January Transfer Window Rumours

[Colburn_Claret]

But isn't that double standards when James Tarkowski acted like a spoilt brat at Brentford before joining us?

Different circumstances, Tarks wanted to come North due to an ailing parent I believe. We knew he was leaving us at the end of the season for a long time, yet he never gave less than 100%.
Whittaker appears to have a history of it, I don't know what the truth is. I certainly don't see him adding anything we haven't already got. If SP wants him so be it but I wouldn't she'd a tear if Boro gazumped us.

[NewClaret]

He also, apparently with out much questioning from Pace and The Board, bloated the squad with far too many that were a) simply not good enough, b) were not what we needed for the PL c) did not want to be here if Kompany left or we were relegated.

I agree with all these points, but I don’t believe he was given free rein. Williams has said in the past that he had to say no to Kompany on transfers.

What I think is that he was probably a budget to work with and given quite a lot of control on how it was spent though.

Re: players being “simply not good enough”, I’m a bit unsure on this point. Seeing players like Ekdal go to Groningen and Delcroix go to Swansea supports your view, but I rated Ekdal very highly and Delcroix had decent games in the premier league and never let us down. Churlinov looked decent to me but has lost his way after injury, Bastien too always tidy but has gone to lower levels to get games. Even Obafemi I’ve thought could do a job and I’d have back in our squad right now to be honest - offers a bit of pace up top that I don’t think we really have in Barnes, Flemming or Jay (Foster is sharpish) to get in behind.

My point here is I’ve not seen a Kompany signing I’ve really thought couldn’t do a job here, but for some it definitely didn’t work out. In my opinion that’s because he signed too many physically lightweight players. I’m not sure Whittaker is much different to that though, incidentally.

It’s that physical element I really hope we’ve learned from and think Worrall, Egan and Shelvey - whilst not “exciting” signings - suggests we have.

To your point about bloating, I do agree, but think it’s often overlooked he had to rebuild in season 1 for the Championship and then in season 2 for the Premier League. Had we not got promoted I doubt we’d have become so bloated. Squads do need squad players too, which many of the players we’re discussing were probably brought in to be in reality.

[KRBFC]

Yes, we’ve turned some decent profit on some players, but if you’re talking about us being skint, you have to acknowledge the losses as well as the profits - some of that comes down to the aforementioned players that have, up to press, cost a lot and provided little in return.

So, for different reasons, Tresor, Ramsey, Obafemi, Redmond, Houtonji, Delcroix etc. etc. are relevant to the conversation, particularly when it comes to squad size and finances that might be impacting our ability to improve the areas that we know need to be improved.

Then let’s do it, let’s start with the £130m in TV Money that Kompany earnt the club.

Are we going to acknowledge that all managers make mistakes in the market?

Dara 7 > 14
Zaroury 3 > 8
Muric 2 > 10
Odobert 8 > 35
Vitinho 2 > 7
Berge 13 > 23
Al Dakhil 3 > 8


But we couldn’t afford to spend and probably lose £1.5m on Delcroix, £3m on Obafemi and a free transfer Nathan Redmond. Really?

[dibraidio]

With Cullen, Brownhill, Laurent, Hannibal, Shelvey, Sarmiento, Koleosho, Anthony, Foster, Rodriguez, Barnes and Flemming all fighting for 6 places in the team 6 of them are going to miss out and that's without counting Ramsey, Agyei, Redmond, Benson and Tresor.

If we can't get players in on budget then I guess we'll have to go with what we've got. Maybe putting Foster on the left has changed Parker's idea on the urgency of needing another creative option with 8 goals in the last two games.

Personally I see the french lad Aymin Kari as a lot like Massengo, a player the club can gamble on to make some money. PSG will get nothing for Kari in the summer so they're looking for an exit that will save his wages and give them something for him. If they can get a sell on clause that would be a smart move for them as he was very highly thought off before this season but he seems to have lost his way a little.

[Vegas Claret]

how many pages do I need yo go back to find any transfer news ?

[fidelcastro]

how many pages do I need yo go back to find any transfer news ?

A long way for any that turned out to be correct.

[DCWat]

Then let’s do it, let’s start with the £130m in TV Money that Kompany earnt the club.

Are we going to acknowledge that all managers make mistakes in the market?

Dara 7 > 14
Zaroury 3 > 8
Muric 2 > 10
Odobert 8 > 35
Vitinho 2 > 7
Berge 13 > 23
Al Dakhil 3 > 8


But we couldn’t afford to spend and probably lose £1.5m on Delcroix, £3m on Obafemi and a free transfer Nathan Redmond. Really?

As I said, we’ve turned some good profits on some of the signings (and we have a couple left that we can do the same again with).

We were still left with a bloated squad, over and under filled positions, players that didn’t want to be here.

