January Transfer Window

[washsaint]

I'm pretty sure there's already a thread for this but I can't be arsed finding it.  As the window opens in a month, here would be my wish list:

OUTS
Aribo
Edozie
Matsuki (loan as hes so far down the pecking order)
Archer
Sesay (loan)
Downs (loan)


INS
Striker

Realistically I'm not sure we need any more added to an already big squad and we should be saving the pennies for next summer depending on what division we'll be in.  I know many would argue we need a GK but the club rates Bazunu and we may have Ramsdale back in the summer.
 

At GK we have Bazunu and McCarthy
At RWB/RB we have Mads, Jelert, Fellows
At LWB/LB we have Manning and Wellington
AT CB we have Quarshie, Stephens, THB, Wood. Edwards
CM we have Charles, Downes, Bragg, Jander, Romeu (with Williams possibly in the mix)
Attackers/wingers we have Armstrong, Azaz, Scienza, Robinson, Fraser

That, on paper, is a really strong squad and should be a match for anyone.  The only gap is an out and out striker.

[Obstacle1]

A striker and goalkeeper are the only sensible ins. Outs there are several players who dont seem to be involved and Downs who isnt a footballer

[for_heaven's_Saint]

Think there has been rumours that Jelert would go back in January?

[SteveBish]

I actually want to see if Archer could play like Armstrong in the new setup, I always thought he would be better with better tactics and playing like we are now

 

[Oh no Mick Mills]

22 minutes ago, SteveBish said:

I actually want to see if Archer could play like Armstrong in the new setup, I always thought he would be better with better tactics and playing like we are now

 

Sorry but Archer couldn't play the same role as Armstrong as he has a poor first touch , he's never shown the ability to pass first time the way Arma does and he'll never track back and tackle and hustle like Arma either. 

Archer is basically a non footballing striker similar to Downs but just a little better and on his day an excellent finisher.

[revolution saint]

21 minutes ago, SteveBish said:

I actually want to see if Archer could play like Armstrong in the new setup, I always thought he would be better with better tactics and playing like we are now

 

I'm not sure he's got it in his game to drop deep and link up play like Armstrong is doing at the moment but I'd like to see how he fares in the team, mainly because we're creating really good chances and he's still our best finisher.  Reckon he'd probably thrive on some of the balls Scienza, Azaz and Fellows are delivering.  That said, would be nice to finally get that physical presence we all thought Downs was going to be as well.

[lumuah]

We should go for this keeper:

Dayne St. Clair - Wikipedia

Contract apparently expires at the end of December

Edited November 27 by lumuah

[saintant]

14 minutes ago, lumuah said:

We should go for this keeper:

Dayne St. Clair - Wikipedia

Contract apparently expires at the end of December

Is he any good with his feet?

[spyinthesky]

5 minutes ago, saintant said:

Is he any good with his feet?

Is he any good with crosses?

[spyinthesky]

2 hours ago, for_heaven's_Saint said:

Think there has been rumours that Jelert would go back in January?

That bit of info is doing the rounds.

Believe he may be a bit injury prone

[saintant]

1 hour ago, spyinthesky said:

Is he any good with crosses?

He's already a Saint.

[HnycS]

On 27/11/2025 at 07:34, SteveBish said:

I actually want to see if Archer could play like Armstrong in the new setup, I always thought he would be better with better tactics and playing like we are now

 

Not sure if Archer could play like that I have seen no indications from him. In that scenario I think Tonda will tweak the tactics somewhat to play to Archers strengths as a very efficient finisher and get the ball to him earlier so that he can run directly behind the defense.

[washsaint]

41 minutes ago, HnycS said:

Not sure if Archer could play like that I have seen no indications from him. In that scenario I think Tonda will tweak the tactics somewhat to play to Archers strengths as a very efficient finisher and get the ball to him earlier so that he can run directly behind the defense.

