Transfer spend in January if...

[claretex]

Hi everyone

I just wanted to get everyone's thoughts on the following scenario...

Come January, we're on around 30 points... Given we're still net positive from transfers, you could say we still have £30m/40m from our 'tv money' left, as we haven't really spent a penny of it.

I mean in initial capital, yes our OPEX (operational costs such as wages) will have increased etc, but marginally.

How much do you envisage we'd spend or do you think we should spend?

Does the board say, let's crack on and finish top half and go from there?

Or do we just settle and say we're going to be safe, anyway, let's rethink our strategy come the summer and maybe spend big? We'd end up posting a net profit again, so big that'd we'd be put into the top 10 'richest' clubs in Europe, again.

It's just an interesting scenario, that's all.

Obviously the thing about being a Premier League club now, is that the top 6/7 is so powerful, you have teams like West Brom and Everton spending all this money (more so Everton), but where does it actually get them? 7th/8th maybe? What does it actually do?

If you finish mid-table, do you just say same again next season or avoid relegation again?

Thanks

[claretspice]

I think we should keep the transfer policy exactly as it is. Everyone knows that our requirement last window was a centre half to add depth of cover in that position plus a winger with genuine pace to give us a direct threat on the counter attack, and that's precisely what we should target in January.

Apart from that, and possibly a longer term alternative to Pope if Heaton is going to be out for the longer haul, we should keep our business in January to a minimum and allow what we have the flourish - and enjoy watching it do so.

We keep building gradually - stretching our ambition a bit, but keeping the same core as has got us here to date.

[Walt]

If we're in a strong position in January points wise then is there any point paying inflated January prices.

[claretex]

I think we should keep the transfer policy exactly as it is. Everyone knows that our requirement last window was a centre half to add depth of cover in that position plus a winger with genuine pace to give us a direct threat on the counter attack, and that's precisely what we should target in January.

Apart from that, and possibly a longer term alternative to Pope if Heaton is going to be out for the longer haul, we should keep our business in January to a minimum and allow what we have the flourish - and enjoy watching it do so.

We keep building gradually - stretching our ambition a bit, but keeping the same core as has got us here to date.

I hear you! But with fans in this day and age, you know that the demands/expectations are raised so massively with any early signs of success.

That usually fails so often, so that's why I agree with you and would love to stick to what you said.

[claretex]

If we're in a strong position in January points wise then is there any point paying inflated January prices.

I hear you

[claretspice]

Yes, because as we've seen with Brady this season, there's often a 6 month lead time on getting the best out of players, and it helps immeasurably if they get a full pre-season with us before we expect to see the best of them.

So buy in January from a position of strength, get some benefit from them at the back end of this season, but really buy with a view to next season.

[Walt]

Yes, because as we've seen with Brady this season, there's often a 6 month lead time on getting the best out of players, and it helps immeasurably if they get a full pre-season with us before we expect to see the best of them.

So buy in January from a position of strength, get some benefit from them at the back end of this season, but really buy with a view to next season.

Fair point.

I'm sure targets are already in place and within the budget we'll look to pursue those I'd assume. Perhaps a couple of deals that didn't materialise in the summer could well be revisited.

[MACCA]

What is the point paying massive taxes in posting massive profits? The way I see it is ( if the right player/fee becomes available )

Get the player in for the running, if we are safe, we could give them some game time and experiment for the following year.
Also allows them to get to know the group and framework whilst getting up to speed.
We then guarantee them to be here on day one of pre season, have had a Dyche pre season meaning they don't need to get up to speed or settle in.
Also it gives us a bargaining chip with any contract rebels who might be thinking of holding us over a barrel.
We don't want players or other clubs holding us to ransom if they have a good world cup or they know we are loaded/desperate.
I also wouldn't want to start competing with the mega riches and big clubs should the likes of Wolves, Villa, Sheff W etc come up.
We will look an attractive move in Jan should we be mid table and looking comfortable.

All this would be helpful to avoid posting massive profits or paying silly amounts of tax.

They will be cons to buying in Jan, but if we have the cash I'd be strengthening, players wages/fees rarely go down, and we could be a attractive side to sign for if this form continues.

[summitclaret]

I am not getting carried away and thinking that we will be near 30 points after 19 games. I want to see us win several homes games before I can feel it is likey.

However, to answer the question in the OP, it would be a perfect time to invest heavily. By that I mean spend so we have a balanced budget this year and not stash even more away. Better players are far more likely to come here if we are in the top 10 and looking like being safe. With para payments we could offer 4 1/2 deals to the right sort of players (including Mee and Tarks). No need to wait a day for the latter 2 imo. I know it won't be easy to get the right players with our wage structure, but we have to try and this will need creativity.

