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

[olaftab]

As a dominant centre half on the right what about Milan Skriniar, not getting a look in at PSG

We don't sign our rivals reserves.

[brontebilly]

Vocal and commanding is exactly what we’ve been missing since Mings got injured.

The only good defensive performances we’ve had since are when we’ve played three centre-halves across the back, and they’re not consistently good performances. Konsa and Pau, both decent/adequate covering defenders, are lost without a leader, organiser and physical presence alongside them.

All kinds of excuses are being made for the poor performances of those two all season. Adding Carlos into the mix is not now, and has never been, the solution.

It has been the solution many times, as long as you can remember football matches that you’ve watched. I realise this excludes you.

There can be no other explanation why somebody ignores our four most memorable games from the last 12 months, all of them defensive masterclasses, games that most people will remember for years and years.

Many of us don't suffer from the selective memoryitis that has dogged you for some time. For every Haaland there's a Liam Delap etc.

[Percy McCarthy]

Vocal and commanding is exactly what we’ve been missing since Mings got injured.

The only good defensive performances we’ve had since are when we’ve played three centre-halves across the back, and they’re not consistently good performances. Konsa and Pau, both decent/adequate covering defenders, are lost without a leader, organiser and physical presence alongside them.

All kinds of excuses are being made for the poor performances of those two all season. Adding Carlos into the mix is not now, and has never been, the solution.

It has been the solution many times, as long as you can remember football matches that you’ve watched. I realise this excludes you.

There can be no other explanation why somebody ignores our four most memorable games from the last 12 months, all of them defensive masterclasses, games that most people will remember for years and years.

Many of us don't suffer from the selective memoryitis that has dogged you for some time. For every Haaland there's a Liam Delap etc.

It’s not selective memory. We’ve been almost always fragile at the back while picking the defence you prefer. I remember all the games, and who played. Or more accurately, keep notes on my phone. On the quite rare occasions we’ve been outstanding, Konsa and Carlos have been the right side. And that’s been against teams like Bayern, Arsenal, Juventus, Bologna and Man City. All Champions League teams.

[brontebilly]

But they struggle against pretty much everyone else, rubbish the pair of them yet again tonight There's a complete myth about Konsa being a solid defensive option at right back. The longer he plays there the worse he is getting, piss poor with and without the ball. That first goal was pub league stuff.

[Dave]

And it turns out that a spell on the bench hasn't actually turned Mings into Franco Baresi.

[Ian.]

I’d be looking at a centre half to replace Konsa or Carlos and also another right back to either replace or cover Cash as he’s out a lot over a season.

Still, I really want someone to play on the right wing with pace. We miss Bailey and the Diaby situation massively.

[Dante Lavelli]

And it turns out that a spell on the bench hasn't actually turned Mings into Franco Baresi.

I was only half watching but I thought he looked pretty commanding.  Did I miss something?

[caster troy]

Sign a right back so Konsa can play alongside Mings and hopefully get back on form. Next priority a rapid versatile forward player.

[Paul.S]

If we’ve got any money to spend, buy a centre half. Torres could be out for a while.

[PaulWinch again]

And it turns out that a spell on the bench hasn't actually turned Mings into Franco Baresi.

I was only half watching but I thought he looked pretty commanding.  Did I miss something?

He was fine - but his inclusion was heralded as the answer to all our defensive woes (by some). It’s not, as evidenced by the second goal. Our issue is systemic more than it is individuals.

[cdbearsfan]

It's not the right thread, but Mings was pretty good IMO.

[tomd2103]

If we’ve got any money to spend, buy a centre half. Torres could be out for a while.

Think it might have to be a Lenglet sort of loan deal at CB for the remainder of the season.  If we can only chuck real money at one position this window and a good option is there, then it has to be RB. 

We need a pacy option wide right as well, but have players who can cover there if the money isn't available for both. 

[edgysatsuma89]

What's Lenglet up to?*

*I'm not being serious... I want Bednarek.

[Percy McCarthy]

And it turns out that a spell on the bench hasn't actually turned Mings into Franco Baresi.

I was only half watching but I thought he looked pretty commanding.  Did I miss something?

He was fine - but his inclusion was heralded as the answer to all our defensive woes (by some). It’s not, as evidenced by the second goal. Our issue is systemic more than it is individuals.

In each of his 17 PL games since the Arsenal 2-4, we’ve conceded either 0 or 1 goal while he’s been on the pitch.

Do you want to compare that to the other ‘systems’?

[Percy McCarthy]

But they struggle against pretty much everyone else, rubbish the pair of them yet again tonight There's a complete myth about Konsa being a solid defensive option at right back. The longer he plays there the worse he is getting, piss poor with and without the ball. That first goal was pub league stuff.

 It they’ve been responsible for 15 out of our last 21 clean sheets. Hit me up with the highlights list of the defence you advocate for.