Official January '25 Transfer Window Thread

[stubbo-admin]

Official Transfer Window Thread | I'll try and stay current with signings and rumours.

Could be The Scarf's last chance to prove his worth as well as make-or-break for Lopetegui who needs to shuffle the back to suit what we're trying to do more.

Rumoured In:

• Ewan Ferguson, ST (Brighton)
• Carney Chukwumeka, CM (Chelsea)
• Carlos Soler, CM (PSG, Loan to Perm)
• Emmanuel Latte Lath, ST (Middlesbrough)
• Shea Charles, CM (Southampton)
• Ezekiel Banzuzi, CM (Leuven)
• Arthur Carbral, ST (Benfica)
• Taiwo Awoniyi, ST (Forest)
• Igor Jesus, ST (Botofogo)
• Marcus Rashford, FW (Man Utd)
• Jonathan David, ST (Lille)
• Evann Guessand, ST, (Nice)
• Randal Kolo Muani, ST, (PSG)
• Kieran Dewsbury-Hall , CM, (Chelsea)
• André Silva, ST, (RB Leipzig)
• Elye Wahi, ST, (Marseille)
• Kristjan Asllani, CM, (Inter)
• Rodrigo Muniz, ST, (Fulham)
• Callum Wilson, ST, (Newcastle)
• Ansu Fati, AM, (Barcelona)
• Angel Gomes, CM, (Lille, pre-contract)
• Adam Webster, CB, (Brighton)
• Brian Brobbey, ST, (Ajax)
• Ricardo Pepi, ST, (PSV)
• James McAtee, MF, (Man City)
• Yuri Alberto, ST, (Corinthians)
• Tyler Morton, DM, (Liverpool)

Rumoured Out:

• Kudus (Liverpool, Newcastle, Arsenal)
• Fullkrüg (Juventus)
• Rodriguez (Betis)
• Alvarez (Monaco)
• Emerson (Juventus)
• Luis Guilherme (Al Hilal)

Confirmed In:

• Josh Landers (!), ST (Hibernian)
• James Ward-Prowse, MF, (Nottigham Forest | Return from loan)
• Evan Ferguson, ST, (Brighton, Loan...no option/obligation to buy)

Confirmed Out:

• Max Cornet (Genoa, Loan)
• Favour Fawunmi
• Sean Tarima
• Junior Robinson — Sutton United (loan)
• Regan Clayton — Dagenham & Redbridge (loan)
• Brad Dolaghan — Aldershot Town (loan)
• Michael Forbes — Colchester United (loan)
• Krisztian Hegyi — Debreceni (loan)

​​​​

[stubbo-admin]

Banzuzi deal agreed. Player in talks over personal terms. Has been described as 'one for the future' apparently.

[El Scorchio]

I must admit I like Nick at C & Bs current take on “The Sullivan Effect” . He quite rightly, imo, makes the claim that deals for West Gam totally depend on who represents the player and not the quality of the player. Many of us have thought that for a very long time.  The Duran deal was scuppered by Sullivan because he ignored the deal brokered and tried to go thru the “back door” ( very appropriate pun for Sullivan) and tried to include his “friends” ( friends meanung agents Salthouse, Silkman or Mackay with vested interests to use their players or get a cut of all deals to  ensure Sulluvan only pays a preferred percentage agent fee) . Villa were upset by this brinkmanship as they had agreement thru another intermediary who had done the groundwork with the player reps and Villa before presenting to WH people who were not Sullivan.

Sane now with Angel Gomes who Potter wants for next season a a free.  Sullivan getting word out thru mouthpieces that theres no deal. Probably will try a back door route again thru Salthouse, Silkman etc but present it as “difficult or excesive agent fees” etc when it doesnt happen. We then get a Salthouse ir Silkman client as back up.  

Sullivan has done this time and time again. He’s absolute poison to our club.





