January Transfer Window Rumours

[Goliath]

Re Whittaker I have always thought he reminded me of Ollie Watkins another player from the lower leagues.Imo he will be an excellent acquisition.

He couldn't be more different as a player from what I've seen of him

[scamander]

Doesn’t change the fact he’s only played one game, you can’t judge whether he’s premier league quality yet

We attacked a lot down the right which kept him back and having to cover their left back who Jaiden had on toast.

He played the pass of the match to put their forward through (who missed). He was gassing after 60 mins and I agree you'll need 6 games or so to get an idea of his ability.

[Stonehouse]

Tbf stonehouse they don’t have to be.

They just have to be good enough to get them there.

For the record I think there’s arguably only 3-4 players in the entire league that are good enough for the prem.

Unfortunately clubs can’t afford to be building new squads every season so I’m not sure what the answer is .

[Dark Cloud]

The bottom line is we've become desperate and Plymouth amongst others can see we're desperate. Our lack of goals has hampered us the whole campaign so far and if we'd addressed that we'd be 8 or 9 points clear. We're struggling to score and we're still third and we're looking all over like we'll finish a very gallant third atm and face the lottery of the play offs. Knocking a few more goals in between now and the end of the season could certainly change that. Whether Whittaker is the answer or part of the answer we'll have to see, but clearly we're ready to splash out a bit of cash to try to get up automatically and it's clear as day to the rest of the football world.

[NewClaret]

Is that suggesting Whittaker may be a gem alongside players of similar quality who create space for him? Sounds reassuring. I have thought that for a while.

Do we create any space for anyone though? Our slow build up style just gives the opposition chance to get set and men behind the ball. That’s the worry for me. That’s also why I don’t think we’re getting the best out of Koleosho’s pace this season.

I still think we need wingers who can take men on the outside whip balls in.

[MDWat]

Tbf stonehouse they don’t have to be.

They just have to be good enough to get them there.

For the record I think there’s arguably only 3-4 players in the entire league that are good enough for the prem.

Trafford, Esteve, Tanaka, Hamer?

[bumba]

Trafford, Esteve, Tanaka, Hamer?

Traffords performances have improved but I would say he still isn't ready for the prem. Haven't seen much of Tanaka but Hamer isn't good enough either

[boatshed bill]

Re Whittaker I have always thought he reminded me of Ollie Watkins another player from the lower leagues.Imo he will be an excellent acquisition.

In as much as they've both played for Devon clubs?

[NewClaret]

And that is almost always going to be the situation
The issue for all sides involved in this promotion/relegation scenario between the top two divisions is whether the player is young enough to improve over a few seasons and increase their value
Signing older players like Barnes and maybe Shelvey are not in that bracket
Whittaker could well improve but not as a central striker which is our main need as of now

Sonne and Whittaker (if he comes) would fall in to that category of our Jan signings. There was also that young PSG lad pictured with Parker after Rovers. That seems to have gone quiet which is a shame because his numbers in the youth set up were phenomenal.

I’m a fan of the Shelvey deal, again if it happens, but the Barnes one has to have a degree of sentimentality.

Overall though, I was hoping we’d be looking at more premier league fringe players than we are for the reason you state. Lads who could get better and be that level eventually.

Remain unconvinced in a central striker being our greatest need. Convinced we need wingers who can take men on the outside but most critically be able to cross, and an attacking midfielder who can play a final pass (a bit like Le Fee actually), as a bigger priority. I wish we still had JBG and Vitinho

[123EasyasBFC]

Sonne and Whittaker (if he comes) would fall in to that category of our Jan signings. There was also that young PSG lad pictured with Parker after Rovers. That seems to have gone quiet which is a shame because his numbers in the youth set up were phenomenal.

I’m a fan of the Shelvey deal, again if it happens, but the Barnes one has to have a degree of sentimentality.

Overall though, I was hoping we’d be looking at more premier league fringe players than we are for the reason you state. Lads who could get better and be that level eventually.