In terms of the finances what I / we perhaps don’t know in terms of the profits is what remained outstanding from the initial purchases, if there were sell on clauses, what the agent fees in and out were, etc.

The way we operate, we’ve likely taken loans to receive future payments up front, for the sales made. All of this chips away at what we actually have available for now, so yes, players not contributing are an issue.

Anyway…. Back to transfers (hopefully)!

[randomclaret2]

With Cullen, Brownhill, Laurent, Hannibal, Shelvey, Sarmiento, Koleosho, Anthony, Foster, Rodriguez, Barnes and Flemming all fighting for 6 places in the team 6 of them are going to miss out and that's without counting Ramsey, Agyei, Redmond, Benson and Tresor.

If we can't get players in on budget then I guess we'll have to go with what we've got. Maybe putting Foster on the left has changed Parker's idea on the urgency of needing another creative option with 8 goals in the last two games.

Personally I see the french lad Aymin Kari as a lot like Massengo, a player the club can gamble on to make some money. PSG will get nothing for Kari in the summer so they're looking for an exit that will save his wages and give them something for him. If they can get a sell on clause that would be a smart move for them as he was very highly thought off before this season but he seems to have lost his way a little.

All fair points , but I hope we're not thinking we've suddenly cracked our goalscoring problems because of 2 good wins , against a League 1 side in the cup and the worst team by some distance in our Division.

[burnley007]

Still in the hunt according to a Sky reporter.

[CrosspoolClarets]

Can’t lose on this one. We have played Boro twice, and they have to play all our rivals. We have Foster as a near revelation on the left. £6m rising to £8m feels like £8m if it is us, because we should go up. That’s not too excessive because people would pay £6m to take him back off us.

I remain convinced that if Parker wants him he will get him. If he doesn’t, fine.

[123EasyasBFC]

We made more than £20m profit on Odobert so what is your point?

That 20m profit isn’t able to be reinvested because we have wasted money on the above, we made over 100m in sales this summer to just cover loses

[123EasyasBFC]

Then let’s do it, let’s start with the £130m in TV Money that Kompany earnt the club.

Are we going to acknowledge that all managers make mistakes in the market?

Dara 7 > 14
Zaroury 3 > 8
Muric 2 > 10
Odobert 8 > 35
Vitinho 2 > 7
Berge 13 > 23
Al Dakhil 3 > 8


But we couldn’t afford to spend and probably lose £1.5m on Delcroix, £3m on Obafemi and a free transfer Nathan Redmond. Really?

The 130m doesn’t just go towards players, it goes to running the club as a whole and servicing the debt

Muric and al-dakhil were 5m each to.

This isn’t just about kompany either, it’s about the way the club was bought we have owners who don’t have thier own riches so need us to be in the premier league

[Vegas Claret]

Maybe we are skint after all

[Silkyskills1]

'We have Foster as a near revelation on the left'

Really? In what way has he been a revelation?

[burnley007]

'We have Foster as a near revelation on the left'

Really? In what way has he been a revelation?

He's been OK. Certainly NOT a revelation. Laurent has been a revelation for the money he cost. Fleming is starting to really show how good he is.

But Foster. A revelation?? hmm.

[The Shire Claret]

'We have Foster as a near revelation on the left'

Really? In what way has he been a revelation?

Carries on improving on the left and 0-0 - 1-0 wins will be a thing of the past

He might not score the goals but he draws out defenders and drags us up the pitch

He is like a new signing

[The Shire Claret]

He's been OK. Certainly NOT a revelation. Laurent has been a revelation for the money he cost. Fleming is starting to really show how good he is.

But Foster. A revelation?? hmm.

He's making a massive difference

[bumba]

You don’t think the results were positive?

We will go down in the history books as lifting the 2nd division title. Sure the following season in the PL was a forgettable one but you can’t rewrite history.

The positive results came before VK spunked over £100 million up the wall out entire budget, that season was a complete embarrassment

[Steve-Harpers-perm]

Maybe we are skint after all

Need to wait until the window is over before coming to this conclusion.

[Quickenthetempo]

Maybe we are skint after all

We will always be skint under this ownership as we have to pay 10% more than everyone else.

Just depends how many loans they want to expand.

[CrosspoolClarets]

Carries on improving on the left and 0-0 - 1-0 wins will be a thing of the past

He might not score the goals but he draws out defenders and drags us up the pitch

He is like a new signing

Yes. Foster and Anthony as a pair may suddenly make more sense than Whittaker and Anthony as a pair, especially as we have other wingers too when needed. That comes down to judgement and we can only decide whether that is right in May.

