The Transfer Window Rumours thread

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Originally Posted by Undercoverinwurzelland

Looks like a definite strategy this window to spend on salaries rather than fees. Probably quite shrewd.

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I read a book once - Money and Soccer: A Soccernomics Guide: Why Chievo Verona, Unterhaching, and Scunthorpe United Will Never Win the Champions League, Why Manchester ... and Manchester United Cannot Be Stopped.

The authors say "spending on players’ wages is a better predictor of football clubs league position than net spending on transfers."

They're much smarter than me so I'll take their word/research for it.

I personally believe we should give the whole team a 100% pay increase and win the league before Christmas.

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Originally Posted by Carl Dale's Mole

I personally believe we should give the whole team a 100% pay increase and win the league before Christmas.

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Suggest it to Vinnie 😁

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Originally Posted by Undercoverinwurzelland

Looks like a definite strategy this window to spend on salaries rather than fees. Probably quite shrewd.

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They learned from last years transfer ban I think, something good came of it :thumbup: (even though it was a disadvantage, before the stalker replies)

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Originally Posted by Undercoverinwurzelland

Looks like a definite strategy this window to spend on salaries rather than fees. Probably quite shrewd.

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a couple of seasons ago, when we were grappling with dismantling the mess that Warnock had left us with there was a statement by the club that we would only pay a fee for players who's value could increase, and I think we have largely stuck to that since.
we've paid money for players like Ng, Wintle, McGuiness, Etete etc and picked up a lot of players on a free (helped of course by the transfer embargo).

it makes sense as a strategy

Stoke working on a deal for Wintle apparently

Just watched a stream by someone who I believe is quite well connected at the club who said El Ghazi flew in very early in the morning and was taking his medical at 8 o clock. It seems he’s signed his contract. He also said that El Ghazi had the chance of going elsewhere when Watford came in with a late bid, but he turned them down.

Apparently Kanga has a permanent deal in place if he meets certain targets during the season,

He says Robertson was City’s second choice in midfield, but the first one was not available at first, last week though he contacted City to say he was interested in coming here. The bloke doing the stream said that there was a small chance that we could sign both of them.

There’s got to be a few leaving now surely.

https://youtu.be/C_WjCK6dm2M?si=Qhf1WVUEQaY580GH

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Originally Posted by City123

Stoke working on a deal for Wintle apparently

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https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fr...f-city-player/

Interesting.

Stoke views on Wintle https://oatcakefanzine.proboards.com...24/ryan-wintle

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Originally Posted by Undercoverinwurzelland

Looks like a definite strategy this window to spend on salaries rather than fees. Probably quite shrewd.

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Do you think? It's the opposite of Moneyball which has proved to be the successful process with all teams who have broken the monopoly. We are gambling with high costs and intangible assets. I'm no football expert, but it appears to be a very dodgy short term gamble. Smacks of boardroom power struggle and insecure, CV polishing manager.

I will be, of course, cheering everyone of them on. But, I could just as easily be horrified to see Colwill, Davies, Ashford, King etc sold to pay for some under performing, overpaid has-beens inflated salaries who we subsequently have to buy out of their contract.

I don't think we've made one good signing yet, although accept that Kanga could turn out to be a gem.

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Originally Posted by AdrianAlston

Do you think? It's the opposite of Moneyball which has proved to be the successful process with all teams who have broken the monopoly. We are gambling with high costs and intangible assets. I'm no football expert, but it appears to be a very dodgy short term gamble. Smacks of boardroom power struggle and insecure, CV polishing manager.

I will be, of course, cheering everyone of them on. But, I could just as easily be horrified to see Colwill, Davies, Ashford, King etc sold to pay for some under performing, overpaid has-beens inflated salaries who we subsequently have to buy out of their contract.

I don't think we've made one good signing yet, although accept that Kanga could turn out to be a gem.

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Depends on the execution of course, but it could mean bringing in players of a level we wouldn't be able to afford if we were paying fees.
I also don't want to see us bringing in players who block the progress of the likes of those you mentioned without adding any value on the pitch.
We really do seem to have a good crop of academy players. The trick is to bring in quality around them rather than instead of them. Only time will tell whether we do that.

