Transfer Rumour 25/26 Summer Transfer Window (10 Viewers)

Alkhen · Nov 24, 2025

KenilworthSkyBlue said:
Well you've changed your tune, I thought we needed to replicate Burnley?

It's not little old Cov mindset, you do realise that operating in the Jan window is actually incredibly difficult and the more signings you make the bigger margin for error right?

Unless you're a parachute club you're not going to get like for like talent in every position, it's completely unrealistic and it's also a hard sell when potential targets are going to be in competition with players in rich reigns of form.

Another 2-3 signings should actually give us sufficient depth across pretty much every position. As of those players I'd imagine one or two will be capable of playing multiple positions.

No I haven't, I said 4-5 and still think that. I just pointed to Burnley to show that teams do make reinforcements in January and it doesn't mean upsetting a squad. That argument doesn't wash for me. Surely all the players and coaches want the best chance of promotion. Having a 2nd player in key positions isn't excessive and will help burnout and cover injury without having to totally ditch our playstyle. There will be plenty of minutes to go around

Attacking LB cover, Grimes cover and 2 wingers and we are golden. I would look to loan out Kai and Brau.

24 man squad including 4 keepers. We can drop a keeper if Dovin is fit. 5 wouldn't be OTT if the right players are available

Captain Dart · Nov 24, 2025

TomRad85 said:
Yeh as much as I said I'd still like him around I think we'll look at smarter signings honestly. Can see Gus heading back to The Netherlands come the summer, it's clear the Prem interest isn't really there.
Season 25/26 Torp burying screamers in the Prem, Gus waddling around Eredevisie. I've seen the future.

Have you been using @JohnWH 's time machine?

TomRad85 · Nov 24, 2025

Captain Dart said:
Have you been using @JohnWH 's time machine?

Yes. Coventry is now referred to as the Monaco of The Midlands, Doug is Prime Minister and Birmingham City were liquidated when Doug came after them for non payment of chimney tax.

KenilworthSkyBlue · Nov 24, 2025

Alkhen said:
No I haven't, I said 4-5 and still think that. I just pointed to Burnley to show that teams do make reinforcements in January and it doesn't mean upsetting a squad. That argument doesn't wash for me. Surely all the players and coaches want the best chance of promotion. Having a 2nd player in key positions isn't excessive and will help burnout and cover injury without having to totally ditch our playstyle. There will be plenty of minutes to go around

Attacking LB cover, Grimes cover and 2 wingers and we are golden. I would look to loan out Kai and Brau.

24 man squad including 4 keepers. We can drop a keeper if Dovin is fit. 5 wouldn't be OTT if the right players are available

Well it is excessive because as a club we just don't have unlimited funds and have to still operate within the confines of a budget - irrespective of whether this is the best chance of PL football or not. This is the point you're also naively missing. This is a business, not FIFA career mode.

Parachute clubs not only have parachute payments at their disposal, but many of those which are coming down from the PL often will benefit from moving on their better players in the summer to generate further funds to use and reinvest back into the playing squad within that same window or in the Jan window.

Both of the above points isn't helped by the fact that clubs are operating in a window where to get the best players available, for the most part, they're likely to going to have to pay well above market rate.

We aren't going to get Grimes cover really as if you look at his previous injury record he barely misses games, and investing funds into a like for like would be both extremely difficult and potentially pointless.

Wright can play on the left if necessary, plus BTA can play on the right, so I would've thought we'll only look at the one winger in Jan, but it could be two depending on whether we're able to find one that could also cover the AM slot. Then I'd imagine we'll probably look to sign a dynamic and attacking-minded 8 to rotate with Torp as the drop off when he's out is massive.

In an ideal world we need a covering LB as the other two aren't good enough to step in for Dasilva in the event he's injured or suspended, but we aren't realistically signing one unless both Bidwell and Brau are moved on which isn't likely to happen.

blunted · Nov 24, 2025

The noise around Manneh coming out from Sweden linking him with us has been substantial. Follows the pattern of us saying nothing, but agents, the press and to some degree the team, Mjallby saying he is likely to leave. Very surprised is this doesn't have legs. Incidentally, he is a number 10 who apparently keeps trying to score worldies.
I criticised Austin in the past, but hands up, with the benefit of the players bedding in, our choices have been brilliant.
Even Ayari has turned out to be a great player, who unfortunately, was not suited to the rough and tumble Championship.
Rodrigues and Brau are the two who currently look problematic, but they were cheap and still have time to shine.
If the price is right, I trust our recruitment team to do the business.

