January transfer window rumours.

[Burnley1989]

I was pretty surprised to discover that Manuel Benson is 5'10"
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manuel_Benson

I’m not having that, 5ft10 in roller blades perhaps

[Vegas Claret]

he's 5'7

[Guller Bull]

So Long out - Possibly McNally out on loan. Potentially Ameen Al-Dhakeel in permanently.

THB and JB here for the rest of the season with cover from AAD, Egan Riley and Charlie.

Hopefully one or both of THB and JB will be here for another year either on load or ideally permanent.

Is it likely Charlie will move on in summer? but that would still leave us cover with McNally, Egan Riley, AAD and McNally. Not sure where they are in terms of stepping up to the big league. Might need playing time towards the end of this season to establish that.

All "ifs and buts" again but the options look better.

[jedi_master]

Ameen Al-Dakhil is apparently set to join us, according to 'Le Soir'

https://www.lesoir.be/487127/article/20 ... tterSports

Article translated:

HasMeen Al-Dakhil could not have played Sint-Truiden – Standard, on September 9, if the Limburg club had accepted the check of 3.5 million offered a few days earlier, at the very end of the transfer window, by Burnley, the club coached by Vincent Kompany who had called him in person to convince him, without too much difficulty, to continue his career in the English Championship. But in the absence of agreement on the amount of the transfer fee, set by Sint-Truiden at 5 million, the operation had not been able to be realized.

History loving to iron the dishes, it is again before a clash against Standard, scheduled this Friday in Sclessin, that Burnley, leader in the Championship and ideally placed to join in a few weeks the Premier League, has returned to the charge. With even more arguments, Kompany has always been impressed by the enormous potential of the young (20-year-old) Belgian-Iraqi central defender who, unlike Christian Brüls, who signed Thursday, as planned, a 2.5-year contract at Zulte Waregem, should be present tonight on the banks of the Meuse before leaving the Stayen.

It would certainly be a special moment for Ameen Al-Dakhil, who at the beginning of last season had made a name for himself at Standard, under the direction of Mbaye Leye, before counting less in the eyes of Luka Elsner and being sent to Sint-Truiden for an amount of 500,000 euros, as a bargaining chip to settle the debt that president Bruno Venanzi had vis-à-vis Sint-Truiden in the context of the Junior Edmilson affair.

[Guller Bull]

History loving to iron the dishes,

That's a belter!

[HiThere]

So Long out - Possibly McNally out on loan. Potentially Ameen Al-Dhakeel in permanently.

THB and JB here for the rest of the season with cover from AAD, Egan Riley and Charlie.

Hopefully one or both of THB and JB will be here for another year either on load or ideally permanent.

Is it likely Charlie will move on in summer? but that would still leave us cover with McNally, Egan Riley, AAD and McNally. Not sure where they are in terms of stepping up to the big league. Might need playing time towards the end of this season to establish that.

All "ifs and buts" again but the options look better.

McNally doesn't seem to be near the first team even in the Championship, so if we go up he'd have had to go from League 1 to the Premier League. From the outside looking in it looks like we signed him as we thought he could make the step up but have since decided otherwise.

[Tricky Trevor]

Burnley, leader in the Championship and ideally placed to join in a few weeks the Premier League.

I love that line.

[Guller Bull]

McNally doesn't seem to be near the first team even in the Championship, so if we go up he'd have had to go from League 1 to the Premier League. From the outside looking in it looks like we signed him as we thought he could make the step up but have since decided otherwise.

Unfortunately I think you may be close with that. I hope he can push on. I wouldn’t want him to become Kev Long mark2 even though that has been a great role for KL.

[AGENT_CLARET]

he's 5'7

No he's not, he's 5 ft 6.99999999999

[jedi_master]

McNally doesn't seem to be near the first team even in the Championship, so if we go up he'd have had to go from League 1 to the Premier League. From the outside looking in it looks like we signed him as we thought he could make the step up but have since decided otherwise.

This is possible, and he was a late bloomer from the LOI so he's actually turning 24 this year as opposed to being 20/21. Lad needs football and I hope we can get him a good loan this window, then (if we go up) possibly a season in the Championship next season so that we can see where he is at?

[RVclaret]

Unless I’m missing something, none of these Belgian articles actually say anything about us having any offer accepted, or the player being close to actually joining us. In fact the above article says he’s expected to play in their game today.

[jedi_master]

Unless I’m missing something, none of these Belgian articles actually say anything about us having any offer accepted, or the player being close to actually joining us. In fact the above article says he’s expected to play in their game today.

Article says he will be playing Standard Leige today as his final game before signing for Burnley - though where the information comes from I am unsure, Le Soir seem to be a well respected resource though. One would assume we have had a bid accepted even if the financial details are not forthcoming in the press as yet. We didn't know for example that we had bid £3.5m for this fella in the summer (think there was a link to his name once but little else) but apparently that is the case. Seems they wanted £5m and we have put it off till January, possibly to see how McNally fared and then obviously we loaned Beyer too. One can only assume that Kompany has been unimpressed with McNally in terms of getting him into the team at this level, has got rid of Long, has reservations about Taylor at CB as a first choice option and wants to get someone permanent in place in case we cannot tie down Beyer/THB for next season?