Only one problem with that.  He's shown himself to be anything but an efficient finisher and contributes nothing to the team effort

[Oisin]

On 27/11/2025 at 14:04, washsaint said:

I'm pretty sure there's already a thread for this but I can't be arsed finding it.  As the window opens in a month, here would be my wish list:

OUTS
Aribo
Edozie
Matsuki (loan as hes so far down the pecking order)
Archer
Sesay (loan)
Downs (loan)


INS
Striker

Realistically I'm not sure we need any more added to an already big squad and we should be saving the pennies for next summer depending on what division we'll be in.  I know many would argue we need a GK but the club rates Bazunu and we may have Ramsdale back in the summer.
 

At GK we have Bazunu and McCarthy
At RWB/RB we have Mads, Jelert, Fellows
At LWB/LB we have Manning and Wellington
AT CB we have Quarshie, Stephens, THB, Wood. Edwards
CM we have Charles, Downes, Bragg, Jander, Romeu (with Williams possibly in the mix)
Attackers/wingers we have Armstrong, Azaz, Scienza, Robinson, Fraser

That, on paper, is a really strong squad and should be a match for anyone.  The only gap is an out and out striker.

Pretty fair assessment overall. I’d like us to go to the loan market for a striker rather than spend at this stage - would hope come January there’s one or two good quality forwards itching for some game time.

Squad is far too bloated to justify any more, much as I’d like a better GK and a real leader at the back.

[James G]

I think they'll look to Germany. Younes Ebnoutalib looks a good prospect, I think he's being scouted by a few teams. He's scored 10 goals already, and he's tall, fast and shouldn't cost too much

[Badger]

15 minutes ago, James G said:

I think they'll look to Germany. Younes Ebnoutalib looks a good prospect, I think he's being scouted by a few teams. He's scored 10 goals already, and he's tall, fast and shouldn't cost too much

If we sign him, can I be first to say that I hope a bloke whose name sounds like Eunice is as good as Marian was for us. 
 

Sounds what we were hoping Downs would be. 

[James G]

41 minutes ago, Badger said:

If we sign him, can I be first to say that I hope a bloke whose name sounds like Eunice is as good as Marian was for us. 
 

Sounds what we were hoping Downs would be. 

Yeah, well this guy scores with both feet, he's good in the air. Can dribble, he's strong, has Moroccan heritage. Good xg, so he's putting himself in the right areas. Then he's exceeding his xg by scoring. He's already stepped up from the fourth to the second division in Germany successfully. So he looks a good prospect.

[skintsaint]

1 hour ago, James G said:

I think they'll look to Germany. Younes Ebnoutalib looks a good prospect, I think he's being scouted by a few teams. He's scored 10 goals already, and he's tall, fast and shouldn't cost too much

https://www.sportsboom.co.uk/football/transfer-news/exclusive-norwich-monitoring-younes-ebnoutalib

[James G]

16 minutes ago, skintsaint said:

https://www.sportsboom.co.uk/football/transfer-news/exclusive-norwich-monitoring-younes-ebnoutalib

Worth a punt at 6-8 million. Just an idea anyway

[HnycS]

On 28/11/2025 at 11:51, washsaint said:

Only one problem with that.  He's shown himself to be anything but an efficient finisher and contributes nothing to the team effort

Agree with the second point he has played like a passenger, not sure if that can be fixed. But I have seen take some chances well.

[Sheaf Saint]

On 29/11/2025 at 15:00, James G said:

Worth a punt at 6-8 million. Just an idea anyway

A young striker from the German second division for £6-8m.

What could possibly go wrong? 

[Pamplemousse]

A striker is a necessity. If the club are smart we'll have someone ready to come in on 1 January immediately. And preferably one that doesn't get injured for months at a time.

An experienced goalkeeper as well. No reason why we can't get someone in on loan.

Another winger would be nice - Fraser is past it and we can't rely on just Scienza and Fellows.

[Mustang Saint]

43 minutes ago, Pamplemousse said:

A striker is a necessity. If the club are smart we'll have someone ready to come in on 1 January immediately. And preferably one that doesn't get injured for months at a time.

An experienced goalkeeper as well. No reason why we can't get someone in on loan.

Another winger would be nice - Fraser is past it and we can't rely on just Scienza and Fellows.

But they're not smart are they. 

[stknowle]

1 hour ago, Pamplemousse said:

A striker is a necessity. If the club are smart we'll have someone ready to come in on 1 January immediately. And preferably one that doesn't get injured for months at a time.