 

Fuck me what a ridiculous, poisonous, pointless setup. So we're almost trying to do deals twice and if we do the first rehearsal one with all the time and money and effort put into it, then sabotage it with the second real one out of nothing but pure greed and backhanders. What a fucking pointless waste of everyone's time and money. This must be costing us a fortune to employ other people to do all the groundwork and a 'softening up' deal to then try and gouge it just to put money in cronies pockets. Absolutely disgusting.

 

This is why I was saying I never thought Steidten got a fair shake. Obviously that was his first target and the deal was done but Sullivan had to get involved. This is all allegedly but it's a very familiar tune in our transfer dealings. Thought the same thing (or similar) happened with the manager selection as well.

100%. Especially if he was Kretinsky's guy 'on the inside' it makes absolute sense for Sullivan to try and discredit and smear him at every possible turn, hijack or disrupt his deals and try and get everything he's done painted in a bad light. It feels like he's been trying to push him out of the door since the moment he arrives and is trying to engineer every opportunity to badmouth him (and get all of us to believe it him and only him that's the reason for the club's failures)
It's sabotaging and holding back the club for his own personal gain.

[El Scorchio]

I must admit I like Nick at C & Bs current take on “The Sullivan Effect” . He quite rightly, imo, makes the claim that deals for West Gam totally depend on who represents the player and not the quality of the player. Many of us have thought that for a very long time.  The Duran deal was scuppered by Sullivan because he ignored the deal brokered and tried to go thru the “back door” ( very appropriate pun for Sullivan) and tried to include his “friends” ( friends meanung agents Salthouse, Silkman or Mackay with vested interests to use their players or get a cut of all deals to  ensure Sulluvan only pays a preferred percentage agent fee) . Villa were upset by this brinkmanship as they had agreement thru another intermediary who had done the groundwork with the player reps and Villa before presenting to WH people who were not Sullivan.

Sane now with Angel Gomes who Potter wants for next season a a free.  Sullivan getting word out thru mouthpieces that theres no deal. Probably will try a back door route again thru Salthouse, Silkman etc but present it as “difficult or excesive agent fees” etc when it doesnt happen. We then get a Salthouse ir Silkman client as back up.  

Sullivan has done this time and time again. He’s absolute poison to our club.




 

Fuck me what a ridiculous, poisonous, pointless setup. So we're almost trying to do deals twice and if we do the first rehearsal one with all the time and money and effort put into it, then sabotage it with the second real one out of nothing but pure greed and backhanders. What a fucking pointless waste of everyone's time and money. This must be costing us a fortune to employ other people to do all the groundwork and a 'softening up' deal to then try and gouge it just to put money in cronies pockets. Absolutely disgusting.

If by "cronies" pockets, you mean our erstwhile Chairman, then yes cronies. *Alledgedly*.

But think about it...why would Sullivan do anything just to see Silkman or Salthouse get paid, unless there was something in it for him. These favoured agents are clearly just those that offer favourable terms to him (on a personal level). Again, all *alledgedly*.

 

Exactly! I am sure it's mutually beneficial to all of them monetarily or otherwise. Proper old boys shit making sure they are all doing very nicely regardless of what's happening on the pitch and in the changing rooms 

[Takashi Miike]

 

 

clown world, the shit stirrers working for the midget are in full flow

[Sir Alf]

Well Lopetegui was a Salthouse client wasnt he?  So not only players but managers/coached too chosen by Sullivan based on the agent that tepresents them so that a deal with sweetners/backhanded is possible each time.

[kylay]

I must admit I like Nick at C & Bs current take on “The Sullivan Effect” . He quite rightly, imo, makes the claim that deals for West Gam totally depend on who represents the player and not the quality of the player. Many of us have thought that for a very long time.  The Duran deal was scuppered by Sullivan because he ignored the deal brokered and tried to go thru the “back door” ( very appropriate pun for Sullivan) and tried to include his “friends” ( friends meanung agents Salthouse, Silkman or Mackay with vested interests to use their players or get a cut of all deals to  ensure Sulluvan only pays a preferred percentage agent fee) . Villa were upset by this brinkmanship as they had agreement thru another intermediary who had done the groundwork with the player reps and Villa before presenting to WH people who were not Sullivan.