I also (as I have found myself doing far too much since we hired VK - yes, I am a sad act, but what else is working from home for? ) just checked out the STVV Messageboard, and whilst it is difficult with translate to sometimes get the full picture, they believe it to be true. They seem to have financial issues and need a sale, they have just got rid of their main creative player to Zulte Waregem (a 34 year old called Bruls) for a few hundred thousand to fill the coffers.

They also seem to regard this player very highly.

[aggi]

He certainly doesn't look it.

With him being 5'10 the rest of our team must be 6' plus and Muric 7'. You wonder why Sheff Utd gave us so many problems in the air with our team of giants.

[Lancasterclaret]

Think its worth bearing in mind as well that VK has mentioned more than once the situation with contracts and loans and that the squad will have to continue to evolve throughout each transfer window

I wouldn't write off McNally yet either, its not his fault that THB and Beyer have been absolutely terrific and it must be hard to find a place for him even on the bench with Taylors versatility

[Lancasterclaret]

https://twitter.com/sachatavolieri/stat ... 9220066306

This is the guy who got a lot of our summer transfer stuff correct, but even he says we are only "expected" to go for him this window

[RVclaret]

https://twitter.com/sachatavolieri/stat ... 9220066306

This is the guy who got a lot of our summer transfer stuff correct, but even he says we are only "expected" to go for him this window

Yep ‘no offer’ is about where I thought it was at.

[RVclaret]

https://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/ ... lmar-ekdal

Journalist in Sweden linking us with DIF CB Hjalmar Ekdal, 24 years old.

[MancunianClaret]

Plymouth Argyle fans on Twitter believe they're getting Scott Twine on loan... https://twitter.com/search?q=argyle%20t ... ery&f=live

[RVclaret]

Plymouth Argyle fans on Twitter believe they're getting Scott Twine on loan... https://twitter.com/search?q=argyle%20t ... ery&f=live

Absolutely no chance

[AGENT_CLARET]

They guy who posted this had 60k followers

Screenshot_20230106-110811_Twitter.jpg (458.18 KiB) Viewed 4586 times

[gandhisflipflop]

His brother is Albin Ekdal

[RVclaret]

I find the chasing of a centre half interesting.

Purely because one would assume they wouldn’t even get on our bench right now.

[Guller Bull]

I suppose with Long gone and McNally either going out on loan or not deemed ready yet. Plus both of THB and JB both only on loan then the planning for back up and succession to role if/when promoted becomes key.

[MancunianClaret]

Absolutely no chance

Agreed. There's the tiniest shred of believability in it to worry me however.

[AGENT_CLARET]

I suppose with Long gone and McNally either going out on loan or not deemed ready yet. Plus both of THB and JB both only on loan then the planning for back up and succession to role if/when promoted becomes key.

Back up for THB or JB because if one of these picks up a injury that would dent our promotion push

[NewClaret]

Hjalmar Ekdal:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RFj8gCgGGDY

Likes to score by the looks of things!!

[RVclaret]

Hjalmar Ekdal:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RFj8gCgGGDY

Likes to score by the looks of things!!

From fan comments I’ve gathered that he’s a very good ball playing defender, which should be no surprise!

[Flying Without Ings]

The fact that we chase multiple targets at the same time makes the transfer windows exciting these days. I used to dread them in the Garlick era.

[BuryClaret]

Didn't the Swedish league finish in November? Match fitness may be an issue.

[HiThere]

So Lowton, Long and Westwood are out. That's 3 of our oldest players with presumably decent-sized wages.
Ameen Al-Dakhil and Hjalmar Ekdal both central defenders are possibly in. Along with the lad from Forest and Obafemi. Whether that would then leave room for Barnes to leave, time will tell. But we're certainly not messing around bringing the average down further.

[wilks_bfc]

McNally doesn't seem to be near the first team even in the Championship, so if we go up he'd have had to go from League 1 to the Premier League. From the outside looking in it looks like we signed him as we thought he could make the step up but have since decided otherwise.

Don’t think it’s a case of deciding otherwise, think it’s more of can’t really replace THB or Bayer with the form they are in

[AGENT_CLARET]

I love the fact we are hopefully adding to the squad whist top of the league instead of just sitting on it

[tiger76]

I love the fact we are hopefully adding to the squad whist top of the league instead of just sitting on it

There's always room for improvement, and what better time to strengthen than when we're flying at the top of the league and looking dead certs to be promoted.

One aspect of our transfer policy that has definitely changed under VK is that we now have a reach throughout Europe to perhaps pick up some hidden gems, something which was sadly lacking under Dyche, Defour being the one notable expectation.

[claretspice]

I find the chasing of a centre half interesting.

