The January 2026 Transfer Window

[M_B]

1 minute ago, TugaysMarlboro said:

These days, when clubs and managers talk about a “striker”, do they just mean anyone who can play anywhere across the front line, whatever the system?

 

It feels like that must be what they mean now, because Cleary isn’t someone I’d describe as a striker, neither is Jorgensen.

 

The term seems to have drifted from “proper number 9” to “forward” and it makes it hard to know what role they’re actually recruiting for.

I know what you mean, it looks to me having watched him the grand total of once, that they see Jorgensen on the right, Cleary on the left and Gudjonson middle,with Ohashi wherever.

It would appear to be a plan, who knows ? 

[RevidgeBlue]

17 minutes ago, Rossy Rover said:

Jackson reckons we are pressing ahead with our interest in Cleary at Barnsley. Let's hope this one is actually true! 

Wow, what's the bid today, £1.6m plus a £3.4m  add on if he hits 300 international caps?

(Not having a go at you sorry. The LT shouldn't be encouraging this nonsense either)

Lashings of humble pie at the ready if Im wrong.

[M_B]

7 minutes ago, RevidgeBlue said:

You've asked the same question before and I answered it at the time. From the same people who provide the transfer rumours normally.

You seem quite happy to believe them when it suits, for example if it's reported we've spent £3m on a player.

That came from Norway, and I don't believe it or disbelieve it, I'd much rather we got him for free. I'm simply asking the question where it came from ? 

[RevidgeBlue]

Just now, M_B said:

That came from Norway, and I don't believe it or disbelieve it, I'd much rather we got him for free. I'm simply asking the question where it came from ? 

I'm thought you were asking about the suggestion that Cashin had to play because Brighton were subbing most if not all his wages. That came from the people who normally share the transfer rumours.

Apologies if Ive got my wires crossed.

[MarkBRFC]

9 minutes ago, G Somerset Rover said:

Cleary would be mad to come here given the sh*t show we are on and off the pitch - even if we did agree a fee.

I'm not sure about that.

Play at a higher level for a few months to show he can do it at this level and then it would be probably be sold to him that he can make a better move to a more ambitious club in the summer, plus i'm guessing even 2026 Venky Rovers can give him a better salary than he's currently on at Barnsley.

[RevidgeBlue]

2 minutes ago, MarkBRFC said:

I'm not sure about that.

Play at a higher level for a few months to show he can do it at this level and then it would be probably be sold to him that he can make a better move to a more ambitious club in the summer, plus i'm guessing even 2026 Venky Rovers can give him a better salary than he's currently on at Barnsley.

From the player's perspective it would be an odd and risky move to agree to a permanent offer to move in the hope of moving again in the summer. 

[roversfan99]

There is no chance we get Cleary.

But assuming he is a target. As much as he looks a real talent, its another example of us trying to build a squad without a plan. They cant seem to decide on a formation and seem to not strongly consider signing square pegs for square holes.

[Torgeir]

Barnsley are 15th in the table in League One. Why wouldn't he come here on higher wages and a new showground before the next step up? 

So much negativity on here, a lot of it is justified, but c'mon...

[MarkBRFC]

16 minutes ago, RevidgeBlue said:

From the player's perspective it would be an odd and risky move to agree to a permanent offer to move in the hope of moving again in the summer. 

I don't think so, get a better wage and play at a higher level for a few months, and put yourself in the shop window even more.

At best we stay up and he either moves on after impressing or he has another season with us to show what he can do at this level.

At worst, he ends up back at the level he was playing on anyway, for more money I presume.

If Barnsley were in the running to go up, then maybe it wouldn't be worth the risk.

I suspect other clubs will be in for him this week anyway so it won't matter.

[M_B]

20 minutes ago, RevidgeBlue said:

I'm thought you were asking about the suggestion that Cashin had to play because Brighton were subbing most if not all his wages. That came from the people who normally share the transfer rumours.

Apologies if Ive got my wires crossed.

That was what I was asking, it just seems like one of those rumours that is put out there, then 6 pages later becomes fact.

it may well be true, having said that, for me lit's only really a problem if he doesn't earn his place 

[RevidgeBlue]

1 minute ago, Torgeir said:

Barnsley are 15th in the table in League One. Why wouldn't he come here on higher wages and a new showground before the next step up? 

So much negativity on here, a lot of it is justified, but c'mon...

If we're the only suitor for him maybe.

If not and If we're going down, (which I think we are) what's the point in him moving unless we're a better long term prospect?

(eg Derby v Rovers)

Im not even sure we're that at the moment either.

All likely to be hypothetical debate anyway as we won't pay the fee for him.

[RevidgeBlue]

2 minutes ago, M_B said:

That was what I was asking, it just seems like one of those rumours that is put out there, then 6 pages later becomes fact.

it may well be true, having said that, for me lit's only really a problem if he doesn't earn his place 

I dont know if it's true or not.

I've always thought it's more likely with these things that rather than a written agreement that "player X will play a minimum 80 minutes every week" etc there more of a general understanding that said player will get a good amount of games time every week or any privileges will be withdrawn etc.

Im not in favour of either.

The fact Cashin was brought straight back in after just one game out does nothing to persuade me that something fishy isnt going on frankly.