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Originally Posted by Undercoverinwurzelland

Depends on the execution of course, but it could mean bringing in players of a level we wouldn't be able to afford if we were paying fees.
I also don't want to see us bringing in players who block the progress of the likes of those you mentioned without adding any value on the pitch.
We really do seem to have a good crop of academy players. The trick is to bring in quality around them rather than instead of them. Only time will tell whether we do that.

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I'd like to see a mix. Of course we need experience.

But we had an old 1st team squad before these 4 signings.

With regard to the youngsters, I didn't mention blocking progress, I suggested their sale. We now have 30 senior (over 21 in age) pros. Our only saleable assets are the ones I mentioned. Our only signings in the last 3 seasons which could be considered 'investments' have been McGuinness and Tanner.

As I said, I'll be cheering them on. But the days of a Sam Allardyce or Lawrie Mcmenemy building teams of experienced old pros hasn't been vogue or successful for some years.

Genuine question, do you expect any of the 4 we've signed to be still with us in 3 or 4 years time?

I'm not being argumentative , I just disagree with the policy. You make some good, rational points and you may well be correct.

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Originally Posted by AdrianAlston

I'd like to see a mix. Of course we need experience.

But we had an old 1st team squad before these 4 signings.

With regard to the youngsters, I didn't mention blocking progress, I suggested their sale. We now have 30 senior (over 21 in age) pros. Our only saleable assets are the ones I mentioned. Our only signings in the last 3 seasons which could be considered 'investments' have been McGuinness and Tanner.

As I said, I'll be cheering them on. But the days of a Sam Allardyce or Lawrie Mcmenemy building teams of experienced old pros hasn't been vogue or successful for some years.

Genuine question, do you expect any of the 4 we've signed to be still with us in 3 or 4 years time?

I'm not being argumentative , I just disagree with the policy. You make some good, rational points and you may well be correct.

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Do I expect any of the players we have signed to be still with us in 3 or 4 years time?

No.

However, I'd give the same answer to that question even if we'd signed younger players for fees.
What's the average 'shelf-life' for players at any club these days... 3/4 years?

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Originally Posted by Rock_Flock_of_Five

Do I expect any of the players we have signed to be still with us in 3 or 4 years time?

No.

However, I'd give the same answer to that question even if we'd signed younger players for fees.
What's the average 'shelf-life' for players at any club these days... 3/4 years?

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Depends on their age. Tanner and McGuinness will complete 3 and 4 respectively this season. Etete will complete 3. Ng will complete 4 at Christmas. They were all good 'investments'

I agree with you regarding the senior player signings. But that's my point, they are short term signings. We need a mix.

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Originally Posted by AdrianAlston

I'd like to see a mix. Of course we need experience.

But we had an old 1st team squad before these 4 signings.

With regard to the youngsters, I didn't mention blocking progress, I suggested their sale. We now have 30 senior (over 21 in age) pros. Our only saleable assets are the ones I mentioned. Our only signings in the last 3 seasons which could be considered 'investments' have been McGuinness and Tanner.

As I said, I'll be cheering them on. But the days of a Sam Allardyce or Lawrie Mcmenemy building teams of experienced old pros hasn't been vogue or successful for some years.

Genuine question, do you expect any of the 4 we've signed to be still with us in 3 or 4 years time?

I'm not being argumentative , I just disagree with the policy. You make some good, rational points and you may well be correct.

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I agree that the squad needs trimming and would hate to see the youngsters go, and probably our new signings won't be around for long (especially as one is a loan with an option and another a 1 year deal I believe). I just meant that if you're looking to strengthen your squad, which pretty much every club is, it might be better to avoid over-inflated asking prices and bidding wars.
If we are, as I think we must be, paying generous salaries that's a big turnaround from a couple of years ago when we supposedly had a tight wage cap. Loosening of the purse strings, or more evidence of the lack of a long term plan?

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Originally Posted by Undercoverinwurzelland

I agree that the squad needs trimming and would hate to see the youngsters go, and probably our new signings won't be around for long (especially as one is a loan with an option and another a 1 year deal I believe). I just meant that if you're looking to strengthen your squad, which pretty much every club is, it might be better to avoid over-inflated asking prices and bidding wars.
If we are, as I think we must be, paying generous salaries that's a big turnaround from a couple of years ago when we supposedly had a tight wage cap. Loosening of the purse strings, or more evidence of the lack of a long term plan?

