Who opened the door? My money is on Janus! 2024 January transfer thread.

[Mar]

Getting fairly excited over some of these transfer possibilities, given that we've had very little movement or sounds for quite some time.
As far as I can tell, there's the possibility of Moxon, Ogbeta, Ennis and Azeez.

We were light on players prior to some of these injuries, so it would make sense that we'd look to bring some in.

Moxon's an interesting one, given that he's played at a relatively less profile side. He's been their player of the season so there's definitely something there. Hopefully it's more unearthing a gem rather than hoping he'll be able to lift his game.


Had we not succumbed to injuries, we may have not made any movement. There didn't seem to be too pressing a need, barring good cover, but given we've got a few out injured for a while now its becoming ever more desperate.

Perhaps we'll see the JDC at LB and CMG at RB. Or maybe Ashworth or Matheson will step up.

[GhostoftheBok]

NOW it's a transfer thread...

[Mar]

I wonder how much haggling we were doing prior to the Randell injury. Seems like we've stepped up interest to get us in a more stable spot.

I'd imagine Randy goes down injured and the back and forth stops with us conceding a bigger payment than we'd expect to pay otherwise.

Still not all is bad. These seem like shrewd business strategies by the club.

[Worthy4England]

NOW it's a transfer thread...

Maybe when there's a PSG...

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

Or maybe there’s something in him being Christian… I know Evatt is a man of faith and we’ve signed a few players who are quite devout.

Seriously?

As in, do I seriously believe it’s a transfer motivator? No idea, as I’m not religious myself (not that there’s anything wrong with it if you aren’t hurting anybody, etc)

As in, has Evatt seriously mentioned religion? Seen him do it a couple of times and it would be a weird thing to make up.

Found one quote, which sounds slightly flip in isolation but in context doesn’t seem to have been:

“I spoke to the players this morning. I am a religious man, I have strong faith, and Jesus was crucified on the Friday and then he was saviour and resurrected on the Sunday – and that is how changeable football can be.”
https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/1 ... ial-media/

[GhostoftheBok]

One thing people aren't going to want to hear is that we need to be patient with Ogbeta if he does show up.

He's had an injury and no football this season.

Full Ogbeta will be fantastic as an Evatt wingback. He'll use his pace in behind if people hold a high line, he can got either way against defenders who sit deep to create or shoot, he can clear his feet to cross when defenders go tight, etc.

However, we have got to show some restraint until he gets games in his legs and also pray he stays fit.

If we bring him in on a permanent contract Evatt will absolutely believe there's a top level player in there for us, but people can't be jumping on him if he starts slowly.

I know "We have to go up now!" and "There's no time!", but he's a raw kid coming off an injury and reality is reality. Quads are a big injury for sprinters and though it's not as severe as Randell's stuff (and will hopefully take less off his game) we can't expect him to immediately be 100% the player he was on loan at Posh. He may be, but we can't demand it. It should come along fairly quickly, though.

Now then, about that right side...

[jmjhb]

Getting fairly excited over some of these transfer possibilities, given that we've had very little movement or sounds for quite some time.
As far as I can tell, there's the possibility of Moxon, Ogbeta, Ennis and Azeez.

Individually, I'd like all of those players although I don't think it solves exactly the gaps in the squad right now. Gives us amazing options off the bench though.

[GhostoftheBok]

Individually, I'd like all of those players although I don't think it solves exactly the gaps in the squad right now. Gives us amazing options off the bench though.

You mean due to the need for a centre half?

[GhostoftheBok]

Not unexpected that interest in Vic appears to be from Germany - in the form of Hannover. Surprised our friends at St Pauli aren't mentioned given Eggestein's injury issues and the success of Dapo.

Can't see Vic throwing a strop over that, so it'll be a case of put up or shut up.

Football Insider also says a "mystery Turkish club" want him. If it's Rizespor that may cause a bit more of an issue. They have been looking for a centre forward of that profile all window. Beautiful place to live, better money and a chance to play in Europe is a tempting package.

Evatt has been pretty clear we don't want to sell. I wonder what a contingency plan would look like.

[sonicthewhite]

I see that the Bolton News is now openly reporting about Ogbeta;

https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/2 ... el-ogbeta/

[officer_dibble]

Cats out of the bag. Let’s hope it gets done.

[BWFC_Insane]

Yeah the only negative on Ogbeta is injury this season and lack of game time.

Wouldn’t be surprised if it was a loan deal though.

[sonicthewhite]

Yeah the only negative on Ogbeta is injury this season and lack of game time.

Wouldn’t be surprised if it was a loan deal though.

Or it could be a straight purchase. Another one of those that was potentially earmarked for the summer but an agreement has been able to be concluded now instead?

[BWFC_Insane]

Yeah the only negative on Ogbeta is injury this season and lack of game time.

Wouldn’t be surprised if it was a loan deal though.

Or it could be a straight purchase. Another one of those that was potentially earmarked for the summer but an agreement has been able to be concluded now instead?

Maybe. The deal we are hoping to do today is a loan. Maybe that is Ennis I guess. But wouldn’t surprise me if it’s Ogbeta.

[Mar]

Yeah the only negative on Ogbeta is injury this season and lack of game time.

Wouldn’t be surprised if it was a loan deal though.

Or it could be a straight purchase. Another one of those that was potentially earmarked for the summer but an agreement has been able to be concluded now instead?

This is the sort of thing i'm expecting the club to be doing, looking at out of contract players that suit our style of play and then signing them after their contract expires, or when the value of the player hits that sweet spot where it makes financial sense for both clubs. We've seen it the other way with Bakayoko's transfer.

[jmjhb]

Individually, I'd like all of those players although I don't think it solves exactly the gaps in the squad right now. Gives us amazing options off the bench though.

You mean due to the need for a centre half?

Yep, might be a square pegs job for a few games although the squad as a whole is undoubtedly improved.

[nicholaldo]

A loan signing would be a strange move given he's going to take a while to get up to speed and is a free agent in the summer.

[BWFC_Insane]

A loan signing would be a strange move given he's going to take a while to get up to speed and is a free agent in the summer.

I guess that’s true. But what if he signed a new deal first?

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

A loan signing would be a strange move given he's going to take a while to get up to speed and is a free agent in the summer.

I guess that’s true. But what if he signed a new deal first?

That’s a possibility but it would be a semi-big call for Williams as a brand new manager - unless at Swansea it’s a “chief coach” job and he doesn’t do contracts. The fact he’s said he likes Ogbeta doesn’t really tell us either way - managers often praise those out of the team; Evatt frequently said Declan John’s a good player, no personal problem, etc.

EDIT here’s Williams quoted by BBC (which says loan deal):

When asked after last night’s FA Cup defeat to Bournemouth if a move to Bolton is happening, Swans head coach Luke Williams said: “I believe so."

[Prufrock]

Could be we're not sure about his injury so want to have a look for 6 months but risk him helping elsewhere. Could be he wants to see where we are in 6 months and see if he can play himself into a better offer.

Perm makes more sense, but there are reasons it might be a loan.