Transfer window out of 10

Milltown1882 · Post by **Milltown1882** » Mon Sep 01, 2025 7:34 pm

Would go as far as saying it’s been ALK’s best window.

I’d give it a strong 8.5, strong shout outs for Walker and Les and also Luis is probably going to be our best signing in a generation if he fulfils his potential.

CoolClaret · Post by **CoolClaret** » Mon Sep 01, 2025 7:36 pm

Hard to say really to quantify it, I'd agree that it's ALKs best window -

Big Les looks absolutely mint, like, could be better than Berge (at a younger age).

Still some question marks about CB and RWB, but other than that, we've done really well.

8 / 10.

CleggHall · Post by **CleggHall** » Mon Sep 01, 2025 7:37 pm

Agreed a good one but could do with shipping a few more “non contributors” out.

ecc · Post by **ecc** » Mon Sep 01, 2025 7:40 pm

Not easy to say but I'd be looking at 7.5/8. Far more organised than last summer (thank God). Of course, we would have liked one or two other players in but you do get the feeling the manager will be fairly happy with the squad he's got.

JohnMac · Post by **JohnMac** » Mon Sep 01, 2025 7:48 pm

Realistic to know our limitations on signing players and we have done very well, hopefully this beefing up of the squad in terms of physicality will allow us to compete for 90 minutes against the Clubs we realistically have a chance against.

Could have done with losing possibly 10 or more players who will not compliment the squad.

9/10

ollieclarets8 · Post by **ollieclarets8** » Mon Sep 01, 2025 7:49 pm

8.5-9

claretspice · Post by **claretspice** » Mon Sep 01, 2025 7:54 pm

Judge it properly in 2 months time. For now it looks like a reasonable effort albeit with gaps.

The squad looks robust and we've certainly corrected from two summers ago by bringing in players exclusively with the physicality to cope with the Premier League. The central midfield pool looks very robust.

That said, I think there are questions at both ends of the pitch. I'm surprised that bringing in a really dominant central defender wasn't a priority and for me we still look a little short of balance on pace or real quality in attack, especially the right side of our attack, given the flexible 433 in possession/541 out of possession it appears Parker wants to play.

The other thing I really expected us to bring in this summer was a genuine set piece specialist.

Perhaps those gaps are indicative of the compromises that come with building a squad for the Premier League.

BurnleyFC · Post by **BurnleyFC** » Mon Sep 01, 2025 8:40 pm

Some good acquisitions and some really good characters added. It’s probably about as good a transfer window a club of our size can manage, but being really greedy, I’d have liked another striker to have been brought in and a few more shipped out.

I just hope Foster can keep up his good form and Flemming and Broja can hit the ground running when they get the chance.

8/10.

claretlegend · Post by **claretlegend** » Mon Sep 01, 2025 8:58 pm

8.5. Some brilliant additions and the board have backed the manager. No complaints here. Let's see how they all settle. Well done all involved.

KRBFC · Post by **KRBFC** » Mon Sep 01, 2025 9:11 pm

We’ve made some good signings but we’re a proper centre half short and if we get relegated because of it then I’m not sure the rest of the additions really matter.

123EasyasBFC · Post by **123EasyasBFC** » Mon Sep 01, 2025 9:14 pm

CoolClaret wrote: ↑
Mon Sep 01, 2025 7:36 pm
Hard to say really to quantify it, I'd agree that it's ALKs best window -

Big Les looks absolutely mint, like, could be better than Berge (at a younger age).

Still some question marks about CB and RWB, but other than that, we've done really well.

8 / 10.

Looking at free agents there’s Tomiyasu and Karsdop as right back options and zouma as centre back option but based on zouma off field antics he might not be popular

jdrobbo · Post by **jdrobbo** » Mon Sep 01, 2025 9:28 pm

Milltown1882 wrote: ↑
Mon Sep 01, 2025 7:34 pm
Would go as far as saying it’s been ALK’s best window.

I’d give it a strong 8.5, strong shout outs for Walker and Les and also Luis is probably going to be our best signing in a generation if he fulfils his potential.

And Loum Tchaouna ‘could’ become a huge hit for us too!