[KlyBfc]

If Redmond and Benson and even Tresor are close to being fit and used within the next month (by end of feb) then im not that bothered about Whittaker. He has one brilliant season but a questionable temperament. Id rather we look at a young energetic loan if im honest (Dans at Liverpool, Louie Barry etc.) than splash decent money on a player that might not be good enough if we go up, and might want to leave if someone comes knocking and we don’t

[BigGaz]

I'm all for Foster and have enjoyed his recent performances but it's maybe overegging the pudding to say he (and Laurent) have been a revelation.

CJER and Trafford, compared to where they were v now have a fair shout to be described as such but I'm not sure anyone else has been.

[Tricky Trevor]

You're missing his assist from the right on Wednesday night.

He was heavily involved in 4 of the 5 goals on Wednesday. I don’t know where or when he got his stats but assists should be more than the final pass.

[Blyclaret]

If Redmond and Benson and even Tresor are close to being fit and used within the next month (by end of feb) then im not that bothered about Whittaker. He has one brilliant season but a questionable temperament. Id rather we look at a young energetic loan if im honest (Dans at Liverpool, Louie Barry etc.) than splash decent money on a player that might not be good enough if we go up, and might want to leave if someone comes knocking and we don’t

Good call on Danns from Liverpool.

[Stonehouse]

With Cullen, Brownhill, Laurent, Hannibal, Shelvey, Sarmiento, Koleosho, Anthony, Foster, Rodriguez, Barnes and Flemming all fighting for 6 places in the team 6 of them are going to miss out and that's without counting Ramsey, Agyei, Redmond, Benson and Tresor.

If we can't get players in on budget then I guess we'll have to go with what we've got. Maybe putting Foster on the left has changed Parker's idea on the urgency of needing another creative option with 8 goals in the last two games.

Personally I see the french lad Aymin Kari as a lot like Massengo, a player the club can gamble on to make some money. PSG will get nothing for Kari in the summer so they're looking for an exit that will save his wages and give them something for him. If they can get a sell on clause that would be a smart move for them as he was very highly thought off before this season but he seems to have lost his way a little.

I think you can knock that down to 4 places as Cullen and Brownhill are pretty much nailed on starters and the team that started on Wednesday with Humphreys replacing Pires is the starting 11 I’d like to see every match ,however we should be looking for better quality bench players as I don’t think Sarmiento contributes enough and flatters to deceive whilst Koleosho either needs loaning out or some intensive coaching .

[NewClaret]

If Redmond and Benson and even Tresor are close to being fit and used within the next month (by end of feb) then im not that bothered about Whittaker. He has one brilliant season but a questionable temperament. Id rather we look at a young energetic loan if im honest (Dans at Liverpool, Louie Barry etc.) than splash decent money on a player that might not be good enough if we go up, and might want to leave if someone comes knocking and we don’t

Completely agree. Add Ramsey as a very good player we might see at some point in an attacking midfield position.

Danns a decent option, but for me I would be very happy just adding a loan or two of premier league fringe players, ideally with options to buy if promoted.

[Stonehouse]

With Cullen, Brownhill, Laurent, Hannibal, Shelvey, Sarmiento, Koleosho, Anthony, Foster, Rodriguez, Barnes and Flemming all fighting for 6 places in the team 6 of them are going to miss out and that's without counting Ramsey, Agyei, Redmond, Benson and Tresor.

If we can't get players in on budget then I guess we'll have to go with what we've got. Maybe putting Foster on the left has changed Parker's idea on the urgency of needing another creative option with 8 goals in the last two games.

Personally I see the french lad Aymin Kari as a lot like Massengo, a player the club can gamble on to make some money. PSG will get nothing for Kari in the summer so they're looking for an exit that will save his wages and give them something for him. If they can get a sell on clause that would be a smart move for them as he was very highly thought off before this season but he seems to have lost his way a little.

I think you can knock that down to 4 as Cullen and Brownhill are nailed on starters,the best starting 11 I reckon should be the same as Wednesday but Humphreys in for Pires ,however the attacking options from the bench need improving as I think Sarmiento is a bit of a show pony and doesn’t effect the game enough when he comes on and Koleosho seems to be going backwards.

[Bowclaret]

IMO - we have much better already in the team and waiting to come back from injury with Benson and Ramsey.

I’ve seen nothing from Whittaker to suggest he’s better than any of our attacking options.

Let the current lads finish the job. And to be fair, they are doing fantastically well.

Let Boro have him because, let’s be honest here, they are going nowhere !

[NewClaret]

Bad day for Plymouth if they were hoping Boro’s accepted bid would put pressure on us to up it it - most of our fans seem completely disinterested

[agreenwood]

IMO - we have much better already in the team and waiting to come back from injury with Benson and Ramsey.

I’ve seen nothing from Whittaker to suggest he’s better than any of our attacking options.