My top priorities would be:-

A number 10 to play behind Wood to link defence and attack and get goals.
A young centre back to cover Mee and Tarks for now and move up in due course, like Keano was signed (and Tarks)
A pacy winger that can x well and does not mind tracking back.

The first 2 are essential to us playing 451
The 3rd would give us a better 442 approach for homes games against the lesser teams where we will need to go at them as they will come here to defend like the terriers did.

Get this right and we could be in the PL for a long time without the need for risky foreign investment.

[piston broke]

There could be some good players available in Jan. depending on contract situations. As posted above getting them in house for next season would be sound business.

OT. My concern is getting points in the bag early. I'm worried what an upcoming world cup could do to our squad when April comes around.

[IanMcL]

Players are usually more expensive in January. I suspect we might sign another centreback....who may not play, but otherwise, we have players all on the same level, so it is Sanchez/Lukaku or nothing!

[what_no_pies]

If we're still on a lofty perch and haven't been plagued by long term injuries I'd want more steady progression. Use our new status to attract young hungry talent that we can develop further. The likes of David Brooks at Sheffield United is a great example. Currently interesting Everton and Liverpool but a better chance of first team football at Burnley along with a track record of us developing players into internationals could give us a sniff at tempting these talented individuals in. We can probably compete on wages at this stage in a players career too. There's no doubt he's a good player, he could become great. This is key to us reaching that next level as we're never gonna go our spending on terms with the top teams for established players, to reach the upper echelons we will have to develop young talent. A winger, pacey forward player and a centre half all key areas just now I'd say.

[Down_Rover]

I like MACCA's idea of spending money rather than paying the taxman and this is very sensible if we know what our squad moving forward looks like.

With the exception of Marney, and who knows how fit he ever be, there are few key players out of contract at the end of this season.

But the list of those entering the last year of their contract does give rise to concern . Mee, Tarks, Hendrick, Vokes and Barnes .

So while I like the idea of a speedy winger/number 10 and A cB to bed in over the second half of the season there are longer term issues to deal with

[LoveCurryPies]

I think everyone at the club wants to see us finish as high as possible.

By January, Sean & Club will know exactly our weak points are. I’d guess maybe just 1 or possibly 2 signings but no more.

[IWOODLOVETT]

If the situation is looking good, January should be the time for investment - not for expensive ready-made players. I'm another that thinks it's important to be looking at the contract situations of the current squad first.

The big money should then be spent on good young players like Charlie Taylor - speculate to accumulate!!

[ExistentialWanderer]

It all depends on where we are at come January 1st. I'd err on the side of caution in any case and stick to what we were after prior to the previous window closing. I.E. A wide player and a centre half. Prices are notoriously hiked in January, so we'd probably be looking at identifying specific targets. I can't see us bringing in anyone outside of specific positions. Those positions and priorities could change due to injuries (hopefully not) or suspensions etc.

[Vegas Claret]

if we are on 30 points by January then that will be a sensational return ! Dyche knows what he is doing so if he feels the need to strengthen then I'm sure on 30 points the board will back him as there will be no danger of relegation

[COYC73]

But if we are finished with signing all of the Rep of Ireland squad players of any note.....Which Country will we set our sights on next to buy their team up?

[ŽižkovClaret]

Its relatively dull, but if we are in a good position in Jan, we should raise our sights on players coming out of contract while we are viewed as a mid-table club. Carrick would be one id like to offer a year.

Were Newcastle to go down i think Lascelles should be high on the list.

Financially, what would an investment of say 50 million into an annuity get us? Guarding against future less-golden times, and more cynically potentially avoiding tax to an extent?

[Diesel]

This Kid from Sheffield United, for starters please.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Brooks_(footballer" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;)

[boatshed bill]

If we can get all the players currently in their last contracted season to commit to longer we don't really need to spend that much.
Buying potential could work, but you can only have a 25 man squad so it all depends on whether we can (and want to) ship a few out.

[Barry_Chuckle]

If we're in a strong position in January points wise then is there any point paying inflated January prices.

Weren't the prices less in January in comparison to the summer?

I'd say prices most definitely went North over the Summer.

[Saxoman]

If dyche looks like finishing mid table come January with the squad that he's got, I suspect you won't be doing much business again.

[evensteadiereddie]

Mid table or above will do me just fine. We can bank a few more gazillion and spend wisely in January if the right players are available. If not, no problem.
We've a lot of work to do before then, though.