9/10

willsclarets · Post by **willsclarets** » Mon Sep 01, 2025 10:18 pm

9/10 - some good calculated risks in there, potentially saleable assets that might appreciate in value, some real proven quality, more physicality than previous squads. Hard to get it absolutely perfect, but they're not a million miles off. Given our standing in the league and our (lack of) financial clout, I don't think anyone could reasonably expect better. Convincing Egan Riley to stay might have pushed it to a 10.

johnnyjones · Post by **johnnyjones** » Mon Sep 01, 2025 10:24 pm

8/10 would have liked another CB but maybe that was being greedy

Ampth7 · Post by **Ampth7** » Mon Sep 01, 2025 10:24 pm

8/10

Still think we needed an upgrade at centre back and in attack, but we definitely have a much better fighting chance of survival this time around IMO.

Goody1975 · Post by **Goody1975** » Mon Sep 01, 2025 10:44 pm

8.5, so close to being perfect.

The form of Foster has really made our forward line stronger than it might first have seemed.

Finally, we look like a competitive unit in the centre of the park, something that has been overlooked in so many of the seasons at this level.

There are players in the squad who can fulfill the two areas that are causing concern amongst many of us, that being RB/RWB and also RCB. It is up to someone to grab the opportunity with both hands and nail the place down. The same can be said of the number 10 role.

I think a minimum of eight players are definite starters every week, it's just the other three positions.

This board aren't scared of getting stuck into the January window, they will certainly back the manager if required after Christmas.

Taffy on the wing · Post by **Taffy on the wing** » Mon Sep 01, 2025 11:33 pm

9/10 well done!

Vegas Claret · Post by **Vegas Claret** » Mon Sep 01, 2025 11:44 pm

3, can't believe we weren't in for Isak

mybloodisclaret · Post by **mybloodisclaret** » Mon Sep 01, 2025 11:55 pm

9/10. Broĵa looked rusty the other night..... but everyone else I think has been a really good positive signings. I am sure Broĵa will come good, just needs sharpness/ fitness but we are certainly as competitive looking as I can remember seeing us in the PL.

Jakubclaret · Post by **Jakubclaret** » Tue Sep 02, 2025 12:10 am

Difficult to determine at this juncture the weight of the signings contributions or whether they'll stay fit. Some look ok on paper a mixed bunch. How can it be assessed prior in terms of a number rating is difficult as an understatement when people don't have a clue how they are going to get on over the course is a mystery.

Clive 1960 · Post by **Clive 1960** » Tue Sep 02, 2025 4:08 am

Can't really judge at the moment because we have bought players and some are not up to speed so in a couple of months we will have a better idea, what i would say is we look better in midfield now but thought we would have tried to get a centre half..

criminalclaret · Post by **criminalclaret** » Tue Sep 02, 2025 10:15 am

On paper some excellent signing, as others have said won't tell until we get some of them up to fitness, so the international break is actually pretty useful to use for a change.

One area I think we should have covered is CB. Don't think Ekdal is good enough for this level, Worall just coming back in but is only ever gonna be brought on to see off a game and Beyer I don't have any hopes for a consistent return. Surprised we didn't entertain a 1 year contract for Ben Mee (or maybe we did and he had no interest in coming back, who knows)

Shame about Ramsey, was quite excited to see what he might have been able to contribute post injury but loan move probably a good one for him fitness and game wise.

whiffa · Post by **whiffa** » Tue Sep 02, 2025 10:17 am

For me the only thing holding it back from being a solid window is an out and out goalscorer - we were short last year and I've not seen enough of Broja to see if he will fill that hole or not. Very pleased overall though.

Falcon · Post by **Falcon** » Tue Sep 02, 2025 10:20 am

Hard to judge any team's window until a good few months in I'd say.

For example, on paper Liverpool have done great business but Isak might flop.

I'm going to say, a cautious 7/10. We could've done with another forward and another centre back, and could've shipped a few more out the door, but only time will tell if I can upgrade the 7 to a 10, or downgrade it to a 4. As ever, hindsight will be 20/20.

Procrastinate B · Post by **Procrastinate B** » Tue Sep 02, 2025 10:22 am

8/10.