Remain unconvinced in a central striker being our greatest need. Convinced we need wingers who can take men on the outside but most critically be able to cross, and an attacking midfielder who can play a final pass (a bit like Le Fee actually), as a bigger priority. I wish we still had JBG and Vitinho

I think it was said somewhere that the young lad from PSG couldn’t sign till he turns 18

[boatshed bill]

Sonne and Whittaker (if he comes) would fall in to that category of our Jan signings. There was also that young PSG lad pictured with Parker after Rovers. That seems to have gone quiet which is a shame because his numbers in the youth set up were phenomenal.

I’m a fan of the Shelvey deal, again if it happens, but the Barnes one has to have a degree of sentimentality.

Overall though, I was hoping we’d be looking at more premier league fringe players than we are for the reason you state. Lads who could get better and be that level eventually.

Remain unconvinced in a central striker being our greatest need. Convinced we need wingers who can take men on the outside but most critically be able to cross, and an attacking midfielder who can play a final pass (a bit like Le Fee actually), as a bigger priority. I wish we still had JBG and Vitinho

I agree with most of this, just not Shelvey.
Strange, isn't it? Our apparent tactics depending on two wide men, but none that we have seem able to cross a football.

[Quickenthetempo]

We need power houses in our team. Bellingham stood out a mile on Friday night.

[boatshed bill]

We need power houses in our team. Bellingham stood out a mile on Friday night.

Yes, a proper ball-carrier in midfield... like Vitinho.

[burnley007]

Another 30+ year old linked...

https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/range ... ence-move/

[Selby Claret]

Another Ekdal link:

At #FCGroningen, things are picking up in the winter transfer window. Dave #Kwakman is being loaned from #AZ, and the club is seriously considering central defender Hjalmar #Ekdal from #Burnley. The alleged interest of #VfBStuttgart in Marco #Rente is unknown #rtvnoord

[Newcastleclaret93]

Trafford, Esteve, Tanaka, Hamer?

I would say right now, the players that would definitely start in the premier league (outside the bottom 3 as they basically an extension of the championship) are:

Trafford
Hamer
Bellingham
Tanaka

Apart from that I think the rest are players that could be decent in the premier league but not sure they would get a game for any of the top 17

[wadeswondergoal]

You’d think by now that people would stop posting links to football league world.

[morninbob]

I would say right now, the players that would definitely start in the premier league (outside the bottom 3 as they basically an extension of the championship) are:

Trafford
Hamer
Bellingham
Tanaka



Apart from that I think the rest are players that could be decent in the premier league but not sure they would get a game for any of the top 17

Hamer is too small and not quick enough.

[Papabendi]

13 of the 19 goals scored by Whittaker during the season 2023/24 came between 5 August and 1st January when Finn Azaz was at the club with whom he seems to have had a good partnership. The Finn Azaz loan was cancelled by Aston Villa during the first week of January 2024 and he was subsequently sold to Middlesbrough.
The goals return seemed to tail off when Azaz departed and he has not been anywhere near so prolific this season.

What occurs to me here is, Whittaker needs to be around better quality players and is not wedded to one - Azaz.

[123EasyasBFC]

You’d think by now that people would stop posting links to football league world.

They aren’t the one linking Lawrence, it’s the daily mail but football league world have just done an article on it

Lawrence and Armstrong just strike me as cheap alternatives to whittaker

[louieollie]

You’d think by now that people would stop posting links to football league world.

Agreed it's a Mickey mouse comic with even less reliability and hit rate as Nixon..........only difference some planks pay for Nixon's " exclusives"

[IanMcL]

https://www.ibroxnews.com/2025/01/18/jo ... s-emerges/

Let's hope not!

[burnley007]

You’d think by now that people would stop posting links to football league world.

On a transfer rumour thread? Why? It's not to be taken as gospel, it is a 'transfer rumour'.

[fatboy47]

https://www.ibroxnews.com/2025/01/18/jo ... s-emerges/

Let's hope not!

That's not news it's just rambling nothingness. It's there because there's no actual news.