Deity · Nov 24, 2025

We will sign at least 3

Winger
Midfielder ( CDM )
Striker or left back ( unless Frank is prepared to play KKH if JDS gets injured )

Alkhen · Nov 24, 2025

KenilworthSkyBlue said:
Well it is excessive because as a club we just don't have unlimited funds and have to still operate within the confines of a budget - irrespective of whether this is the best chance of PL football or not. This is the point you're also naively missing. This is a business, not FIFA career mode.

Parachute clubs not only have parachute payments at their disposal, but many of those which are coming down from the PL often will benefit from moving on their better players in the summer to generate further funds to use and reinvest back into the playing squad within that same window or in the Jan window.

Both of the above points isn't helped by the fact that clubs are operating in a window where to get the best players available, for the most part, they're likely to going to have to pay well above market rate.

We aren't going to get Grimes cover really as if you look at his previous injury record he barely misses games, and investing funds into a like for like would be both extremely difficult and potentially pointless.

Wright can play on the left if necessary, plus BTA can play on the right, so I would've thought we'll only look at the one winger in Jan, but it could be two depending on whether we're able to find one that could also cover the AM slot. Then I'd imagine we'll probably look to sign a dynamic and attacking-minded 8 to rotate with Torp as the drop off when he's out is massive.

In an ideal world we need a covering LB as the other two aren't good enough to step in for Dasilva in the event he's injured or suspended, but we aren't realistically signing one unless both Bidwell and Brau are moved on which isn't likely to happen.

Chill out. You are being way over the top. We have money. There was an offer made for Bamford, taken away granted but it was made. Absolutely nobody is saying gamble the clubs future away. A few smart signings and a couple of loans would not bankrupt us you are being ridiculous. We have been linked to players. Had offers for Rushworth and Charlie Hughes. Doug is a business man, if there is value in a player he will make a move. Likewise he must know it's a huge risk having such a thin squad when we are in a commanding position.

Alkhen · Nov 24, 2025

Deity said:
We will sign at least 3

Winger
Midfielder ( CDM )
Striker or left back ( unless Frank is prepared to play KKH if JDS gets injured )

Yep 3 minimum. I think we'll end up with 4. With Andrews and Brau out on loan.

It would be a huge gamble not to strengthen, we'll not get a better chance than this

wingy · Nov 24, 2025

Alkhen said:
Chill out. You are being way over the top. We have money. There was an offer made for Bamford, taken away granted but it was made. Absolutely nobody is saying gamble the clubs future away. A few smart signings and a couple of loans would not bankrupt us you are being ridiculous. We have been linked to players. Had offers for Rushworth and Charlie Hughes. Doug is a business man, if there is value in a player he will make a move. Likewise he must know it's a huge risk having such a thing squad when we are in a commanding position.

I get the impression that there was an area of concern, I'm not sure Bamford was a frivolous requirement.

wingy · Nov 24, 2025

Alkhen said:
Yep 3 minimum. I think we'll end up with 4. With Andrews and Brau out on loan.

It would be a huge gamble not to strengthen, we'll not get a better chance than this

It would be remiss.

Winny the Bish · Nov 25, 2025

I'd be happy with 3. Physical box-to-box CM who can win the ball and progress it. Then two wingers; or 1 winger and an AM who can rotate and provide options off the bench.

long way home · Nov 25, 2025

We will bring players in but how many is going to be the question. Too many you upset the balance, to little you fall short of what's needed. Do we also let some fringe players leave if they want to go to get minutes. Its going to be a balance and we have to get the right quality players with the right attitudes in to fit into the group

Its going to be FL job to weave this altogether and have tough conversation and make tough decisions as the season goes on. Its something FL will already be prepared for as im sure he is as clear eyed as anyone and determined to achieve what he was hired to do

KenilworthSkyBlue · Nov 25, 2025

Alkhen said:
Chill out. You are being way over the top. We have money. There was an offer made for Bamford, taken away granted but it was made. Absolutely nobody is saying gamble the clubs future away. A few smart signings and a couple of loans would not bankrupt us you are being ridiculous. We have been linked to players. Had offers for Rushworth and Charlie Hughes. Doug is a business man, if there is value in a player he will make a move. Likewise he must know it's a huge risk having such a thin squad when we are in a commanding position.

Are you a complete idiot in general day to day life or do you just reserve it for this forum? I've never said we're going to go bust if we spend heavily in January. I'm saying we're not going to spend for the sake of it. That's not how DK operates. Otherwise we wouldn't have blocked the Bamford signing.

As with every business there's a budget in place but DK will of course bring in players if he feels there's a real value, as he's said since he first arrived. Hull a few years ago is a good case study of why you don't shoot your load on a load in January as it can cause issues down the line. We'll 100% spend in the coming window but we're more than likely going to go for quality over quantity.