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Morison oversaw the biggest influx of new players I can remember at the club two years ago, but it really was quantity over quality - I thin k there is every chance that, if you took the £1.5 million for Robinson out (ithat deal always seemed so at odds with out approach through the summer of 2022), I reckon we've spent more on four players this summer than we did on about fifteen in 2022.

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Originally Posted by the other bob wilson

Morison oversaw the biggest influx of new players I can remember at the club two years ago, but it really was quantity over quality - I thin k there is every chance that, if you took the £1.5 million for Robinson out (ithat deal always seemed so at odds with out approach through the summer of 2022), I reckon we've spent more on four players this summer than we did on about fifteen in 2022.

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part of that was enforced though, as didn't we have like 13 players coming to the end of their generous Warnock contracts?

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Originally Posted by AdrianAlston

I'd like to see a mix. Of course we need experience.

But we had an old 1st team squad before these 4 signings.

With regard to the youngsters, I didn't mention blocking progress, I suggested their sale. We now have 30 senior (over 21 in age) pros. Our only saleable assets are the ones I mentioned. Our only signings in the last 3 seasons which could be considered 'investments' have been McGuinness and Tanner.

As I said, I'll be cheering them on. But the days of a Sam Allardyce or Lawrie Mcmenemy building teams of experienced old pros hasn't been vogue or successful for some years.

Genuine question, do you expect any of the 4 we've signed to be still with us in 3 or 4 years time?

I'm not being argumentative , I just disagree with the policy. You make some good, rational points and you may well be correct.

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I think we are evolving in the strategy, some players are for the long term and we are filling the gaps with good quality frees and loans, so building slowly with team rebuilds year after year. It's a good point we need to build in more young quality long term players for the future.

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Originally Posted by Rjk

part of that was enforced though, as didn't we have like 13 players coming to the end of their generous Warnock contracts?

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I think it was entirely enforced. What I'm saying is that Bulut is being backed in a way that no City manager has been since Neil Harris when he was allowed to sign Moore and bring Wilson in on loan - you've got to think as well that the midfielder we sign will cost a transfer feee as well.

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Originally Posted by the other bob wilson

I think it was entirely enforced. What I'm saying is that Bulut is being backed in a way that no City manager has been since Neil Harris when he was allowed to sign Moore and bring Wilson in on loan - you've got to think as well that the midfielder we sign will cost a transfer feee as well.

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Pressure on him to deliver.

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Originally Posted by the other bob wilson

I think it was entirely enforced. What I'm saying is that Bulut is being backed in a way that no City manager has been since Neil Harris when he was allowed to sign Moore and bring Wilson in on loan - you've got to think as well that the midfielder we sign will cost a transfer feee as well.

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when we were signing the likes of Moore and Wilson we had parachute money to play with

"But the manager does want more in this summer. When asked how many he expects in by the first Championship game of the season a week on Saturday, he replied: "May be two or three more let us see. You never know."

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/...-alex-29656331

CB on his way according to the other site

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Originally Posted by sneggyblubird

CB on his way according to the other site

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I find that bizarre - surely we have enough players in that position already?

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Originally Posted by Rjk

I find that bizarre - surely we have enough players in that position already?

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That’s a strange one, as we have Bagan and young Lawlor as cover, unless there are plans to send him out on loan?
Whatever happens, we certainly look more equipped for a good season this time around

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Originally Posted by olderblue

That’s a strange one, as we have Bagan and young Lawlor as cover, unless there are plans to send him out on loan?
Whatever happens, we certainly look more equipped for a good season this time around

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https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/...-news-29656740

Speculation elsewhere presumably triggered by this from Bulut

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Originally Posted by olderblue

That’s a strange one, as we have Bagan and young Lawlor as cover, unless there are plans to send him out on loan?
Whatever happens, we certainly look more equipped for a good season this time around

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Goutas Chambers and McGuinness is surely enough to cover most of the season.

Then we have Tsunoda, who was doing very well in Belgium before his injury, and then Fagan-Walcott, Bagan, Lawler.

What's the point of keeping these players if they're going to be 5th or 6th choice here?

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Originally Posted by sneggyblubird

CB on his way according to the other site

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Bellamy a bit past it now.

Might be Will Fish from Man U

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Originally Posted by Rjk

Goutas Chambers and McGuinness is surely enough to cover most of the season.