[CrosspoolClarets]

Turkish link with 79000 followers says Burnley have signed Shelvey after a trial.

https://x.com/resatcan_ozbdak/status/18 ... 88529?s=61

[NewClaret]

I think it was said somewhere that the young lad from PSG couldn’t sign till he turns 18

Ah, that’s a shame. Even though he was young he looked very quick and a good finisher so I thought that while he could’ve been an U21 signing there was a chance he could be for the first team too.

[NewClaret]

I agree with most of this, just not Shelvey.
Strange, isn't it? Our apparent tactics depending on two wide men, but none that we have seem able to cross a football.

Or beat a man. I’m not sure which I find most frustrating.

I’m very positive about Shelvey, but maybe I need to wait to see him play first.

While I think Laurent is in our best XI, as in I think we look better with him in the side, I’m not convinced about his quality on the ball. His passing lets him down. I’m hoping Shelvey could still to the grunt work Laurent does brilliantly but use his passing to find the killer balls and long balls to release players earlier. I think it could be a brilliant signing but will admit if I’m wrong.

[NewClaret]

Turkish link with 79000 followers says Burnley have signed Shelvey after a trial.

https://x.com/resatcan_ozbdak/status/18 ... 88529?s=61

Hearing that’s true.

[123EasyasBFC]

Ah, that’s a shame. Even though he was young he looked very quick and a good finisher so I thought that while he could’ve been an U21 signing there was a chance he could be for the first team too.

He’s 18 in March

[Blyclaret]

Or beat a man. I’m not sure which I find most frustrating.

I’m very positive about Shelvey, but maybe I need to wait to see him play first.

While I think Laurent is in our best XI, as in I think we look better with him in the side, I’m not convinced about his quality on the ball. His passing lets him down. I’m hoping Shelvey could still to the grunt work Laurent does brilliantly but use his passing to find the killer balls and long balls to release players earlier. I think it could be a brilliant signing but will admit if I’m wrong.
[/quote

On paper i agree. Shelvey looks the part. Big strong and great passer. But he has had his demons. And depends on which Jonjo we sign.

[burnley007]

Turkish link with 79000 followers says Burnley have signed Shelvey after a trial.

https://x.com/resatcan_ozbdak/status/18 ... 88529?s=61

Will be interesting to see how he gets on. Seems a reasonable signing, I just hope he's not on massive wages like he has been previously, (seems unlikely).

[claretcarrot93]

I would say right now, the players that would definitely start in the premier league (outside the bottom 3 as they basically an extension of the championship) are:

Trafford
Hamer
Bellingham
Tanaka

Apart from that I think the rest are players that could be decent in the premier league but not sure they would get a game for any of the top 17

You have missed out the best player in this league Esteve

[Venkys4eva]

Shelvey link

https://sportwitness.co.uk/burnley-sign ... of-season/

[burnley007]

Shelvey link

https://sportwitness.co.uk/burnley-sign ... of-season/

Slight concern with him not doing well in Turkey this season, but he has clearly earned his contract. Hopefully this works out well for all concerned

[kentonclaret]

What occurs to me here is, Whittaker needs to be around better quality players and is not wedded to one - Azaz.

Perhaps not just better quality players, but creative players who can produce a telling pass and open up defences to provide a scoring opportunity.

[Rowls]

I think it was said somewhere that the young lad from PSG couldn’t sign till he turns 18

Who’s this young lad and what’s the story with him being linked to us?

[Quicknick]

You have missed out the best player in this league Esteve

You beat me to it.

[MDWat]

You have missed out the best player in this league Esteve

Correct

[123EasyasBFC]

Who’s this young lad and what’s the story with him being linked to us?

There was a young lad from PSG seen in the directors box at rovers away shaking hands with Parker and he was meant to be signing when he turned 18, can’t remember the lads name, I think it was Mohammad Sangare

[Newcastleclaret93]

You have missed out the best player in this league Esteve

Esteve is great arguably one of the best cbs in the league. But the standard of premier league centre backs is at an all time high.