Much better than the scattergun approach last-time in the Prem. We had a plan this time and I think the players, when fully up to speed, will see us much more solid.

Still going to be a tough season, mind.

criminalclaret · Post by **criminalclaret** » Tue Sep 02, 2025 10:44 am

criminalclaret wrote: ↑
Tue Sep 02, 2025 10:15 am
On paper some excellent signing, as others have said won't tell until we get some of them up to fitness, so the international break is actually pretty useful to use for a change.

One area I think we should have covered is CB. Don't think Ekdal is good enough for this level, Worall just coming back in but is only ever gonna be brought on to see off a game and Beyer I don't have any hopes for a consistent return. Surprised we didn't entertain a 1 year contract for Ben Mee (or maybe we did and he had no interest in coming back, who knows)

Shame about Ramsey, was quite excited to see what he might have been able to contribute post injury but loan move probably a good one for him fitness and game wise.

Forgot to put my number. 8/8.5

ollieclarets8 · Post by **ollieclarets8** » Tue Sep 02, 2025 10:49 am

I think the idea of the thread is pretty clear, it's regarding how people currently feel about the players we have brought in - not to judge it in 2 months time.

PremierLeagueClass · Post by **PremierLeagueClass** » Tue Sep 02, 2025 10:57 am

8/10

Had we kept/adequately replaced Egan-Riley, it would have been 9/10.

The two midfield signings are hugely impressive and should allow us to make a real contest of a lot of games. Something we couldn’t do last time round.

Up top, Foster has shown enough for me that he can cut it as a Premier League striker. Broja offers massive upside but equally could end up contributing nothing. Flemming we will have to see.

At the back, we are missing a starting 11 quality CB. However, we have got players in the squad that could step up and be that player. Humphries being the prime candidate. Tuanzebe has undoubtedly quality but with each injury, it’s going to be harder for him to reach the levels he is capable of.

KRBFC · Post by **KRBFC** » Tue Sep 02, 2025 10:58 am

whiffa wrote: ↑
Tue Sep 02, 2025 10:17 am
For me the only thing holding it back from being a solid window is an out and out goalscorer - we were short last year and I've not seen enough of Broja to see if he will fill that hole or not. Very pleased overall though.

So who is the CJ Egan Riley replacement?

Please answer seriously, Tuanzebe has barely played centre half in the last 3 years and can’t stay fit. Ekdal was fourth choice last season.

PremierLeagueClass · Post by **PremierLeagueClass** » Tue Sep 02, 2025 10:59 am

It will be interesting to look back on this at the end of the season.

What was the rating from the Dale Stephens window?

KRBFC · Post by **KRBFC** » Tue Sep 02, 2025 11:03 am

ollieclarets8 wrote: ↑
Tue Sep 02, 2025 10:49 am
I think the idea of the thread is pretty clear, it's regarding how people currently feel about the players we have brought in - not to judge it in 2 months time.

Well it’s kind of hard because I assume we’ve signed players to stay in the league.

Ultimately does it really matter though when we’ve got a gaping Egan Riley sized hole in the defence and keep conceding soft goals down the same side? If those fragilities continue we will go down, then what? Would this window still be a 9/10? Will those players stick around?

DCWat · Post by **DCWat** » Tue Sep 02, 2025 11:04 am

ollieclarets8 wrote: ↑
Tue Sep 02, 2025 10:49 am
I think the idea of the thread is pretty clear, it's regarding how people currently feel about the players we have brought in - not to judge it in 2 months time.

It’ll be interesting to revisit it, nearer to Christmas.

For now, it’s an 8 from me. Love that we look more well covered and balanced than in previous PL seasons.

We do though look a right sided centre half short (initially I was thinking it may be a wing back required, but now looking more like we might set up in more of a 4-2-3-1).

So, a 9 had we brought in a centre half and a 10 had we also managed another option with goals / creativity in them.

Biggest thing to sort now is how open we have looked and our marking at set pieces, which has been a concern, so far.

Colburn_Claret · Post by **Colburn_Claret** » Tue Sep 02, 2025 11:16 am

On paper excellent.
Definitely got the height, pace and strength right.
Fingers crossed we find a solid team amongst them, but as windows go we can't complain.

