whilst acknowledging the PSR issues the recruitment team had to navigate in the summer, I hope the next couple of recruitment windows are better than the summer just gone, which with hindsight, was shit.

Agree, not 1 of the summer signings has improved the first team.

Maatsen has, whether that's directly or indirectly given the improvement in Digne.

Barkley and Onana have been better than having McGinn and this year's Luiz covering for Kamara.

I think Emery will have expected more from Maatsen. Some decent cameos off the bench but disappointing enough when he has started. I think getting Ramsey back is key on the left side.

This time last year we had Kamara/Luiz pretty much dominating every week, Luiz was a big goal threat too. Have lost that this season. Onana has been mixed really, Barkley has done ok with a couple of goals lately. More depth for sure but Luiz has definitely been missed.

Jaden and Buendia returning haven't offered anything so far. Diaby over the season was inconsistent but he was direct and quick. That threat and option isn't there now, particularly with Bailey having such a slow start.

I think we will move Buendia on in January, maybe even Jaden too. Look to bring someone capable of playing in off the left and challenging Rogers in that 10 role.

[paul_e]

Whilst acknowledging the PSR issues the recruitment team had to navigate in the summer, I hope the next couple of recruitment windows are better than the summer just gone, which with hindsight, was shit.

Agree, not 1 of the summer signings has improved the first team.

That point is interesting, because I’d largely agree (although I’d wait and see on Onana and longer-term Maatsen is a strong addition) but the prevailing narrative from many is that Doug and Diaby weren’t up to much. I think we’re seeing their value now - Doug more as a regular starter, but Diaby offering something we badly lack.

The best we've played all season was when Onana was fit and playing regularly. In the last couple of months he's seemed to be nursing something (he's been holding his right thigh a lot) and it's hurt his game and made us weaker.

[PaulWinch again]

Yeah agreed, but whether he’s improved the first team vs Doug is up for debate.

[Mister E]

What Diaby brought to the team last season was that he had the pace and first touch to occupy at least one defender; that he didn't always deliver is a secondary issue in this conversation. This season, Bailey's inability to deliver, combined with the loss of contributions from Diaby and Luiz has really hurt (the 3 of them contributed 34 goals last season).
The Tanswell article put a lot of emphasis on bringing in a quick attacking player - fair enough. It seems this will not be Louie B. I like that he has highlighted our ability to terminate loans that are not working or where the player needs more of a challenge (like Louie B): perhaps if Louie B is moved into the second tier, we could get the Stockies to take O'Reilly in his place?
I'd expect Carlos, Buendia and even Philogene to get loaned out or sold if there are any buyers out there: if RedManc go back successfully for Branthwaite perhaps Everton would like to buy Carlos? And moving Buendia and Philogene on probably depends on bringing in the pacy attacking player.

[eamonn]

Playing occasionally (mostly as a sub) for Vasco, who aren't doing very well.

I'm in Rio, I'll try track him down and knock some sense.

[VillaTim]

We are definitely missing Diaby's insane pace

[Gareth]

As much as we all like him, I'm not sure using what spending power we have got in January would be best served on another midfielder in Douggie. We need a quality right back option and some pace on both wings.

Spot on Risso-we have options in the centre but very little in the way of proven wide players to put the heat on Bailey and Rogers for a shirt….likewise right back, need a proven option there to compete with Cash while Ned goes out to learn his trade on loan

[Accent Guy]

We are desperate for a right winger. We haven't replaced Diaby and have nobody that can compete with Bailey, who is having a poor season thus far.

A right back would also be nice, but given the rules in place to protect the Sky 6, I'm not sure we are in a position to sign one top player, never mind two.

[Percy McCarthy]

Tanswell didn't cover Coutinho - what's the rich little magician up to these days?

Or what might happen with Moreno.

[Bent Neilsens Screamer]

We are desperate for a right winger. We haven't replaced Diaby and have nobody that can compete with Bailey, who is having a poor season thus far.

A right back would also be nice, but given the rules in place to protect the Sky 6, I'm not sure we are in a position to sign one top player, never mind two.

Get a couple of loan players in. I get the reason some people aren’t keen but it’s about the here and now and if they improve us and help us achieve our goals that’s what we need short term, irrespective of helping other clubs out.

[pauliewalnuts]

I think the squad is improved but it's also fair to say none have asserted themselves as outright first choices in the way say Rogers did on arrival, though I personally think Onana has been a lot better than I've seen him given credit for.

Onana being injured has tinted the way people see his effectiveness, I think.