Loans are going to be tricky - although not impossible - as with any young players being loaned out the loaning club will be require us to pretty much play them week in week out, which will be stipulated from the outset in negotiations - plus competition is going to be higher and therefore for the best young talent loan fees will almost certainly have to be paid, and fairly sizeable ones at that I would imagine.

I wouldn't be all that shocked to see us potentially looking at 'now PL players' which aren't getting game time at their current clubs after going up in recent years from the Champ, but have experience at getting out of the division - i.e. Ipswich season before last bringing in Moore.

Deity · Nov 25, 2025

Doug will know the time is now.

He will be prepared to invest but will quality not quantity. Don’t he surprised to see another attacker come in that is much much better than Bamford.

Londonccfcfan · Nov 25, 2025

Sky Blue Goblin said:
How much are we thinking the club will be spending in January. Seemingly an impression the club will spend in Jan based on Jimmys and Quinn’s posts.

Also wonder what’s happened with the left winger from Sweden. Weren’t we meant to be having a meeting on Thursday about a potential transfer?

Money in:
Gyokores £5.5m
Binks £2M
Sheaf £6.5M

£14M in - £7M = £7m Surplus on net spend.

Money out:
KKH £3.5
Wolf £3.5

I reckon theres at least £7M in war chest.
This shpukd be a min spend.

CovLad94 · Nov 25, 2025

CovLad94 · Nov 25, 2025

Cobel Sow Garcia, young winger playing for Basel u21s, wonder if there's anything to this, bit of a random one to just call out

SBT · Nov 25, 2025

Deity said:
We will sign at least 3

Winger
Midfielder ( CDM )
Striker or left back ( unless Frank is prepared to play KKH if JDS gets injured )

Why spend money now on a CDM when we already have the best one in the league?

Deity · Nov 25, 2025

SBT said:
Why spend money now on a CDM when we already have the best one in the league?

Because our system of play is incredibly dependent on this position. Grimes is amazing, his injury track record is very good but should he get injured we don’t have any cover at all now that Sheaf has moved on.

wingy · Nov 25, 2025

SBT said:
Why spend money now on a CDM when we already have the best one in the league?

Continuity id assume?

edgy · Nov 25, 2025

SBT said:
Why spend money now on a CDM when we already have the best one in the league?

Obvious really.

KenilworthSkyBlue · Nov 25, 2025

Deity said:
Because our system of play is incredibly dependent on this position. Grimes is amazing, his injury track record is very good but should he get injured we don’t have any cover at all now that Sheaf has moved on.

While this is true his injury record is excellent. I'd be more looking at a rotation option for Torp who seems to break down quite easily and frequently. His impact this season has been huge and when he's out of the side we're definitely noticeably worse.

It'd be so difficult to get a player that can replicate what Grimes brings to the side as well.

shmmeee · Nov 25, 2025

KenilworthSkyBlue said:
While this is true his injury record is excellent. I'd be more looking at a rotation option for Torp who seems to break down quite easily and frequently. His impact this season has been huge and when he's out of the side we're definitely noticeably worse.

It'd be so difficult to get a player that can replicate what Grimes brings to the side as well.

I joke about Hamer but someone of that profile that can happily sit in the 6 or 8 roles and even 10 would be perfect. I do wonder what Louza would cost.

KenilworthSkyBlue · Nov 25, 2025

shmmeee said:
I joke about Hamer but someone of that profile that can happily sit in the 6 or 8 roles and even 10 would be perfect. I do wonder what Louza would cost.

Well ideally we do get someone that can cover 10, 8 and 6. Without stating the obvious though - hard to find.

Similarly I'd imagine we probably will be looking at a winger, or two, which can play multiple positions. E.g. across the forward line or out wide and in the AM slot.

I'd love Louza, we all would. But in the January window, you're talking £15m-£20m and I'd say closer to the latter if I'm honest, especially given what they paid for him.

Colin Steins Smile · Nov 25, 2025

shmmeee said:
I joke about Hamer but someone of that profile that can happily sit in the 6 or 8 roles and even 10 would be perfect. I do wonder what Louza would cost.

Louza was very good against us and it would be a great signing. However, I can't see Watford selling him in January

TomRad85 · Nov 25, 2025

Colin Steins Smile said:
Louza was very good against us and it would be a great signing. However, I can't see Watford selling him in January

Nevermind them not selling, there's no way we could afford him until we hopefully get that Prem money in the summer.

SBT · Nov 25, 2025

Deity said:
Because our system of play is incredibly dependent on this position. Grimes is amazing, his injury track record is very good but should he get injured we don’t have any cover at all now that Sheaf has moved on.

