The January window could be the difference

[chriswho]

So I hope we start thinking as much about next year as we do this year because if we make CL due to loans and can't even replace those loans, we will just embarrass ourselves.

That being said, of all years, making CL next year, especially if ManU (Moyes and Fellaini) don't make it would be pretty epic. Especially if Liverpool are on the outside looking in too... (like the table right now).

 

[billycopper]

Moyes bought John Stones last year in January. Didn't help us much last year, and I agree that especially competing in FA cup, etc, some reinforcements could have helped.

iI just wanted to clarify that we did do a little business last January and it looks like it was one final shrewd Moyes buy.

Regarding the second half of your statement, I think we can finish top 4 without any reinforcements. HOWEVER, I am very nervous about what our squad looks like next year if we lose Lukaku, Barry, and Deulofeu (not to mention Heitinga, Jelavic, and maybe even Hibbert, Distin, Baines and/or Pienaar). Making CL for next year could be a disaster if we can't open some purse strings and reinforce and add depth to our current squad.

So I hope we start thinking as much about next year as we do this year because if we make CL due to loans and can't even replace those loans, we will just embarrass ourselves. This year is setting up to be a special year for us, I just hope we can turn a special year into something lasting. Hopefully we can sign Barry and loan Deulofeu again. Maybe just maybe Lukaku and Jose fall out again and we either get another loan or somehow are able to sign him. who knows.

Lukaku- If he becomes available I'm sure we'll break the bank to sign him.
Barry- I'd be very surprised if he didn't sign on a free in the summer.
Deulofeu- I don't think Roberto would have mentioned a second season if it wasn't a distinct possibility.
Heitinga- Alcaraz and Stones can cover CB and I don't think we'll replace him.
Jelavic- I'm sure that real replace him with someone who Martinez has more faith in.
Hibbert- I'd imagine that Hibbo will be offered a new short-term deal, as he'll only be on low wages.
Distin- I'm sure that he'll see out his career with us.
Baines- Maybe he'll leave in the summer but we already have a ready-made replacement.
Pienaar- Why would he be going anywhere?

If we make CL that will be another pot of money to spend on fleshing out the squad. We probably don't need more than 22 senior players. We currently have Joel, Hibbert, Stones, Alcaraz, Heitinga, Duffy, Oviedo, Gibson, Osman, Naismith, Deulofeu, Gueye, Jelavic, Kone and Vellios (15) to compliment the first eleven. We might look for another senior CB in the summer such as Lescott on a free, especially if Distin is thinking of retirement. We might also look for an all-round midfielder (if he was available, James Milner) to cover a few positions. We'll most certainly be looking for attacking reinforcements.

It's all under control though and a lot of it depends on where we end up this season.

 

[Tony Mendez]

One of deez boiz up front plz...

Who are these happy chappies? I don't have FIFA.

 

[Tree13]

9 points separate the top 8 teams. How they use the window could determine everything from the league winners to CL places.

Arsenal- Still have money to spend. Podolski and Walcott are just coming back and they still have Oxlade-Chamberlain to return. It wouldn't surprise me if they went with what they've got but I think Wenger might look for back up for Giroud though.

City- I can't see them doing a lot of business either. Where do they need to strengthen? They might decide to loan Jovetic out and bring someone else in to compete for a first-team place. They might also look for a stronger partner for Kompany.

Chelsea- If Mourinho is to be trusted, he has said that they won't be bringing any other strikers in. Again, where could they reinforce? They have quality midfielders who can't get a game and I don't think the defence is an urgent priority.

Everton- We definitely need cover up front, especially if Jelavic is leaving. Martinez has suggested that he'd like some back up for Barry and McCarthy too. It seems like we have money to spend. Hopefully we'll be able to bring someone in who can make an immediate impact.

Liverpool- Rodgers has hinted that there isn't a lot of money available. He might decide that he needs another striker to take the weight of Suarez and Sturridge. Or he might just bring in a couple of bodies to help flesh out the squad.

United- Moyes is going to have to spend. A creative midfielder is a priority but who is he going to be able to sign mid-season and will they be able to hit the ground running?

Spurs- I think Levy will be loathe to spend any more money but it seems like Sherwood will dig his heels in and insist. They look like they need reinforcements at the back and they might swap Defoe for another striker. They're still pretty imbalanced though.

Judging by the last window I think that we might do the best in the January sales too.

Arsenal and Chelsea will both sign strikers. Spurs will pick up a CB and United need players at a couple of different positions. Liverpool will spend because they are Liverpool, and that's what they do.

We desperately need a CM to add into the mix with Barry and McCarthy. Fernando or Defour from Porto would be my preference. We also need a wide man, ideally one who can also play up front in a pinch.

I doubt however that we have aanything more than £5m to spend, so I'd like to see us sign Barry permanently the moment the window opens, freeing up a space for a young loanee who can have the same impact in CM that Deulofeu has had on the wing.

 

[Kinsale Toffee]

Who are these happy chappies? I don't have FIFA.

I think the top one is Batshuayi (not sure of spelling), haven't a clue about the other one but then again I don't have fifa either!

 

[potato]

either him or finboggson

 

[TX Bill]

I think Everton & Liverpool could really make waves if they add the right player or players to the mix.

I agree with the earlier poster about City. I guess they could sign another player or two but who do you leave out? Arsenal need another striker to back up Giroud but which bigger name player would go to Arsenal knowing they probably wouldn't be first choice.

Chelsea are loaning out more players than bringing in but a top drawer striker may push them over the top.

ManU need to sign at least four players and I don't see that happening in January.

So Everton with another striker and CM and we'd do well. Liverpool with another striker and perhaps a right back or CM and they'd certainly keep themselves in the mix too, especially after Sturridge comes back.

 

[Furey1878]

I think Everton & Liverpool could really make waves if they add the right player or players to the mix.

I agree with the earlier poster about City. I guess they could sign another player or two but who do you leave out? Arsenal need another striker to back up Giroud but which bigger name player would go to Arsenal knowing they probably wouldn't be first choice.

Chelsea are loaning out more players than bringing in but a top drawer striker may push them over the top.

ManU need to sign at least four players and I don't see that happening in January.

So Everton with another striker and CM and we'd do well. Liverpool with another striker and perhaps a right back or CM and they'd certainly keep themselves in the mix too, especially after Sturridge comes back.

Pretty much agree with all of this.

Striker and CM are must haves for us.

 

[johnnydawg68]

UTD are going to probably outspend everyone.

Maybe but I don't see them spending big. If they do outspend everyone it will be because no one else spent much.

Who are they reasonably going to get that isn't CL tied? Would they spend big on someone who can't help them advance in the CL? Will they break their policy of buying young?

It's going to be interdasting.

 

[AaronTheBlue]

I know united want Marek Hamsik, he'd be a very good signing for them. But Man City want him as well.


It'll be a massive window for us this, if we want to get fourth we have to get players in.

 

[ilikecheese]

When Jags comes back in 4 weeks it'll be like a new signing...