02 Sep 2026 04:01:39
2 potentially excellent deals over the line in the final few hours, both representing great value for the club, and very capable players added to the squad!
Gotta say that £1.7m loan fee for Bohaya is better than expected, and it appears the sub £5m add ons are "hard to achieve"?!?
An easy 8/10 window!
02 Sep 2026 12:15:28
Great end to the window Brighty.
On a personal note, sorry to see Willy depart, but overall, I am with Alf's earlier post. I score the window 9/10, and, collectively (excluding Raphinia and Pablo) , it is the strongest collection of players, in terms of quality, that I can remember supporting for this incredible team.
But then I'm not certain what I had for breakfast earlier. Did I have breakfast.
02 Sep 2026 13:02:41
Yes, agree losing Willy Gnonto is perhaps, for me personally, the only sour note of this transfer window.
You can see that he would not have been happy with the amount of appearances he made last season, but at the end of the day that's football, and the forever revolving door players and managers that come and go.
02 Sep 2026 15:10:34
Agree both re WG, but the game moves on, and at some point so do the players, no matter how likeable they are, and he's a very likeable guy! Best of luck to him - I hope he smashes it up, and goes fwd in leaps and bounds!
02 Sep 2026 01:25:15
So fellow banterers, deadline day has come and gone, and the transfer window has slammed shut, so how have we done? I rate our window at 7 out of 10, certainly we've added more quality, but the overall strength of the squad has not improved as much as I'd have liked. Six of our new players are just straight replacements for ones that have left, Muhremovic for Struijk, Trafford for Darlow, Zetterer for Perri, Elvedi for Bournouw, Bard for Byram and finally Bahoya for Gnonto, the only significant "net addition" to the squad being Harry Wilson.
Crucially we have not added more firepower up front, and are left hoping that Calvert Lewin and Nmecha stay fit, we tried to get Strand Larsen in Jan, but seemingly nobody similar this time. Certainly we've managed to move out quite a few who were never going to be used regularly, but even then far too many have been loans rather than sales. As my old headmaster would have said, "could do better"!
02 Sep 2026 02:41:20
Yep, I hear your concerns, of course, re strikers, so yes, defo could do better, but still.
The final day hours of the window were a pleasant surprise to boost my score to 8 /10 for the window.
A quality out-and-out striker signing would have upgraded to 9.5/10.
02 Sep 2026 03:03:25
I think you're wide of the mark, JR. Clearly, under the new financial rules, it is far better to upgrade the squad than expand it. We still only get to name 25 players, so it is prudent financial management to have 25 better players to name. Even Chelsea, who traditionally have mowed up every prospect and his dog, have realised there is no merit, under the new rules, in paying for 50 players. They have brought in something like 12 players and sent out 34!
As for loans, well, maybe that was the only option; e.g. trying to sell, or waiting to sell, may have hindered or curtailed some of the incomings. The whole saga is a continuously moving and evolving thing, and judging when and how to move in and out takes far more skill and judgement than many here can appreciate, especially when you don't have unlimited funds.
Frankly, despite obviously being one of the "usual crowd," I think our recruitment team have done a phenomenal job over the last 3 or 4 windows. The team is infinitely better than the team that won promotion, and all done within (mainly) two sets of rules, without wrecking the club's finances, and whilst spending on the ground upgrade.
Our club is probably being run better now than at any time in the past.
02 Sep 2026 03:30:41
One of the usual crowd. The usual crowd like categorising, eh. Anyway.
Agree JR. 7/10. A good last-ditch panic signing, though. Probably didn't even realise Bahoya was available until Hull tried to get him. Maybe.
All done now, and we can forget what we wanted and didn't want and got and didn't get.
We play with the hand we have.
Very impressed with upgrades and Elvis and Bards quality.
Bahoya is a suck-and-see as stats are pretty underwhelming but still young, so let's hope he is a Raph.
The horse has bolted, and they will be judged on what they didn't do as well as what they did. Down to you dcl and Namecheck to prove me wrong. Please.
02 Sep 2026 04:06:44
In terms of "depth": most have been clamouring for the removal of unnecessary "dead wood". That has, by and large, now been done.
Is it not pointless just replacing it with more floaters, simply to have the full player allowance? Especially if they cost money! I dare say we may yet pick up a free agent somewhere along the lines to pad out, if that's deemed necessary?
02 Sep 2026 04:22:06
"...You will get the usual comments from the usual people who actually believe everything our club does is right..."
The "usual crowd", Aus, just for reference.
02 Sep 2026 04:57:15
What Ani said.
02 Sep 2026 05:22:13
Lol! It was the other "usual crowd" that liked to categorise the more positive "usual crowd". 😬🤣
02 Sep 2026 06:18:13
Way over the top, senseless panicking yesterday.
Judge the club on what it is doing now at the end of the season or, better still, in the next two or three seasons.