Sane now with Angel Gomes who Potter wants for next season a a free.  Sullivan getting word out thru mouthpieces that theres no deal. Probably will try a back door route again thru Salthouse, Silkman etc but present it as “difficult or excesive agent fees” etc when it doesnt happen. We then get a Salthouse ir Silkman client as back up.  

Sullivan has done this time and time again. He’s absolute poison to our club.




 

Fuck me what a ridiculous, poisonous, pointless setup. So we're almost trying to do deals twice and if we do the first rehearsal one with all the time and money and effort put into it, then sabotage it with the second real one out of nothing but pure greed and backhanders. What a fucking pointless waste of everyone's time and money. This must be costing us a fortune to employ other people to do all the groundwork and a 'softening up' deal to then try and gouge it just to put money in cronies pockets. Absolutely disgusting.

 

 

This is why I was saying I never thought Steidten got a fair shake. Obviously that was his first target and the deal was done but Sullivan had to get involved. This is all allegedly but it's a very familiar tune in our transfer dealings. Thought the same thing (or similar) happened with the manager selection as well.

[Sir Alf]

Yeah I guess it remains “allegedly” but it would fit everything we see happen and Sullivan’s MO.

Not sure how you get evidence other than Villa or the selling clubs letting it be known. We’ve heard plenty of  club chairmen making it clear West Ham’s owners are unpleasant people to try to do business with thats for sure.  Every window we get accused of derisory bids for example

[stubbo-admin]

I must admit I like Nick at C & Bs current take on “The Sullivan Effect” . He quite rightly, imo, makes the claim that deals for West Gam totally depend on who represents the player and not the quality of the player. Many of us have thought that for a very long time.  The Duran deal was scuppered by Sullivan because he ignored the deal brokered and tried to go thru the “back door” ( very appropriate pun for Sullivan) and tried to include his “friends” ( friends meanung agents Salthouse, Silkman or Mackay with vested interests to use their players or get a cut of all deals to  ensure Sulluvan only pays a preferred percentage agent fee) . Villa were upset by this brinkmanship as they had agreement thru another intermediary who had done the groundwork with the player reps and Villa before presenting to WH people who were not Sullivan.

Sane now with Angel Gomes who Potter wants for next season a a free.  Sullivan getting word out thru mouthpieces that theres no deal. Probably will try a back door route again thru Salthouse, Silkman etc but present it as “difficult or excesive agent fees” etc when it doesnt happen. We then get a Salthouse ir Silkman client as back up.  

Sullivan has done this time and time again. He’s absolute poison to our club.



 

Fuck me what a ridiculous, poisonous, pointless setup. So we're almost trying to do deals twice and if we do the first rehearsal one with all the time and money and effort put into it, then sabotage it with the second real one out of nothing but pure greed and backhanders. What a fucking pointless waste of everyone's time and money. This must be costing us a fortune to employ other people to do all the groundwork and a 'softening up' deal to then try and gouge it just to put money in cronies pockets. Absolutely disgusting.

If by "cronies" pockets, you mean our erstwhile Chairman, then yes cronies. *Alledgedly*.

But think about it...why would Sullivan do anything just to see Silkman or Salthouse get paid, unless there was something in it for him. These favoured agents are clearly just those that offer favourable terms to him (on a personal level). Again, all *alledgedly*.

[El Scorchio]

I must admit I like Nick at C & Bs current take on “The Sullivan Effect” . He quite rightly, imo, makes the claim that deals for West Gam totally depend on who represents the player and not the quality of the player. Many of us have thought that for a very long time.  The Duran deal was scuppered by Sullivan because he ignored the deal brokered and tried to go thru the “back door” ( very appropriate pun for Sullivan) and tried to include his “friends” ( friends meanung agents Salthouse, Silkman or Mackay with vested interests to use their players or get a cut of all deals to  ensure Sulluvan only pays a preferred percentage agent fee) . Villa were upset by this brinkmanship as they had agreement thru another intermediary who had done the groundwork with the player reps and Villa before presenting to WH people who were not Sullivan.