 

Yep hopefully our scouting department have done their research thoroughly again and we get a striker in early in the window to replace the last striker they had done their research thoroughly on and got in early in the last window.

Edited December 1 by stknowle

[S-Clarke]

6 minutes ago, stknowle said:

Yep hopefully our scouting department have done their research thoroughly again and we get a striker in early in the window to replace the last striker they had done their research thoroughly on and got in early in the last window.

''The club are relaxed about the striker situation, with Ross Stewart due to return to the side shortly. The club will only move if they can find better than what they have, and they have trust in the strikers already at the club.''

Predicted media pushed line by mid-January.

[Viking Saint]

26 minutes ago, S-Clarke said:

''The club are relaxed about the striker situation, with Ross Stewart due to return to the side shortly. The club will only move if they can find better than what they have, and they have trust in the strikers already at the club.''

Predicted media pushed line by mid-January.

It would be hard to not find better than Downs.....

[Lighthouse]

With Stewart's recurring injuries, Archer apparently out of favour and Downs... let's just be kind and say 'developing steadily', I'd say the need for a striker is clearly a pressing issue. Whether someone who can improve us is available, either on loan or within our budget, is a different matter.

I'd say we're pretty well catered for everywhere else.

[Sheaf Saint]

11 hours ago, Lighthouse said:

With Stewart's recurring injuries, Archer apparently out of favour and Downs... let's just be kind and say 'developing steadily', I'd say the need for a striker is clearly a pressing issue. Whether someone who can improve us is available, either on loan or within our budget, is a different matter.

I'd say we're pretty well catered for everywhere else.

Got to be a loan, surely. There must be a half decent striker warming someone's bench somewhere that is desperate for some game time ahead of the world cup, that would drastically improve our frontline. 

[AlexLaw76]

Can we all stop being spoilt and demanding, the transfer window is open for a month so just calm down

[Lighthouse]

17 minutes ago, Sheaf Saint said:

Got to be a loan, surely. There must be a half decent striker warming someone's bench somewhere that is desperate for some game time ahead of the world cup, that would drastically improve our frontline. 

I would imagine it helps that every pub team and their dog gets to qualify for next summer's tournament.

[Rebel]

Yes - we definitely need a striker to provide cover and an alternative to Armstrong.  Ideally someone physical with pace who can play as a number nine. 

I don't think Stewart will really play again this season - apart from maybe 1 or 2 substitute appearances at the end of the season.  It looks like Archer is on his way out either on loan or permanent in January.  And Downs should go out on loan somewhere to get more experience and toughen up.

Josh Maja will only have 6 months left on his contract at WBA in January - maybe he could be a relatively cost effective solution if he's fully recovered from his injuries. 

As for Matsuki we should either play him or send him out on loan.  I would have played him over Aribo at the weekend.

[badgerx16]

19 minutes ago, Rebel said:

 

Josh Maja will only have 6 months left on his contract at WBA in January - maybe he could be a relatively cost effective solution if he's fully recovered from his injuries. 

 

As if that bothers our recruitment team.

[Toadhall Saint]

13 hours ago, Lighthouse said:

With Stewart's recurring injuries, Archer apparently out of favour and Downs... let's just be kind and say 'developing steadily', I'd say the need for a striker is clearly a pressing issue. Whether someone who can improve us is available, either on loan or within our budget, is a different matter.

I'd say we're pretty well catered for everywhere else.

Goalkeeper

[Midfield_General]

On 27/11/2025 at 14:04, washsaint said:

I'm pretty sure there's already a thread for this but I can't be arsed finding it.  As the window opens in a month, here would be my wish list:

OUTS
Aribo
Edozie
Matsuki (loan as hes so far down the pecking order)
Archer
Sesay (loan)
Downs (loan)


INS
Striker

Realistically I'm not sure we need any more added to an already big squad and we should be saving the pennies for next summer depending on what division we'll be in.  I know many would argue we need a GK but the club rates Bazunu and we may have Ramsdale back in the summer.
 