Some fans will always want more than is available, whether it's realistic or not. It is a game of many opinions, and I think our current custodians of LUFC are steadily and sensibly turning this great club of ours in the right direction to achieve sustainability for the long-term future in the Premiership.
Boom-or-bust, short-term successes never work, and I see our owners being very diligent in making our club a significant one in the future, again.
Complain, moan and stamp your feet in anger if you wish. It's your right as a fan of your football club. We all have the right to moan or praise our football team. It's also our right to complain about each other's opinions of our club, and we do that oh so very well.
02 Sep 2026 06:18:45
Nah fella. Both crowds did so/do so, and fairly equally. It is what it is, and adds to the debate in my opinion.
02 Sep 2026 06:24:07
I heard the new fella can play up front as well as across the front.
But would have loved an out and out striker too!
I'll give it a 7. Ask me again after seeing him play.
02 Sep 2026 07:29:30
I'm gonna give it a 6 for the transfer window. imo.
02 Sep 2026 07:48:10
7? 6?? Wow, what a tough crowd. I would go 9/10. We have improved the first 11 and the squad immeasurably, not merely "straight replacements". How you can say Struijk-Tarik isn't a massive improvement, or Darlow to Trafford, or Byram (?!?) to Bard, etc., aren't huge steps forward, I'm not sure.
Not only that, but we have removed a lot of players who would barely have played, and probably even more significantly kept hold of our beat players such as Amps, Stach and DCL.
I'm not sure I remember a better window in my lifetime, relative to the stature of the club as it is now and the limitations imposed on us.
And still potential wiggle room for January if needed.
Flabbergasted by the reaction I honestly am. It just shows how impossible to please some people are.
02 Sep 2026 07:50:54
I gonna say our best windy in years,
Let me see, Strujik or Gary?
Traff or Karl?
We have brought in solid players.
There's a lot more positive issues now within our club, and I for 1 am happy.
If Parrag could now sort out a proper Guinness tap inside ER for matchday, I would be most appreciative. 😂
02 Sep 2026 08:10:13
He could do with getting rid of that Amstel, Chris. It's the worst lager we have had on for years! Regarding the transfer window, probably one of the best we have had, so let's see how it translates to performances on the field.
02 Sep 2026 08:11:41
The two big positives are the big improvement in the defence and the moving on of surplus players, often for money, rather than the usual loan.
Those deserve a 9/10.
The midfield has basically stayed the same.
The big disappointment is not getting in a striker where we are thin on the ground, especially as Piroe went.
There may be a free agent still available to cover that role, but I think we will have to handle the two we've got with care.
Overall 7/10.
02 Sep 2026 08:13:21
Like Alf, I give it 9/10.
We have an unrecognisable and far superior defence, with quality backups in most areas, the addition of Wilson, who will get the front line ticking, and speed in abundance, with DJ and Le Road Runner.
Disappointed we didn't land a striker, and I was fully expecting Haaland to arrive, but hey ho, if DCL continues to stay fit and succeed with this system and the improved players around him, the future looks bright.
Hats off to the recruitment team, they have surpassed my expectations.
02 Sep 2026 08:29:00
If Chris is happy [aside from the Guinness issue!], then we should all be happy!
Well said, Chris.
BTW, it's the pies, man, they have to sort out the pies!
02 Sep 2026 09:02:05
Noted. Amstel is urine, pies gone massively downhill, definitely, Ani.
02 Sep 2026 09:08:56
I'd say a solid window. 8/10.
No striker, but who would we have signed & how would we have played them? Are you wanting to spend £40m-ish? The system works perfectly for DCL, so who do you bring in & sacrifice on the pitch?
The new Boy Bahoya wasn't a last minute panic buy. Alf Cuppa had mentioned they were looking at him on here a few weeks back. Let's see what he can do.
He could be the next Raphina.
Mudryk - not played for 2 seasons & attitude problems. We've just sent Ramazani away for attitude. So we've dodged a bullet there (IMO) , especially with the price tag.
Personally, I think the signings are improvements not just on the pitch, but in general. Look at the last time we came up & some of the crap that we signed & then failed to improve on.
02 Sep 2026 09:44:08
What a largely sensible and un-acrimonious debate there. I certainly wouldn't argue for a bloated squad where some players rarely get a game, but still think we should have added a good out and out striker, which would then have made it a 9 out of 10 for me. I still think that some of those who've gone out on loan may end up as problems to resolve further down the line, but if all goes to plan, potentially they could yield a further £43M by this time next year.
Good that we've managed to permanently move on 7 players, most of whom only one would have played, rarely if at all. The die is now cast, and whatever our views, it's time to get behind the team. I don't go in for predictions, cos in the past, mine have had a habit of going tits up, but I'm hoping for a top half finish - fingers crossed.
02 Sep 2026 11:09:29
Much prefer a pre match drink in the City, followed by another couple in the City before heading home on the train. Prices and plastic in the ground, no thanks, not for dish water.
02 Sep 2026 12:17:32
I like White Locks & Scarborough + Becketts Spoons in town for 1-2 before games, and have to stop in Peacock before every game.
