January transfers
- Thread starter Dan Yeats
- Start date
shelfboy68
Well-Known Member
- Jun 14, 2008
- 14,566
- 19,651
I wouldn't have thought we will be entertaining any window this January. I'm sure mr levy feels we have sufficient cover and strength in every position so we will look to trim the wage bill by letting go of people who don't fit into the managers plans I would assume.
SNAFU_Clarke
Member
- Oct 5, 2004
- 564
- 111
his contract runs out at the end of the season so if anything llorente can afford to go a bit more toppy with his wage demands knowing he'll be going on a free in the summer if he wants. he's been benched all season because bielsa is a stubborn git. llorente had a transfer to juventus more or less agreed before bilbao pulled the plug on it.
Snarfalicious
Well-Known Member
- Jul 15, 2012
- 15,735
- 72,131
I think first and foremost we need to find out what we have in Falque, Townsend, and Carroll. Could they all be relied upon for a more expansive role, or do they all still need time to continue building their skills before they can make the jump to the first team. I've written something similar to this before elsewhere, but I enjoy talking transfers and rosterbating so I will post some of my thoughts even if they are repetitive to my previous statements.
My list of needs:
CM: The depth is barren. Actually, it's more or less 'quality' depth that is lacking. Huddlestone does not fit this system (immobile, doesn't enjoy moving forward with the ball at his feet, etc.). I still believe Livermore needs a Premier League loan to continue to build his talents, because he actually has some nice skills, he's just way too antsy on the ball. We need a driving midfielder who thrives with moving forward with the ball at his feet.
Striker: Adebayor will be gone for the AFCON in January. Togo's group stage matches start January 22nd and last until the 30th. I'm not sure when he will report, but it most likely will be a couple weeks before those dates. If Togo continues to do well, the longest he could be there is until February 10th which is the Final. That's a long time to go with just one striker.
AM/Winger: We desperately need a guy who can offer some quality depth to these positions. This is where finding out what we have in Falque and Townsend is huge. Can they fill in if necessary? Will we suffer dramatically if they are in? I think it's important we find a guy who can offer depth at AM and the Winger positions as we lack a player who offers flair, creativity, and makes defenders wonder what they are going to do next. We are too straightforward anymore. The PL is becoming a league of strength in defense and flair in attack. Every great team in the PL has one playmaker who really baffles defenses and leaves them guessing at to where they are going with the ball next.
I think one of the most important thing is getting Carroll more time until January rolls around. I think Carroll is ready, I've stated this about 100 times. The vision, poise, and movement off the ball look fantastic. He's got quality pace, and he's actually shown the ability to make a daft sliding tackle. He can provide a little bit more of a nuisance to the quicker AM's in the PL, and as long as he can make them a bit more uncomfortable by closing down the space, it will prove to be an upgrade over what we have had of recent (WAY too much space has been given to AM's by us so far). The play can run through him, and at only 20 years old, he can become a focal point that keeps the attack moving for years. I really think it's imperative we give him a long look before January so we don't go and spend 20m+ on a guy that, yes, he will be better than Carroll now, but that money could go towards positions more devoid of talent.
I also think it's really important we give Falque a long look and find out what his best position for the club in the future will be. Is he a winger, attacking midfielder, or could he even be a secondary striker? He's got some pace about him, but the best part about his game is his creativity and ability to know when to pick a pass or shoot. Looks to have a killer shot on him, and he's probably one of the most creative talents we have on our squad. More time should be given to him at different positions. Play him in the hole, play him out wide, try him as a secondary striker in a 2-striker front. The kid has talent, it's obvious, but we need to determine where his future position will be. I personally think it's as an attacking midfielder. He's shown the vision for the pass, the control on the ball, and the ability to take shots when the opportunity presents itself.
In January, we should be selling off deadwood if we get quality offers (Huddlestone, Dawson) pending if the injuries at these positions clear up and they appear to be fully recovered. Hudd/Daws should actually bring in some quality cash that we can spend on getting talents that better fit the system.
My main targets remain the same: Felipe Anderson (AM/Winger - 5-8m), Jordy Clasie (CM - 8-9m), and Aubameyang (CF/Winger 12-14m). If Levy goes into the transfer window saying he will spend the money from the Moutinho deal, that would put us relatively close to that mark. So conceivably, if he makes sales, even more money should be available.
People always will say that Levy won't do shit in January. However, he knows that this situation falls squarely on his shoulders. He hired AVB, he didn't get the Moutinho deal done, he has a lot of the blame in regards to not having quality available depth throughout the squad. I hope Levy shows that he is human, gets a little angry, and spends the money that we all know he has, and that we all know will make this squad compete going into actually the easiest part of our schedule.
My list of needs:
CM: The depth is barren. Actually, it's more or less 'quality' depth that is lacking. Huddlestone does not fit this system (immobile, doesn't enjoy moving forward with the ball at his feet, etc.). I still believe Livermore needs a Premier League loan to continue to build his talents, because he actually has some nice skills, he's just way too antsy on the ball. We need a driving midfielder who thrives with moving forward with the ball at his feet.
Striker: Adebayor will be gone for the AFCON in January. Togo's group stage matches start January 22nd and last until the 30th. I'm not sure when he will report, but it most likely will be a couple weeks before those dates. If Togo continues to do well, the longest he could be there is until February 10th which is the Final. That's a long time to go with just one striker.