Sane now with Angel Gomes who Potter wants for next season a a free.  Sullivan getting word out thru mouthpieces that theres no deal. Probably will try a back door route again thru Salthouse, Silkman etc but present it as “difficult or excesive agent fees” etc when it doesnt happen. We then get a Salthouse ir Silkman client as back up.  

Sullivan has done this time and time again. He’s absolute poison to our club.


 

Fuck me what a ridiculous, poisonous, pointless setup. So we're almost trying to do deals twice and if we do the first rehearsal one with all the time and money and effort put into it, then sabotage it with the second real one out of nothing but pure greed and backhanders. What a fucking pointless waste of everyone's time and money. This must be costing us a fortune to employ other people to do all the groundwork and a 'softening up' deal to then try and gouge it just to put money in cronies pockets. Absolutely disgusting.

[Sir Alf]

I must admit I like Nick at C & Bs current take on “The Sullivan Effect” . He quite rightly, imo, makes the claim that deals for West Gam totally depend on who represents the player and not the quality of the player. Many of us have thought that for a very long time.  The Duran deal was scuppered by Sullivan because he ignored the deal brokered and tried to go thru the “back door” ( very appropriate pun for Sullivan) and tried to include his “friends” ( friends meanung agents Salthouse, Silkman or Mackay with vested interests to use their players or get a cut of all deals to  ensure Sulluvan only pays a preferred percentage agent fee) . Villa were upset by this brinkmanship as they had agreement thru another intermediary who had done the groundwork with the player reps and Villa before presenting to WH people who were not Sullivan.

Sane now with Angel Gomes who Potter wants for next season a a free.  Sullivan getting word out thru mouthpieces that theres no deal. Probably will try a back door route again thru Salthouse, Silkman etc but present it as “difficult or excesive agent fees” etc when it doesnt happen. We then get a Salthouse ir Silkman client as back up.  

Sullivan has done this time and time again. He’s absolute poison to our club.

 

[goose]

[fraser]

Everything I've read about Banzuzi suggests he's not ready for the 1st team yet.

Maybe the aim is to give him minutes and have him ready for next season. 

[stubbo]

Everything I've read about Banzuzi suggests he's not ready for the 1st team yet.

[Lee Trundle]

Rob Dorsett @RobDorsettSky  Excl: #whufc have agreed a deal with Belgian club OH Leuven to sign midfielder Ezechiel Banzuzi.   The agreement is for £10m up front plus £3m in potential add-ons.    Banzuzi is due to fly to England for a medical in the next 24 hours.

I know fuck all about him- what sort of midfielder is he? Comparisons?

No doubt half the forum will be kicking off if he's not looking like the next Maradona within 8 weeks of arriving

Reminds me of Onana

The one from Man U, yeah?  

[fraser]

Rob Dorsett @RobDorsettSky  Excl: #whufc have agreed a deal with Belgian club OH Leuven to sign midfielder Ezechiel Banzuzi.   The agreement is for £10m up front plus £3m in potential add-ons.    Banzuzi is due to fly to England for a medical in the next 24 hours.

I know fuck all about him- what sort of midfielder is he? Comparisons?

No doubt half the forum will be kicking off if he's not looking like the next Maradona within 8 weeks of arriving

Reminds me of Onana

[Ron Eff]

I have no idea about this player, but the way I see it, young, athletic, box-to-box is exactly what we need in midfield, and £10m in today’s market is about as low risk as it comes.

All well and good saying look in the Championship, but I doubt you’re getting any better value there. 

[El Scorchio]

Rob Dorsett @RobDorsettSky  Excl: #whufc have agreed a deal with Belgian club OH Leuven to sign midfielder Ezechiel Banzuzi.   The agreement is for £10m up front plus £3m in potential add-ons.    Banzuzi is due to fly to England for a medical in the next 24 hours.