JohnDearyMe · Post by **JohnDearyMe** » Tue Sep 02, 2025 11:20 am

Too soon to tell as Zhou Enlai apocryphally said when asked about the impact of the French Revolution.

whiffa · Post by **whiffa** » Tue Sep 02, 2025 11:20 am

KRBFC wrote: ↑
Tue Sep 02, 2025 10:58 am
So who is the CJ Egan Riley replacement?

Please answer seriously, Tuanzebe has barely played centre half in the last 3 years and can’t stay fit. Ekdal was fourth choice last season.

Fair point, I do see Beyer as an equal replacement but sadly unfit. Not sure Tuanzebe, Ekdal or Worrall are the answer. Although I do think Ekdal has played fairly well so far this season, not writing him off yet. You have to remember we didn't think CJ was the answer when he started last season.

LincsWoldsClaret · Post by **LincsWoldsClaret** » Tue Sep 02, 2025 11:26 am

Defence 7/10
Good options left and right but not centrally

Midfield 9/10
Strengthened wide areas and central areas

Forwards 5/10
Barnes and an injury plagued Broja

Foshiznik · Post by **Foshiznik** » Tue Sep 02, 2025 11:50 am

8/10

To get to 10/10 i would have needed to see a CJER replacement and a more prolific striker, in addition or just instead of Broja but am really, really happy with Hartman, Walker, Big Les, Dubravka, Big Choom and Luis signings.

GetIntoEm · Post by **GetIntoEm** » Tue Sep 02, 2025 12:05 pm

It's a solid 8 for me. Great business, would have been higher if we'd have shifted some out.

It's strange how all the ALK critics go quiet when it's transfer season

NewClaret · Post by **NewClaret** » Tue Sep 02, 2025 12:07 pm

7/10 for me.

Many excellent signings and importantly some real experience at very reasonable prices (Dubravka, Walker, Tuanzebe and JBL). Reasons for not giving full marks was:

- Did some good squad trimming yesterday, but failed to offload fringe players permanently and bring more cash in. Benson, Tresor, Amdouni (appreciate that is out of our hands) should’ve generated fees in my view.

- I’d have liked to have seen a Walker-esque, experienced CB and midfielder added + a Hartman equivalent for a RWB role (was told we were in for a RB/RWB so not sure what happened there). Greedy, but one or two of them and I’d have considered it a perfect window for incomings.

Foshiznik · Post by **Foshiznik** » Tue Sep 02, 2025 12:07 pm

GetIntoEm wrote: ↑
Tue Sep 02, 2025 12:05 pm
It's a solid 8 for me. Great business, would have been higher if we'd have shifted some out.

It's strange how all the ALK critics go quiet when it's transfer season

I've not. It's ok to be both happy with some aspects and unhappy with other aspects regarding the ownership. It's not a binary view.

Ric_C · Post by **Ric_C** » Tue Sep 02, 2025 12:18 pm

I would say a decent window if not spectacular. Sold Trafford for a big fee and brought in a prem ready GK. Not got a lot a lot of value from a lot of the deadwood though. Think our net spend for the summer moves (excluding the obligations) would be around £40m so not bad business at all.

Our signings this time i think are in 3 brackets:

Up and coming potential: Tchaouna, Hartman

Premier league ready: Dubravka, Walker, Ugochukwu, Florentino Luis (hopefully)

Point to prove: Broja, Tuanzebe, JBL

Last time, maybe only Sander Berge was in the premier league ready bracket, with most in "up and coming potential".
The key for me is how the guys in the "point to prove" category get on.

I'd say 7.5 / 10

We could have done with a beast of a centre back and a quality number 8, but as it stands I'm not to disappointed.

GetIntoEm · Post by **GetIntoEm** » Tue Sep 02, 2025 12:20 pm

I've no worries about Broja, once he gets himself up to speed he will be useful

NewClaret · Post by **NewClaret** » Tue Sep 02, 2025 12:31 pm

Ric_C wrote: ↑
Tue Sep 02, 2025 12:18 pm
Up and coming potential: Tchaouna, Hartman

Premier league ready: Dubravka, Walker, Ugochukwu, Florentino Luis (hopefully)

Point to prove: Broja, Tuanzebe, JBL

Feel you’ve been a bit harsh there to be honest.