[Herbie6590]

23 minutes ago, M_B said:

That was what I was asking, it just seems like one of those rumours that is put out there, then 6 pages later becomes fact.

it may well be true, having said that, for me lit's only really a problem if he doesn't earn his place 

I’ve heard it said on a number of podcasts that loan deals are often structured around the fee being determined by appearances made - so more games, lower loan fee paid.

Rovers will no doubt be balancing that given the urge to cut costs everywhere…

[Emerald Isle Rover]

I would be very surprised if we got him as in surely other teams would be interested that said thre must be some indication from player/agent/club the deal could get done

add to that whilst we are in an awful position Barnsley are 4 points from relegation to league 2 form like our own has fell off a cliff and he simply could just want out

 

[RevidgeBlue]

34 minutes ago, Herbie6590 said:

I’ve heard it said on a number of podcasts that loan deals are often structured around the fee being determined by appearances made - so more games, lower loan fee paid.

Rovers will no doubt be balancing that given the urge to cut costs everywhere…

Sounds feasible.

Still don't agree with it - you should be picked on merit alone and in the long run we're better playing Pratt.

And if you're that worried about costs, wouldn't cost any loan fee at all.

Edited 1 hour ago by RevidgeBlue

[Torgeir]

54 minutes ago, RevidgeBlue said:

If we're the only suitor for him maybe.

If not and If we're going down, (which I think we are) what's the point in him moving unless we're a better long term prospect?

(eg Derby v Rovers)

Im not even sure we're that at the moment either.

All likely to be hypothetical debate anyway as we won't pay the fee for him.

He'll increase his wages here and play a level above where he's currently playing at. Next chance might be in the summer, then there's the risk of injuries, form drop etc.

If another team offers better terms, then that's probably where he'll go. As for long term, why would he care if we're just a stepping stone on his way to the Premier League. 

Do you think anyone will pay £5m for him this window? I can't see it happening myself, but it will probably drag out until next weekend before this one is resolved one way or the other.

[Torgeir]

37 minutes ago, Herbie6590 said:

I’ve heard it said on a number of podcasts that loan deals are often structured around the fee being determined by appearances made - so more games, lower loan fee paid.

Rovers will no doubt be balancing that given the urge to cut costs everywhere…

Pratt has made 10 Championship appearances for us now so could theoretically be that this triggers a pay-rise if he reaches more - don't you think? A bit odd to leave him out of the team when 'we' did.

 

[M_B]

39 minutes ago, Herbie6590 said:

I’ve heard it said on a number of podcasts that loan deals are often structured around the fee being determined by appearances made - so more games, lower loan fee paid.

Rovers will no doubt be balancing that given the urge to cut costs everywhere…

I've no doubt it happens, I'd very much doubt Rovers loan out even  their younger players and just say do whatever you want with him, let alone one which supposedly cost £9 million. 

[RevidgeBlue]

9 minutes ago, Torgeir said:

Do you think anyone will pay £5m for him this window? 

Probably not, but we're not even in the same ball park on the fee so any talk of him coming is ludicrous imo.

If that changes and we land him, fair play.

[Tomphil2]

1 hour ago, TugaysMarlboro said:

These days, when clubs and managers talk about a “striker”, do they just mean anyone who can play anywhere across the front line, whatever the system?

 

It feels like that must be what they mean now, because Cleary isn’t someone I’d describe as a striker, neither is Jorgensen.

 

The term seems to have drifted from “proper number 9” to “forward” and it makes it hard to know what role they’re actually recruiting for.

There is still the odd true centre fwd knocking about, Hull have one, and the odd poacher, which is what Leonard should develop into, but really these days it's just...

Left sided fwd, right sided fwd, in the middle rwd and in the hole fwd.

Of course they have invented names for them but that's just the gist of it in basic terms.

One day someone will go old school with 2 wingers, a centre forward and a poacher and rip a league to shreds.  As it stands though the 'striker' is no more.

 

[Torgeir]

28 minutes ago, RevidgeBlue said:

Probably not, but we're not even in the same ball park on the fee so any talk of him coming is ludicrous imo.

If that changes and we land him, fair play.

If they've got Gestede's brother in charge of transfers then their asking price will drop to £2,5m in no-time 😉

[Bohinen1983]

Madness to think we've signed Tavares and Henrikson and Foreshaw, is better than both of them.. Sterling recruitment! 

 Can't wait for next season when we have a central midfield consisting of Baradji, Tavares and Henrikson.  

 

[sharpysharps86]

18 minutes ago, Bohinen1983 said:

Madness to think we've signed Tavares and Henrikson and Foreshaw, is better than both of them.. Sterling recruitment! 

 Can't wait for next season when we have a central midfield consisting of Baradji, Tavares and Henrikson.  

 

League One would eat Tavares alive 😂

[sharpysharps86]

The Reyes Cleary thing just doesn't sound right. Where is he playing if he signs for Rovers? Wide left? Up top alongside Gudjohnsen? Not a clue what the reasoning is because there is no clear plan for what system we're supposed to be playing. the 3-5-2 was always a system that they stumbled into, but it doesn't work without Hedges and Alebiosu in the same side. Equally Gudjohnsen isn't really a lone striker either, so playing 4-2-3-1 isn't suitable for our best finisher.

It all stinks of poor planning and no one person with a clear vision ultimately.

Having said all that, I fully expect Cleary to go to Bristol City anyway 😂.