Winter 25-26 Transfer Window - hopes, speculation, rumours etc.

[Dave]

Townley says Malen is leaving because he wants to play frequently as a 9, but Emery sees him as a 10. But Emery rarely played him there? So to replace him are we going to look at the position he actually played (rotation with Watkins) or the role Emery saw him in?

Also, if it's a "him" thing rather than an "us" thing, I'm not sure what he was expecting when he joined. We play with one striker, presumably he didn't think he was coming in to play ahead of Watkins, and while I think he's done his job just fine for us it's not like he's done anything to make himself an undisputed first choice in that role.

[PeterWithe]

Yes something in that, Ollie has been off colour at times and he's done little to suggest he could replace him and make the position his own.

[VILLA MOLE]

Malen could play up top  with someone but not on his own.  I think he has done well but we dont have the luxury on the finance of keeping him in our squad if we need to move things around

[ChicagoLion]

It’s the same reason we let Cameron Archer go, we are not set up for an off the shoulder striker. Malen has shown that he can be pretty effective in the right circumstances.
I just hope we have something lined up.

[Brazilian Villain]

To become (mandatory)?  On what conditions?

Roma qualifying for any European competition. Hon the Romans!

*monkey's paw*

Fast-forward to Malen's winner in the Europa League final against us, qualifying them for the Champions League and triggering his transfer.

Haha, fuck sake you could see it happening too.

Nonsense, when have the Romans ever done for us?

[Garyth]

Also, if it's a "him" thing rather than an "us" thing

Side thought: it’s preferable to have a reputation (as a club) that works constructively together with players if they are unhappy about their situation, or a looking to change things ahead of international competitions etc.

In the short term it might not be ideal, but it would help us to be seen as a ‘safe’ place for players (unlike, say, Man Utd) - where even if it doesn’t work out it won’t be the end of their career.

In my opinion the Elliott situation is potentially far more damaging in terms of reputation amongst players, than the actual wasted wages.

[Dave]

It’s the same reason we let Cameron Archer go, we are not set up for an off the shoulder striker.

That's not really what Malen is though - he's "run fast at a retreating centre-back" striker - as per his goal against Young Boys and Emi's on Saturday.

And I'd say we definitely have room in the way we play for a player who can do that.

[Dave]

Also, if it's a "him" thing rather than an "us" thing

Side thought: it’s preferable to have a reputation (as a club) that works constructively together with players if they are unhappy about their situation, or a looking to change things ahead of international competitions etc.

In the short term it might not be ideal, but it would help us to be seen as a ‘safe’ place for players (unlike, say, Man Utd) - where even if it doesn’t work out it won’t be the end of their career.

In my opinion the Elliott situation is potentially far more damaging in terms of reputation amongst players, than the actual wasted wages.

Yup, agree on all counts.

[AV82EC]

It’s the same reason we let Cameron Archer go, we are not set up for an off the shoulder striker.

That's not really what Malen is though - he's "run fast at a retreating centre-back" striker - as per his goal against Young Boys and Emi's on Saturday.

And I'd say we definitely have room in the way we play for a player who can do that.

I suppose the dilemma is how do you combine that with also being able to deputise for Watkins. If we sacrifice one for the other that’s a compromise I’d be willing to make with our other no 10s picking up the slack. I realise others view that differently.

[ChicagoLion]

It’s the same reason we let Cameron Archer go, we are not set up for an off the shoulder striker.

That's not really what Malen is though - he's "run fast at a retreating centre-back" striker - as per his goal against Young Boys and Emi's on Saturday.

And I'd say we definitely have room in the way we play for a player who can do that.

He takes up similar positions in that he isn’t able to play back to goal but I know what you mean. Looking at his goals his ability to get the ball out of his feet and strike quickly has been impressive.

[PaulWinch again]

Tammy for Malen is pretty underwhelming.

[KevinGage]

Talk that we’ve put in an official bid for Ferran Torres and Barcelona are seriously considering it.

Not from one of the reputable sources, mind.

[Toronto Villa]

Talk that we’ve put in an official bid for Ferran Torres and Barcelona are seriously considering it.

Not from one of the reputable sources, mind.

Isn’t that every window ever since Emery has been here? May as well throw in a bid for Joao Felix while we are at it.

[frank black]

Talk that we’ve put in an official bid for Ferran Torres and Barcelona are seriously considering it.

Not from one of the reputable sources, mind.

We can copy and paste this every window

[frank black]

I expect we’ll replace Malen with a central striker that can hold up the ball and also defend. But who is also happy being a sub/rotated