AM/Winger: We desperately need a guy who can offer some quality depth to these positions. This is where finding out what we have in Falque and Townsend is huge. Can they fill in if necessary? Will we suffer dramatically if they are in? I think it's important we find a guy who can offer depth at AM and the Winger positions as we lack a player who offers flair, creativity, and makes defenders wonder what they are going to do next. We are too straightforward anymore. The PL is becoming a league of strength in defense and flair in attack. Every great team in the PL has one playmaker who really baffles defenses and leaves them guessing at to where they are going with the ball next.
I think one of the most important thing is getting Carroll more time until January rolls around. I think Carroll is ready, I've stated this about 100 times. The vision, poise, and movement off the ball look fantastic. He's got quality pace, and he's actually shown the ability to make a daft sliding tackle. He can provide a little bit more of a nuisance to the quicker AM's in the PL, and as long as he can make them a bit more uncomfortable by closing down the space, it will prove to be an upgrade over what we have had of recent (WAY too much space has been given to AM's by us so far). The play can run through him, and at only 20 years old, he can become a focal point that keeps the attack moving for years. I really think it's imperative we give him a long look before January so we don't go and spend 20m+ on a guy that, yes, he will be better than Carroll now, but that money could go towards positions more devoid of talent.
I also think it's really important we give Falque a long look and find out what his best position for the club in the future will be. Is he a winger, attacking midfielder, or could he even be a secondary striker? He's got some pace about him, but the best part about his game is his creativity and ability to know when to pick a pass or shoot. Looks to have a killer shot on him, and he's probably one of the most creative talents we have on our squad. More time should be given to him at different positions. Play him in the hole, play him out wide, try him as a secondary striker in a 2-striker front. The kid has talent, it's obvious, but we need to determine where his future position will be. I personally think it's as an attacking midfielder. He's shown the vision for the pass, the control on the ball, and the ability to take shots when the opportunity presents itself.
In January, we should be selling off deadwood if we get quality offers (Huddlestone, Dawson) pending if the injuries at these positions clear up and they appear to be fully recovered. Hudd/Daws should actually bring in some quality cash that we can spend on getting talents that better fit the system.
My main targets remain the same: Felipe Anderson (AM/Winger - 5-8m), Jordy Clasie (CM - 8-9m), and Aubameyang (CF/Winger 12-14m). If Levy goes into the transfer window saying he will spend the money from the Moutinho deal, that would put us relatively close to that mark. So conceivably, if he makes sales, even more money should be available.
People always will say that Levy won't do shit in January. However, he knows that this situation falls squarely on his shoulders. He hired AVB, he didn't get the Moutinho deal done, he has a lot of the blame in regards to not having quality available depth throughout the squad. I hope Levy shows that he is human, gets a little angry, and spends the money that we all know he has, and that we all know will make this squad compete going into actually the easiest part of our schedule.
SNAFU_Clarke
Member
- Oct 5, 2004
- 564
- 111
whilst we should definitely be aware of emerging talent from the youth teams etc., if we think this is the thing we should be doing 'first and foremost' we are in trouble.
Snarfalicious
Well-Known Member
- Jul 15, 2012
- 15,735
- 72,131
It's the only thing we can do right now to help the squad. Carroll especially, if he can play at a higher level than Huddlestone that's an immediate change we can make to help the team now rather than when January rolls around or injuries clear up.
SNAFU_Clarke
Member
- Oct 5, 2004
- 564
- 111
this thread is actually about january transfers though.
the watson
COYSC
- Apr 21, 2007
- 558
- 745
A centre mid, striker, and cover for Bale, Lennon and BAE. Pretty much the exact same shopping list I wanted in the summer. Don't hold your breath.
Flightrisker
Well-Known Member
- Jan 15, 2006
- 1,753
- 1,758
Out: Friedel, Walker, Gallas, Vertonghen, Benny, Sandro, Hudd, Lennon, Dempsey, Bale, Defoe.
In: Robbo, Corluka, King, Bassong, Rose, Carrick, Luka, Gio, Rafa, Keane, Crouch.
In: Robbo, Corluka, King, Bassong, Rose, Carrick, Luka, Gio, Rafa, Keane, Crouch.
Snarfalicious
Well-Known Member
- Jul 15, 2012
- 15,735
- 72,131
Which would be directly affected by finding out if we have a capable midfielder already on our books. Jesus, please don't be difficult for the sake of being difficult.
SNAFU_Clarke
Member
- Oct 5, 2004
- 564
- 111
hmmm! i think you may have got out of the bed the wrong side.
edit: i'm not really jesus either, i just tend towards the omnipotent.
double0
Well-Known Member
- Aug 29, 2006
- 14,423
- 12,258
The question as well is, who should we sell..?
1. Huddlestone- times up he needs another chellenge
2. Townsend-I don't think he has enough intelligence to make it at this level, and would swap him with money on top for Zaha or Ince.
3. Kyle Naughton- we have Walker and the young Smith.
4. Cudicini
5. Gomes
6. Jenas needs a new start
1. Huddlestone- times up he needs another chellenge
2. Townsend-I don't think he has enough intelligence to make it at this level, and would swap him with money on top for Zaha or Ince.
3. Kyle Naughton- we have Walker and the young Smith.
4. Cudicini
5. Gomes
6. Jenas needs a new start
Sp3akerboxxx
Adoption: Nabil Bentaleb
- Apr 4, 2006
- 5,387
- 8,109
Moutinho, Willian, and Llorente to fuel a title push 