At GK we have Bazunu and McCarthy
At RWB/RB we have Mads, Jelert, Fellows
At LWB/LB we have Manning and Wellington
AT CB we have Quarshie, Stephens, THB, Wood. Edwards
CM we have Charles, Downes, Bragg, Jander, Romeu (with Williams possibly in the mix)
Attackers/wingers we have Armstrong, Azaz, Scienza, Robinson, Fraser

That, on paper, is a really strong squad and should be a match for anyone.  The only gap is an out and out striker.

I’d punt Edwards as well. Looks to have slipped to fifth in the pecking order and we’d probably get a decent Championship level fee for him from QPR or someone desperate as he still seems to have a pretty good rep but that hasn’t been borne out whenever I’ve seen him play for us. Promote one of the u21s to be fifth choice and free up probably £5-6m or whatever plus wages to add to the fund for a big, strong, powerful, hunky target man. 

[Chez]

2 hours ago, Rebel said:

 

Josh Maja will only have 6 months left on his contract at WBA in January - maybe he could be a relatively cost effective solution if he's fully recovered from his injuries. 

I liked the look of Maja in the Sunderland documentary from a few years back, but I think he is very reliant on chances being laid on a plate for him as his scoring record goes from great to terrible to great back to terrible.

He's scored 1 goal in 16 games for WBA so far this season.

He scored 12 in 26 last season for WBA.

The season before that, 1 goal in 12 championship games for WBA.

The season before 16 in 38 ligue 2 games for Bordeaux.

The season before 1 in 15 games for Stoke in the championship. 

Almost all his goals last year are from inside the six yard box. That's not a bad thing as Armstrong continually fails to get in where it matters. Goals are not everything, but I am not sure he is a genuine target man. WBA fans can see he has quality but suggest he's injury prone.

 

[Dusic]

Probably not a position we need nunbers wise but would be all over trying to get Harry Amass if its possible - really good young player and would suit us well. 

Seems his loan at Sheff Wed is only until January. Even aside from his goal was impressive against us I thought.

[OldNick]

On 02/12/2025 at 13:07, Midfield_General said:

 hunky target man. 

Not sure we need one like that but it takes all types😀

[SaintJackoInHurworth]

The squad assessment in the first post is fine but actually it is not as simple as that. For example:

• Edwards is often used as a full back
• Jelert can play at left or right back

If we continue to have injuries in central midfield, it would be good to see if Matsuki can do a job there, but I wonder whether he is seen more as a holding midfielder, box-to-box midfielder or attacking midfielder by Eckert.

We don't actually have a lot of cover for Azaz in the AM position, so if Matsuki is not seen as suitable for that position then maybe we could also do with someone to cover there.

Consequently, we could probably look at the following three positions for January recruitment:

• Goalkeeper (maybe Patterson)
• Striker
• AM

[SNSUN]

I'd like to think we'd strengthen in January. I still don't see a keeper coming in sadly (just a hunch) but I think we'll look at another striker, even with AA clicking with his new homies. Another attacking AM would be nice too. Would Norwich finally sell Sargent? I wonder if they'll be looking to sell to strengthen and I doubt his value will be as high as it was in the summer. 

Our late summer policy of signing some of the better Championship players from last season is starting to pay dividends. More of the same would be nice to strengthen the squad. Also whoever scouted Scienza and Jander (and even Spertsyan though we didn't get him) deserves another shot at bringing someone else in. 

I think we'll see a few players go in January. SR have got a lot wrong in their tenure but the late summer transfer dealings have given me some positivity that they are learning from their mistakes. Maybe Spors influence? 

[Toadhall Saint]

1 hour ago, SNSUN said:

I'd like to think we'd strengthen in January. I still don't see a keeper coming in sadly (just a hunch) but I think we'll look at another striker, even with AA clicking with his new homies. Another attacking AM would be nice too. Would Norwich finally sell Sargent? I wonder if they'll be looking to sell to strengthen and I doubt his value will be as high as it was in the summer. 

Our late summer policy of signing some of the better Championship players from last season is starting to pay dividends. More of the same would be nice to strengthen the squad. Also whoever scouted Scienza and Jander (and even Spertsyan though we didn't get him) deserves another shot at bringing someone else in. 

I think we'll see a few players go in January. SR have got a lot wrong in their tenure but the late summer transfer dealings have given me some positivity that they are learning from their mistakes. Maybe Spors influence? 