Hartmans performances to date would suggest to me he’s Premier League ready, JBL was our highest scorer last time out in a poor team, so I’d argue the same there too. Tuanzebe runner up for player of the season (or fans player, forget) for Ipswich last year too (although agree he’s maybe got a fitness point to prove).

Peacock-Barrel · Post by **Peacock-Barrel** » Tue Sep 02, 2025 12:43 pm

Very good window - 9/10.

Les and Luis seem to be exactly what was needed in the middle. Dubravka and Walker bringing the knowhow.

I'm glad we've not signed another forward and Broja is short of fitness as it's given Foster a chance, one that he's taking so far. We could have spent another £20M on a punt, and loaned Foster out, but if he keeps this form up till January he'll be looking like £30M in the bank. I'm sure Flemming will play a part too, he really developed into his role at the end of last season.

Same with CB, Ekdal gets his chance, I think he'll take it and prove to be a steal at the couple of million we've paid. Humphreys should also have opportunities for minutes in a back 5, that's important in his development.

If they crash and burn then it's addressed in January, but we're only really sustainable if we're developing players.

Cirrus_Minor · Post by **Cirrus_Minor** » Tue Sep 02, 2025 1:06 pm

9 for me. I think most people will agree that it has exceeded expectations. Whether it will be enough is debatable.

ClaretPete001 · Post by **ClaretPete001** » Tue Sep 02, 2025 1:06 pm

9 out of 10 if you are a Burnley fan. I think in Burnley terms it looks as good as it can get unless you are a buddhist Burnley fan and think nirvana is a reasonable aspiration in which case you will be clanging your bells sniffing your joss sticks and lamenting the loss of an imposing Centre Back.

3/10 if you are the clubs auditors wondering how a player trading model can work if you can't sell any players.

Row x · Post by **Row x** » Tue Sep 02, 2025 1:13 pm

ClaretPete001 wrote: ↑
Tue Sep 02, 2025 1:06 pm
9 out of 10 if you are a Burnley fan. I think in Burnley terms it looks as good as it can get unless you are a buddhist Burnley fan and think nirvana is a reasonable aspiration in which case you will be clanging your bells sniffing your joss sticks and lamenting the loss of an imposing Centre Back.

3/10 if you are the clubs auditors wondering how a player trading model can work if you can't sell any players.

Trafford was this seasons big sale

Which others are you referring to?

CaptJohn · Post by **CaptJohn** » Tue Sep 02, 2025 1:18 pm

I think for a club the size of Burnley and given our limited resources it was an excellent window. 8/10
Time will tell if it's been a successful window but I'm very excited about Broja. If we can help him rediscover his form and play to his potential we'll have a top class striker. Not 100% sure about Walker or Tuanzabele (Spelling may be off) but I'll give them a chance.

jlup1980 · Post by **jlup1980** » Tue Sep 02, 2025 1:22 pm

We've clearly learnt from our last adventure with VK. We've signed players with either good experience or good pedigree, all of whom have a physical presence. Walker was a masterstroke, he'd still walk into most PL teams. Hartman looks terrific, Big Les, Luis, Loum... we have serious options. The only potentially disappointing signings are Tuanzebe and Broja. I do hope we haven't got a couple of sicknotes on our hands. Overall, 8 or 9/10 for me.

Jakubclaret · Post by **Jakubclaret** » Tue Sep 02, 2025 1:27 pm

KRBFC wrote: ↑
Tue Sep 02, 2025 11:03 am
Well it’s kind of hard because I assume we’ve signed players to stay in the league.

Ultimately does it really matter though when we’ve got a gaping Egan Riley sized hole in the defence and keep conceding soft goals down the same side? If those fragilities continue we will go down, then what? Would this window still be a 9/10? Will those players stick around?

You are effectively being asked to look into the future & guess. You can judge as a 9 as an example or any other number for all the good that will do in 4 months time when some might be crocked or contributional impacts underwhelming. So far things have been steady that's making allowances for the 2 defeats out of 3 taking into account 2 away games & the opposition purely on the basis of performances.