I know fuck all about him- what sort of midfielder is he? Comparisons?

No doubt half the forum will be kicking off if he's not looking like the next Maradona within 8 weeks of arriving

[Alan]

Rob Dorsett @RobDorsettSky  Excl: #whufc have agreed a deal with Belgian club OH Leuven to sign midfielder Ezechiel Banzuzi.   The agreement is for £10m up front plus £3m in potential add-ons.    Banzuzi is due to fly to England for a medical in the next 24 hours.

[Massive Attack]

Part of our recruitment policy should be scouring abroad as well as domestic markets for young and up coming players that don't potentially cost anywhere near the price of a seasoned German International Forward.

[twoleftfeet]

FFS look at the Championship, not 28 players from overseas. Those we've had from there have generally served us well (waits for someone to highlight the 300 disaster signings....)

 
Brighton buy these young, overseas players and they make a packet when they sell them on.

[David LE]

FFS look at the Championship, not 28 players from overseas. Those we've had from there have generally served us well (waits for someone to highlight the 300 disaster signings....)

[fraser]

Looks a unit and unlike Guilherme has lots of senior games under his belt 

[twoleftfeet]

looks like he is what we need.

This guy is the dogs nuts.

( according to someone who has watched him a dozen or so times )

Box to box, energetic and a really good player.

[Sir Alf]

The central midfield is more of a priority than attack if it comes down to being able to get one or the other because I would be very surprised if we get both in a Jan window.

People / fans will say “ but we have so many midfielders already”. Yes but none of them fit to the way Potter wants to play and the way you have to play in the Premiership if you want to retain possession of the football.  One big reason Lopetegui failed so spectacularly was central midfield not being suited to his tactics. Its the ability to press, make space and passing options and resist or cope with teams that counter.  Essentially from Soucek, Alvarez, Rodryiguez, Soler, Paqueta, Irvine and even Potts out on loan, Orford too, none of them are blessed with exceptional pace and physicality. Potts and Soler possibly the quickest but neither are able to cover the ground like say Rice did or players like Caicedo, Gravenburch, Christie etc do. Potts possibly the nearest to it but having watched him in several Pompey games, he is more of a technican with great passing who works hard out of possession not a physical, athletic type to give us the “legs” in midfield.

Its got to be fixed as a priority and will take 2 not just one player with a profile based on athleticism and speed.  We need one asap.

Longer term, I would look to ditch Rodruiguez, Soler ( because Potts is not dissimilar ) ,  Irvine ( harsh maybe but not up to Prem standard I suspect) and maybe even Soucek because we need space in the squad for Orford although Paqueta getting banned might change that I suppose?. Again harsh on Tommy and he is 100%, gives everything, provides a Plan B to go more direct with his aerial ability and some goals. But he deserves regular first team football and imo would be a bench player for us if Potter gets us to play the “3-box-3” possession and pressing style he prefers. 

Id actually keep Alvarez who would thrive imo with somec”legs” in and around him. He’s struggled in roles not suited to him under Moyes and Lop but looking much better under Potter. Yet again imo.

So this window, we simply have to get a central midfiekder with the correct profile ( quick, strong, great engine) and pray they dont get injured. Ideally we get another central attacking player too because while Bowen is returning soon we cannot risk him getting injured again. But CDM still the priority. 

[Massive Attack]

Another inexperienced Teenager that'll likely need time to bed in to a new Country and the Premier League, when we need players to come straight in to the first team to hit the ground running playing well? I'm not as convinced as others. Fingers crossed he's one of the rare ones that manages it, if he does arrive. How much is this Teenager going to cost?

Also I see Potter turned down the chance to recall Potts who has impressed on loan and is on our books costing nothing. The deadline has past now so he's at Portsmouth for the rest of the season apparently. I'd have recalled him and saved the money.