Think you’ll find it was Spors with his understanding of the German leagues. Jander for one is very highly thought of and is being spoken about as being close to a full German cap. If we were scouting for younger hungry players I’d certainly be looking at the German U21’s.

[Matthew Le God]

32 minutes ago, Toadhall Saint said:

Think you’ll find it was Spors with his understanding of the German leagues. 

German Tim Lederer is our chief scout

[Wade Garrett]

On 29/11/2025 at 15:00, James G said:

Worth a punt at 6-8 million. Just an idea anyway

Another 6-8 million down the shitter.  This isn’t Football Manager.

[Wade Garrett]

Keeper the most important position to strengthen imo.  No problem scoring goals at the moment, we’re banging them in.

[saintwbu]

Desperately need a RB, at the moment we don’t have anyone to play there so are stuck with this formation no matter what - fine for now but need a plan B. If Jelert’s loan is to be cancelled as has been rumoured, it leaves just Roerslev who is crap. A physical forward also would be great as an option to change things. 

[macca155]

1 hour ago, Wade Garrett said:

Keeper the most important position to strengthen imo.  No problem scoring goals at the moment, we’re banging them in.

Keeper may be our priority but the club clearly rate Bazunu, and with Ramsdale still on the books, I think there's zero chance of any movement there.... bugger.

Similar up front. Archer and Stewart will be expected to put pressure on Armstrong. Nobody sells a decent striker in January anyway. SR will keep their powder dry until the summer.

Going to be all about some players finally pissing off. They may go for a dominant CB or experienced full back. Wood has control of the centre of defence, which is good to see, but who replaces him if he is injured.

 

[Willo of Whiteley]

As much as a keeper is plainly obvious to us all, the club isn’t going to get rid of McCarthy or Bazunu, Ramsdale is on the books but that’ll be the summer.

I think we’ll get maybe a midfielder on loan and not much else.

I can’t see SR investing in a striker given they spent £7M on Damion Downs and they’ll want to wait as long as possible before accepting defeat on that front.

[Sheaf Saint]

37 minutes ago, macca155 said:

Keeper may be our priority but the club clearly rate Bazunu, and with Ramsdale still on the books, I think there's zero chance of any movement there.... bugger.

Similar up front. Archer and Stewart will be expected to put pressure on Armstrong. Nobody sells a decent striker in January anyway. SR will keep their powder dry until the summer.

Going to be all about some players finally pissing off. They may go for a dominant CB or experienced full back. Wood has control of the centre of defence, which is good to see, but who replaces him if he is injured.

 

True, but with the world cup coming up next summer there's bound to be loan deals to be done with PL fringe players desperate for game time.

[Matthew Le God]

15 minutes ago, Willo of Whiteley said:

I think we’ll get maybe a midfielder on loan and not much else.

Not a position we need someone.

We play a system with two central midfielders and have Charles, Downes, Jander and Romeu. Plus youngsters like Bragg, Williams and Sesay.

7 players is a lot of depth for 2 spots in the team. 

Edited yesterday at 16:55 by Matthew Le God

[Patches O Houlihan]

If Jelert goes then maybe a PL loan of an attacking right wing back so that Fellows could be AMR cover and can also get a break from pegging it up and down our right wing. 

Have a look for a striker but keep our powder dry if there isn't a clear win (assuming Ross is back properly fit) If he isn't then maybe loan a target man so we can keep opponents guessing in crucial end of season games or in the playoffs.

In the last week of the transfer window get an answer from Ramsdale out as to whether he would come back if we were PL again based on the latest circumstances. If not then definitely get a keeper. See if there are any PL loan keepers available.

[Matthew Le God]

Lots of people saying a striker, but in the Championship we play a system with one striker. We don't need someone this season to replace Armstrong as first choice.

Archer is good enough to be his back up.

We then have two issues.

Stewart is injury prone, but has the quality to be useful when fit. Which he is due to be again soon. I doubt they'll get rid of him in January. 

Damion Downs has looked awful, but I doubt the club will give up on him yet.

So that is 4 strikers, for one spot. 3 of which are good enough. So no real need to sign another to bloat the squad. 

Edited yesterday at 17:10 by Matthew Le God