Let the current lads finish the job. And to be fair, they are doing fantastically well.

Let Boro have him because, let’s be honest here, they are going nowhere !

The problem with relying on Ramsey, Benson & Redmond is that they’ve barely played 10 games between them in the last 18 months.

They are a long way from match fitness and there’s not going to be much season left when they are properly fit.

If Parker feels he needs more attacking options, it’s probably not wise to wait for them.

[CrosspoolClarets]

The other weird thing about Whittaker is him and Doak play in the same position, and Doak is better. So that means Whittaker on the left where cutting in is less useful for a left footer. All a bit odd.

Maybe get Liverpool to cancel the loan and give Doak to us for 5 months

[billyhamilton82]

Bad day for Plymouth if they were hoping Boro’s accepted bid would put pressure on us to up it it - most of our fans seem completely disinterested

It would seem we are still in the reckoning which must mean Whittaker prefers Burnley as his destination otherwise the deal would have been done and dusted and he'd be off to Boro.

[warksclaret]

The other weird thing about Whittaker is him and Doak play in the same position, and Doak is better. So that means Whittaker on the left where cutting in is less useful for a left footer. All a bit odd.

Maybe get Liverpool to cancel the loan and give Doak to us for 5 months

I think Palace are keen on getting Doaks, meaning Whittaker would be his replacement. Depends if Liverpool play hardball

[Conroy92]

https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/said- ... deal-lyon/

Still the one I want.

[Bowclaret]

The problem with relying on Ramsey, Benson & Redmond is that they’ve barely played 10 games between them in the last 18 months.

They are a long way from match fitness and there’s not going to be much season left when they are properly fit.

If Parker feels he needs more attacking options, it’s probably not wise to wait for them.

Thinking about the lads we have who have the shirts currently to be fair. Jaidon is playing well and doing the business. Foster looks miles better on the left and playing with a smile on his face. And then we have Hannibal, who was immense before being silly. So who do we drop to accommodate Whittaker ???? The injured lads are on the grass and will be back soon to play their part.

A great problem to have !

Whittaker ??? No, not for me !

[fidelcastro]

Thinking about the lads we have who have the shirts currently to be fair. Jaidon is playing well and doing the business. Foster looks miles better on the left and playing with a smile on his face. And then we have Hannibal, who was immense before being silly. So who do we drop to accommodate Whittaker ???? The injured lads are on the grass and will be back soon to play their part.

A great problem to have !

Whittaker ??? No, not for me !

Hannibal was immense before his suspension, was he?

Okay then

[Stu]

https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/said- ... deal-lyon/

Still the one I want.

This would be amazing if we could land Benrahma but does anyone now if we have a real interest?

[Bowclaret]

Hannibal was immense before his suspension, was he?

Okay then

I think its a fair assessment, yes.

The lad is quality and will only get better.

[Conroy92]

This would be amazing if we could land Benrahma but does anyone now if we have a real interest?

Unsure. Reported by Nixon. What I would say is that a second tier Saudi team made a bid that was knocked back a few weeks ago which suggests he could be available at the right price.

[fidelcastro]

I think its a fair assessment, yes.

The lad is quality and will only get better.

He may well get better, but he isn't a regular in the team yet and there is still a huge question mark over his temperament.

I'd be hopeful of him being a big player for us still, rather than describing him as "immense" or "quality."

[123EasyasBFC]

With benson Redmond and Tresor all still at the club I can’t see us actually signing a winger

[Poulton-le-Claret]

I think Palace are keen on getting Doaks, meaning Whittaker would be his replacement. Depends if Liverpool play hardball

I believe the deadline for Liverpool to recall Doak has passed, so he is at Boro for the rest of this season.

[louieollie]

This would be amazing if we could land Benrahma but does anyone now if we have a real interest?

If it's in FLW it's just some so called pundit suggesting we should be if we aren't already ..........click bait at it's cheapest

[GetIntoEm]

I think if we hadn't had a couple of massively stand out personal performances recently that foster should have been in with a shout of man of the match. Work rate is fantastic

His strength and pace are amazing. Gives us so much more down that left.

[Quickenthetempo]

Just seen on twitter we had a 7m bid for Whittaker accepted but it fell through.

Source is Karen Fazakerley. Burnley fan journo

[kentonclaret]

This would be amazing if we could land Benrahma but does anyone now if we have a real interest?

More chance of signing Bananarama

[Sunny Cornwall]

Just been on BBC Spotlight SW that Whittaker expected to sign for Boro.

[Steddyman]

With benson Redmond and Tresor all still at the club I can’t see us actually signing a winger

What difference does Tresor being at the club have on our promotion chances?

[Guppyspotter]

What is the loan situation with Zian Flemming? Is it with obligation to buy or anything other than a loan until the end of the season?