Purely because one would assume they wouldn’t even get on our bench right now.

I think if we had a good enough centre half, they might be on the bench - and I note the Belgian/Iraqi lad has operated at defensive midfield too.

We need options at centre half - we're not guaranteed to have Beyer or THB next season, and it may assist negotiations with either if we already have other credible Premier League capable options in the building. It's a sensible down-payment on our summer work as a minimum.

[BennyD]

I love the fact I support Burnley. With all the uncertainty surrounding us after relegation, what Big Vin and Alan Pace have achieved so far is little short of staggering. We ARE a lot more pro-active in moving forward and improving, despite our current position, which bodes sooo well for the future. These really are heady times for us, the chosen few. UTC.

[RVclaret]

I think if we had a good enough centre half, they might be on the bench - and I note the Belgian/Iraqi lad has operated at defensive midfield too.

We need options at centre half - we're not guaranteed to have Beyer or THB next season, and it may assist negotiations with either if we already have other credible Premier League capable options in the building. It's a sensible down-payment on our summer work as a minimum.

Yeah all fair points. Although at the moment Taylor is the only defender on the bench and he can cover both cb and lb.

[claretspice]

Yeah all fair points. Although at the moment Taylor is the only defender on the bench and he can cover both cb and lb.

Yes and Beyer covers right back. But with 7 subs, if someone who is really pushing for the first XI in their position arrives at the club, you've got the flexibility to include them. There's noone you'd say is of that calibre missing out at the minute so it's not a like for like comparison.

[Cap]

One aspect of our transfer policy that has definitely changed under VK is that we now have a reach throughout Europe to perhaps pick up some hidden gems, something which was sadly lacking under Dyche, Defour being the one notable expectation.
[/quote]

VK has obviously helped with this however I don't think he can take all the credit.
Before he came in we had already signed Wout, Cornet and tried for Orsic.
I'm sure I read somewhere that Zaroury's name popped up on both our scouting reports and was liked by Kompany hence why we signed him.
My point is that we clearly had already been scouting Europe before VK came in. Maybe he is more willing to take the gamble on foreign players than Dyche.

[gandhisflipflop]

I find the chasing of a centre half interesting.

Purely because one would assume they wouldn’t even get on our bench right now.

Maybe VK has a few systems in mind but only currently has the players for 2 at the back. Maybe 3 at the back in certain games may give us more variety

[summitclaret]

Maybe VK has a few systems in mind but only currently has the players for 2 at the back. Maybe 3 at the back in certain games may give us more variety

I hope so. We would be foolish to play SU with the same midget 11.

[Claret Toni]

I believe Danny ings could be available and Everton are interested would a cheeky loan deal till end of the season be good if we could afford him and he knows the club .

I think he knows Southampton a bit more - but on that basis I guess he won't be going there.

[123EasyasBFC]

Yes and Beyer covers right back. But with 7 subs, if someone who is really pushing for the first XI in their position arrives at the club, you've got the flexibility to include them. There's noone you'd say is of that calibre missing out at the minute so it's not a like for like comparison.

Don’t understand why championship isn’t 9 subs like the premier league, our bench would be even stronger then

[Vegas Claret]

Didn't the Swedish league finish in November? Match fitness may be an issue.

Swedish finnish ? which is it ?

[Firthy]

Swedish finnish ? which is it ?

Turnip

[Taffy on the wing]

Hjalmar Ekdal:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RFj8gCgGGDY

Likes to score by the looks of things!!

Sign him up......looks like Beyer on Steroids!
Some of those goals are fantastic.....both feet, head.

I know it's a Youtube video ...but talk about potential.

[NRC]

Sign him up......looks like Beyer on Steroids!
Some of those goals are fantastic.....both feet, head.

I know it's a Youtube video ...but talk about potential.

yet another product of the North Carolina college soccer scene

[NewClaret]

Sign him up......looks like Beyer on Steroids!
Some of those goals are fantastic.....both feet, head.

I know it's a Youtube video ...but talk about potential.

I know, looks very good in that video not withstanding that their purpose

Certainly reassuring that these type of players are being scouted in case THB/Beyer don’t sign.

[Tricky Trevor]

I hope so. We would be foolish to play SU with the same midget 11.

Far too much made of that defeat. The HT change by them did work but our guys were screwed after the Rotherham game on the Thursday night. We’ll beat them ont’Turf.

[tiger76]

Far too much made of that defeat. The HT change by them did work but our guys were screwed after the Rotherham game on the Thursday night. We’ll beat them ont’Turf.

We were also missing key personnel in that fixture which some posters seem to have conveniently forgotten.

Most sides have one bad result a season even the likes of City and Liverpool can suffer bad days at the office, the key feature for me is the manner is which we've responded to that minor hiccup.

[HiThere]

We were also missing key personnel in that fixture which some posters seem to have conveniently forgotten.

We were missing Brownhill and Jay. Bastien (Brownhill) and Tella (Jay) played instead.