The more likely outcome is that Grimes stays fit through the season and keeps doing what he’s doing. We don’t need to spend money on a backup now who likely won’t be a viable option in the PL next season.

Mucca Mad Boys · Nov 25, 2025

shmmeee said:
I joke about Hamer but someone of that profile that can happily sit in the 6 or 8 roles and even 10 would be perfect. I do wonder what Louza would cost.

Where dos Louza fit in?

Clearly a top end player in this league but unless he’s definitely displacing Torp/Rudoni, it’s not a goer imo. Jimmy’s source reckons we’re looking at a midfielder from Europe which strikes me as a more realistic market to look at.

Watford lose 4 players to AFCON, Louza may be another (unlikely), they aren’t going to let their best player go. It’ll be like Charlie Hughes all over again.

PUSB-We_are_going_up · Nov 25, 2025

Patrick Berg is perfect although cannot play in the 10, but if we sign Memheti as well who is a 10 that can play on the left then thats good enough in my eyes

Ccfcisparks · Nov 25, 2025

I'm expecting Mehmeti Louza and Garcia in Jan. Will be incredibly disappointed in Doug if we dont get those 3 in.

Levship20 · Nov 25, 2025

Mucca Mad Boys said:
Where dos Louza fit in?

Clearly a top end player in this league but unless he’s definitely displacing Torp/Rudoni, it’s not a goer imo. Jimmy’s source reckons we’re looking at a midfielder from Europe which strikes me as a more realistic market to look at.

Watford lose 4 players to AFCON, Louza may be another (unlikely), they aren’t going to let their best player go. It’ll be like Charlie Hughes all over again.

Would take Louza over Hamer anytime

KenilworthSkyBlue · Nov 25, 2025

Mucca Mad Boys said:
Where dos Louza fit in?

Clearly a top end player in this league but unless he’s definitely displacing Torp/Rudoni, it’s not a goer imo. Jimmy’s source reckons we’re looking at a midfielder from Europe which strikes me as a more realistic market to look at.

Watford lose 4 players to AFCON, Louza may be another (unlikely), they aren’t going to let their best player go. It’ll be like Charlie Hughes all over again.

Fitting him in wouldn't be much of an issue really. Torp just can't play every single game he breaks down too easily and Louza would be a useful option against sides which look to overwhelm the midfield.

But it's irrelevant as it would be impossible to get him without a monstrous bid.

Didn't actually click they had that many players out with AFCON. Makes it all the more unlikely.

SBAndy · Nov 25, 2025

SBT said:
The more likely outcome is that Grimes stays fit through the season and keeps doing what he’s doing. We don’t need to spend money on a backup now who likely won’t be a viable option in the PL next season.

I bring it back to Sam Rak-Sakyi who we were supposedly interested in last January. Don’t know enough about him but could potentially look at someone like that on a permanent who won’t necessarily expect to play every game but in the long term may have what it takes at PL level. It’s difficult, though.

Mucca Mad Boys · Nov 25, 2025

KenilworthSkyBlue said:
Fitting him in wouldn't be much of an issue really. Torp just can't play every single game he breaks down too easily and Louza would be a useful option against sides which look to overwhelm the midfield.

But it's irrelevant as it would be impossible to get him without a monstrous bid.

Didn't actually click they had that many players out with AFCON. Makes it all the more unlikely.

Exactly and Watford are actually a good team, they’ll be up in and around the playoffs come May. Having several players out for AFCON however is potentially debilitating.

We’re not fitting in Louza, Torp, Rudoni and Grimes in the same team. None of those players are rotation players in the league.

Louza is fantasy signing, but there’s nothing about that move that makes sense whilst we’re in the Championship.

KenilworthSkyBlue · Nov 25, 2025

Mucca Mad Boys said:
Exactly and Watford are actually a good team, they’ll be up in and around the playoffs come May. Having several players out for AFCON however is potentially debilitating.

We’re not fitting in Louza, Torp, Rudoni and Grimes in the same team. None of those players are rotation players in the league.

Louza is fantasy signing, but there’s nothing about that move that makes sense whilst we’re in the Championship.

Like I said it's irrelevant as we're not signing him but the midfield is still lacking in depth from a quality perspective. The gulf from Torp to Allen is far too broad and we need someone that can comfortably deputise in the event he's either injured or needs resting.

Yes there's obviously Eccles as well but FL seems to see him as a more utility player this season due to his versatility where he can just fill in as and when needed.

Transfer Rumour 25/26 Summer Transfer Window (10 Viewers)

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