02 Sep 2026 18:22:15
I walk past [rather than enter] the Drysalters. What a mess that has become. I truly don't know what went wrong there. It was always heaving?
01 Sep 2026 18:40:39
Just waiting for the doom mongers on here to rubbish our new flying attacker and say we should have tried for Mbappe or Haaland!
This has been a brilliant window for us and fair play to all involved.
01 Sep 2026 19:10:39
Hands up - blindsided, and I'll swallow my medicine. If it comes off, I'm happy for that!
01 Sep 2026 20:33:47
Just read a piece there.
Bahoya 1st ever Bundesliga player to hit 37kmh.
His stats are a tad exciting, also.
Seems a good un.
01 Sep 2026 20:54:32
Sad to see Willie going. He played great in the new formation in preseason, and I don't care what anyone says.
01 Sep 2026 21:09:25
So am I, White man. I think he could have done a good job in that role, given the opportunity.
Hopefully he has a good season at Florentna and gets his career back on track. He deserves it because he's a great character and always gave his all.
01 Sep 2026 21:57:08
Chris, his stats are ok at best.
However, in saying that he's only 21 and hopefully will improve.
However, again, I guarantee Daniel Farke won't start the lad this season.
His YouTube looks good tho.
01 Sep 2026 22:03:33
Dunelm, I second that mate 100%.
01 Sep 2026 22:21:45
Your reply trumped my retort, Cork.
Hence why I used "tad", and am also cognizant of his young age.
02 Sep 2026 04:12:19
You guarantee it, Corkster? I reckon he does start games this season. Maybe not lots, but I feel he will get starts. Can't wait to see him turn the gas on against tired legs tho! Opposition defenders gonna have to sit deep off him, or risk being turned and gassed by staying very tight.
01 Sep 2026 18:02:11
How can Ipswich have over 170 million to spend and we don’t or should we have but 49ers are not playing ball?
01 Sep 2026 19:04:00
Don't know for sure, Whiteman, but it may be in the same vein as Sunderland last year, because they didn't spend a lot over the preceding couple of years and sold players that were either Academy players or those with little owing. They could spend a s*** load when they went up. Either way, the system is utterly floored!
01 Sep 2026 18:56:16
Didn't you hear Whitey that Marathe is keeping back 50 mill just in case a marquee player becomes available?
01 Sep 2026 19:12:05
SCR is quite complicated. You can spend up to 115% of revenue without being penalised, but the actual Premier League limit is 85%. In Europe, it's even lower at 70%.
With the Premier League, if you go over 85%, say to 92% (+7) , then your limit for the following season, before sanctions, reduces, so would be 108%.
We seem to have included an obligation for Bohoya to limit how far over 85% we go, but by most accounts we will be over. Say around 95%.
The good news is we have some future outgoing fees sort of baked in.
Ramazani at 6.5m is basically guaranteed, and Piroe, if Hammers promoted, for a further £8m. That helps.
Assuming we stay up, id regrettably expect a major, profitable sale next season. Ampadu, Stach, or one of the defenders. Not because the 49ers can't back us, but to back us they need us to stay SCR compliant.
They are building the stadium and the fan park for revenue, but that won't impact it overnight.
01 Sep 2026 19:31:02
Stop talking sense, Ealing. People can't handle it. :)
01 Sep 2026 19:38:58
We were at 91% yesterday, so Willie and Ramz transfers should improve that, but we will be over 85% at the close of the window.
The only ones under yesterday were the big six, excluding Chelsea (although that might change with the Fernandez sale) , Sunderland, and the three promoted sides.
It will be interesting to see what the figures are tomorrow, especially Bournemouth, who were up at 125%. They might need a big late sale or one in January.
01 Sep 2026 19:50:03
Corkey, not a lot of people know that. 👏
01 Sep 2026 19:51:17
Thanks, General. 👍
01 Sep 2026 19:54:30
Yeah Bournemouth are slightly struggling and far more vulnerable than they look.
They had a superb coach in Iraola who helped them punch above their weight. But their revenues will always be hurt by having the tiny stadium without real room to grow it unless they move.
Kroupi's broken foot is a real blow for them both in terms of staying up (I think in a huge transition year that has to be their aim) and extracting their value for him.
Depending where they are in Jan, if they are looking good they'll 100% sell Scott to get nearer compliance. Rayan is another option but given Scott won't sign a new contract he's more likely. Losing Senesi on a free really hurt their model too.
More a Bournemouth post, but it's about assessing our rivals, I guess, and I feel we're better placed than them, Sunderland, Palace, the promoted sides - though I rate Ipswich - and Fulham.
{Ed001's Note - they are filling in the open corners for this season. One of the stands is to be rebuilt with 2 tiers as well. Rayon will almost certainly go in January as his release clause kicks in.
01 Sep 2026 19:11:18
Sorry Ed for the profanity, typo, should have said 'shed' load
