He should be a good addition - he's better than what we've got. My son says 18 months in Spain has deodorized him.
It certainly made him cheaper - I recall they were quoting a 40-50 million fee when he was still at Chelski.
I wonder if, overall, our hierarchy will deal with Chelsea now it's all change at the top of both clubs?
Apparently we will sell Alejo Veliz to Bahia for 10 million Euros. We paid an incredible 13 million pounds for him in 2023. If I understand this funny money, we would be taking a loss. Was this a Paratici signing? Damola Ajayi has been recalled from Doncaster (23rd in League 1) and loaned to Bromley (1st in League 2). So I guess that may actually be a step up?
The Veliz sale is not happening because Rosario is activating a clause that if he plays more than 50% of their games, they can block any sale or recall before the loan expires. When people are wondering why we hire people like Rafi to handle player contracts, this is why.
We've gone in for Andy Robertson of Liverpool. Experienced and a winner. Someone for the younger players to look up to. I hope we sign him.
I don't see why not. Journos sounding confident that Robertson will join... With Gallagher, that's 2 established, senior players. The recruitment could be getting more balanced.
He's verbally agreed to join, apparently. Up to the clubs to sort out the amount. While he's likely on the decline, he's an upgrade on what we have imo.
Looks like Robertson to Spurs is off, they can't recall Tsimkas from his loan at Roma. Earth calling Vinai and Johan, we need attackers.
According to Bild, we're in for Bayern's (and formerly Arsenal's) Serge Gnabry, whose contract is up this summer. He has supposedly prioritized staying in Munich to earn more minutes, so he may sign a new deal there. But if he wont - and soon -Bayern will look to get something for him. Metro says we're one of eight or so clubs interested in Raheem Sterling, who's been released by Chelsea. I dont like either, but we need something up front.
Dragusin's agent is trying to engineer a move away. Milan, Roma, and Napoli are all supposedly interested. Milan say they want a loan, though, and we'll only entertain a permanent deal. That said, according to Romano, uncertainty over Frank's position means that all outgoings have been put on hold.
From David Hytner of the Guardian: Spurs have submitted a deal sheet to get the signing of the Hearts striker, James Wilson, over the line. The 18-year-old is set to join on loan with an option to buy in the summer. He will be a player for the under-21s squad; not the first-team. And that, ladies and gentleman, is that for Spurs in terms of incoming business. Another disgrace of a transfer window from Johan Lange and Rob McKenzie (head of scouting). Un-********ing-believable.
What our CEO Vinai Venkatesham said on January 17th: We believe in our current squad, but must add more quality, experience, and leadership to compete consistently at the highest level. Doing so requires a more proactive approach to recruitment, alongside a wage structure that supports our ambition. We are fully focused on strengthening the squad in January where the right opportunities exist, while recognising that the most significant player trading activity typically comes in summer windows. Our priority is to make signings that genuinely move us forward, and we will be disciplined against that aim. Player trading is also about knowing when to sell and being decisive about moving players on who are not part of our future. Doing so is essential to maximising value and managing our financial fair play obligations. Despite common belief, we are not immune to these rules and must carefully manage our squad development plans against them. More claptrap and empty words from the ownership.