In all seriousness what team does he get in at the bottom of the table (outside bottom three).

Not sure he gets in at Wolves (there usual three of Doherty, Bueno and Nouri are so rapid and good on the ball).

Everton. Probably be fourth choice.

Spurs. Again probably 4th choice.

West Ham. Again probably 4th choice.

United. Possibly 5th choice.

Palace. Fourth choice

Brentford. Got to fantastic young cbs in Collins and Van Der Berg. Possibly third choice.

Fulham. Again probably 4th choice.

Before I get dogs abuse, I am a massive fan of Esteve I think he has got a very very bright future ahead. But right now (apart from the bottom three clubs) I don’t think he starts for any other premier league side.

[Rowls]

There was a young lad from PSG seen in the directors box at rovers away shaking hands with Parker and he was meant to be signing when he turned 18, can’t remember the lads name, I think it was Mohammad Sangare

Thanks.

I think the lad in question must be Mahamdou.

There’s a different player with the same surname called Sangaré who plays for Newcastle.

[agreenwood]

But the standard of premier league centre backs is at an all time high.

…and yet this is currently the second highest scoring season in the PL era at 2.98 goals per game.

[TheFamilyCat]

Esteve is great arguably one of the best cbs in the league. But the standard of premier league centre backs is at an all time high.

In all seriousness what team does he get in at the bottom of the table (outside bottom three).

Not sure he gets in at Wolves (there usual three of Doherty, Bueno and Nouri are so rapid and good on the ball).

Everton. Probably be fourth choice.

Spurs. Again probably 4th choice.

West Ham. Again probably 4th choice.

United. Possibly 5th choice.

Palace. Fourth choice

Brentford. Got to fantastic young cbs in Collins and Van Der Berg. Possibly third choice.

Fulham. Again probably 4th choice.

Before I get dogs abuse, I am a massive fan of Esteve I think he has got a very very bright future ahead. But right now (apart from the bottom three clubs) I don’t think he starts for any other premier league side.

Surely you don't mean Nathan "Bambi on ice" Collins?

[CoolClaret]

Esteve is great arguably one of the best cbs in the league. But the standard of premier league centre backs is at an all time high.

In all seriousness what team does he get in at the bottom of the table (outside bottom three).

Not sure he gets in at Wolves (there usual three of Doherty, Bueno and Nouri are so rapid and good on the ball).

Everton. Probably be fourth choice.

Spurs. Again probably 4th choice.

West Ham. Again probably 4th choice.

United. Possibly 5th choice.

Palace. Fourth choice

Brentford. Got to fantastic young cbs in Collins and Van Der Berg. Possibly third choice.

Fulham. Again probably 4th choice.

Before I get dogs abuse, I am a massive fan of Esteve I think he has got a very very bright future ahead. But right now (apart from the bottom three clubs) I don’t think he starts for any other premier league side.

Esteve is still developing - he's barely even played 100 professional games of football.

I think his ceiling is very high, I'd certainly have Esteve over many of the CBs of those sides listed.... Especially Dragusin at Spurs, who is bloody awful.

[Blyclaret]

There are so many football experts on this board. Amazing

[Tall Paul]

Thanks.

I think the lad in question must be Mahamdou.

There’s a different player with the same surname called Sangaré who plays for Newcastle.

You mean Nottingham Forest?

[Rowls]

You mean Nottingham Forest?

Notts Forrest?

[Woodleyclaret]

Nathan Collins is an excellent cb underrated by our resident "experts"

[mdd2]

Isnt it Notts County, Nottingham Forest?

[Newcastleclaret93]

Esteve is still developing - he's barely even played 100 professional games of football.

I think his ceiling is very high, I'd certainly have Esteve over many of the CBs of those sides listed.... Especially Dragusin at Spurs, who is bloody awful.

I think his ceilings really high.

But again you have listed there third/chocie Cb. Even then I’m convinced Esteve would start ahead of them.

I’m talking about right now not in 5 years.