Then we have Tsunoda, who was doing very well in Belgium before his injury, and then Fagan-Walcott, Bagan, Lawler.

What's the point of keeping these players if they're going to be 5th or 6th choice here?

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Bulut might be going six, three, one :hehe:

Or two centre halves to come on for corners and dead balls in the 85th minute :hehe:

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Originally Posted by sneggyblubird

Might be Will Fish from Man U

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Again - strange.
Might be a decent player, but presumably would be lower in the pecking order than Goutas, Chambers and McGuinness, given that he only really has SPL experience so far?
Unless we are going to sell McGuinness?

And then at his age he needs to be playing, what would be the point for him to come somewhere to be 4th choice - how often do our 4th choice centre backs actually play?

just seems like another player to block our own youngsters from playing.

Maybe McGuinness is on his way?

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Originally Posted by Rjk

Again - strange.
Might be a decent player, but presumably would be lower in the pecking order than Goutas, Chambers and McGuinness, given that he only really has SPL experience so far?
Unless we are going to sell McGuinness?

And then at his age he needs to be playing, what would be the point for him to come somewhere to be 4th choice - how often do our 4th choice centre backs actually play?

just seems like another player to block our own youngsters from playing.

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After gaps in recent seasons, we shouldn't really be worrying about bringing too many good players in, things are starting to look promising, if the youngsters are good enough they will break in :thumbup:

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Originally Posted by olderblue

That’s a strange one, as we have Bagan and young Lawlor as cover, unless there are plans to send him out on loan?
Whatever happens, we certainly look more equipped for a good season this time around

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Don’t forget Fagan-Walcott who has looked very safe and assured when he’s played.

Cardiff City, Stoke and West Brom are all reportedly interested in Cypriot defender Stelios Andreou

An interesting list, or at least one of the sixty best youth talents in 2020 is.

https://www.theguardian.com/football...world-football

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Originally Posted by MOZZER2

Cardiff City, Stoke and West Brom are all reportedly interested in Cypriot defender Stelios Andreou

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https://www.footballinsider247.com/s...dreou-sources/

McGuinness surely must be off if we do end up signing him.

Do West Brom see him as a replacement for Kipre?

Cardiff City linked with double European transfer swoop

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/...gn=communities

Cardiff City have been linked with a move for a striker and a defender, both of whom ply their trade in Belgium.

The Bluebirds are credited with an interest in SK Beveren forward Goduine Koyalipou, who scored 17 goals in 32 games for the second tier side in Belgium last year, winning the league's Golden Boot award.

According to HITC, Cardiff, Sunderland and League One Birmingham City all want to sign the Central African Republic international, who represented France at youth level. The 24-year-old has two years left on his deal at Beveren.

Meanwhile, Football Insider have linked the Bluebirds with a move for Cyprus international centre-back Stelios Andreou.

Like Koyalipou, the defender also plays in Belgium, in the top flight with Charleroi. The 22-year-old centre-back broke through in Cyrpus with Olympiakos Nicosia before moving in 2021 to Charleroi, for whom he has grown to be one of the standout defenders.

The report also adds that Stoke City and West Brom are interested in the defender, who is said to be available for £1.25m.

Erol Bulut this week revealed he wants to add another centre-back to his ranks, however, stating: "This season we start from the front and go back not from the back to front [with transfer planning].

"The urgency was the offensive part. Now in defence I think we look quite good, but we still only have three centre backs. I will try to add one more centre back to the team so we don’t get problems in the season. Injuries happen so there could be one additional centre-back."

It is understood that a central midfielder is viewed as a priority position for Cardiff and hope to complete at least one more signing before the season opener against Sunderland next week.

Cardiff City linked with double European transfer swoop

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/...gn=communities

Cardiff City have been linked with a move for a striker and a defender, both of whom ply their trade in Belgium.

The Bluebirds are credited with an interest in SK Beveren forward Goduine Koyalipou, who scored 17 goals in 32 games for the second tier side in Belgium last year, winning the league's Golden Boot award.

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Originally Posted by the other bob wilson

https://www.footballinsider247.com/s...dreou-sources/

McGuinness surely must be off if we do end up signing him.

Do West Brom see him as a replacement for Kipre?

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God, I hope not. McGuiness is on of the [very] few of our players who could play in the PL