Transfer Window January 2026 Transfer Window Thread

[Carpy]

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Transfer Window Closed

Confirmed Transfers​

INCOMING​	OUTGOING​
Jamie Donley - On Loan From Tottenham (Option to Buy)​	Louie Sibley - Loaned to Bradford City​
Myles Peart-Harris - 6 Month Deal​
Yunus Konak - On Loan From Brentford (End of Season)​
Jamie McDonnell - Long Term Deal​
Jeon Jin Woo - Permanent Transfer​
Christ Makosso - Loan w Option (£3M)​

Rumoured Transfers​

INCOMING​	OUTGOING​
Andrew Moran​	Przemyslaw Placheta​
Kalidou Sidibe​	Tom Bradshaw​
Luke Graham​

Tigers A.K.A Big Boys Rumour List​

INCOMING​	OUTGOING​
Paddy McNair​	Tiger (Sacked)​
Isiah Jones​
George Earthy​
Yu Hirakawa​
Sam Morsey​
Alex Matos​
Aidomo Emakhu​
Alex Robertson​
Ryan Hardie​
Tyler Bindon​
Paris Magohma​
Jack Talor​
Jamie McDonnell​

 

[Swaby39]

As I've said on the MPH thread, I have zero qualms about players coming here as a stepping stone so long as they realise that the best way of standing out is by committing to improving the team as well as standing out individually.

You never know, they might come with that philosophy, but end up finding a home with us.

It has its benefits to us as well. I think the more we protect our opportunity to pivot in the summer, the better. I don’t think dangling above relegation is a great time to shackle yourself to players long term, who will likely want a premium to go down with us.

MPH might walk out in the summer whether we stay up or not, but at least we have a whole off-season and a fresh budget to replace him, subject to Timmy having his calculator the right way up this time.

Like it or not, we haven’t earned the right to look much further than the summer with our January signings. Players will have one eye on whether we go down and that’s our own fault, so we’re in a crap position to negotiate with better players. There are exceptions to that - e.g. I would be happy to see Matos here on a 3 year deal. But for someone like MPH who we know a lot less about, it’s not the worst thing to have an exit.

 

[90syeIlow]

He could do with the opportunity to do so. A few fleeting appearances off the bench, would be a very small sample size to determine how good (or not) he is.

I partially agree, but perhaps training could be influencing his lack of starts.

 

[ECYellow]

I partially agree, but perhaps training could be influencing his lack of starts.

Or it could be that he wasn't Wilder's signing and he just doesn't fancy him. It doesn't make Matos a bad player, it just makes Wilders Sheffield United a bad fit.

 

[geosamfry]

Matos was a Sellés-era signing rather than a Wilder one. I wonder how much that will be affecting his game time.

 

[OxfordBoy]

I was watching an interview with Roofe the other day where he talks about going into Appleton’s office before signing permanently and them agreeing that we’ll let him go as soon as a big club puts in a big offer, Roofe was very clear that he was only coming here so he could get back to the top level ASAP, he also said that in the January of the promotion season a Premier League team came in for him and Appleton told him he had to wait until the summer, when obviously he went to Leeds, Roofe said he was a bit annoyed about this but understood, and obviously didn’t let his performances drop in the second half of the season

I’d be more concerned if we were signing players who didn’t want to get a big move from us, because to me that would show a weird lack of ambition

 

[Swaby39]

Or it could be that he wasn't Wilder's signing and he just doesn't fancy him. It doesn't make Matos a bad player, it just makes Wilders Sheffield United a bad fit.

Didn’t they make virtually every signing based on data/AI as well? Must’ve been doing something right if he stood out on that front, not that I like this as the sole reason you sign someone.

 

[Wallop]

Yup- I've met quite a few pros/ex-pros over the years. A small % of them have genuine affection for a club they play for/have played for. For the vast majority, it's a job- and they will go wherever they can get the best financial/playing deal. If Matos does join, he will be hoping to play 80-100 games in the next couple of seasons then get a move up the 'ladder'. And if that happens, good for him- and good for us.

It's not that much different to most work environments. The vast majority of people go to work to earn money, look after their family and hopefully enjoy the challenges a role can bring. If a better opportunity presents itself, then if it suits them, the individual may apply for the job and if successful move on. They may even be headhunted which is more akin to football transfers for successful players.

The difference though is that most individuals who move companies don't then have to deal with a barrage of ridiculous vitriol from people who accuse them of being disloyal to the company that those people have a huge affection for!

 

[holdsteady]

It's not that much different to most work environments. The vast majority of people go to work to earn money, look after their family and hopefully enjoy the challenges a role can bring. If a better opportunity presents itself, then if it suits them, the individual may apply for the job and if successful move on. They may even be headhunted which is more akin to football transfers for successful players.

The difference though is that most individuals who move companies don't then have to deal with a barrage of ridiculous vitriol from people who accuse them of being disloyal to the company that those people have a huge affection for!

But without that pantomine loyalty they wouldn't get paid very well for a part time job playing a sport? They would have to get a proper job.

 

[Marked Ox]

Didn’t they make virtually every signing based on data/AI as well? Must’ve been doing something right if he stood out on that front, not that I like this as the sole reason you sign someone.

Yes. The bloke leading the consortium buying Sheff Wed was involved as a consultant for it.

 

[Foxy]

And this incredible penalty save from Gordon Banks.

I remember that save, marvellous save from a great goalkeeper.

 

[Scotchegg]

We don’t need somebody who “will be a real asset in time” - we need a hard- running, ball-winning nasty midfielder who dominates the area in front of the back four and allows BdK and Cam freedom to go forward - and we need him NOW to get us out of the mess we’re in.

Being a "real asset in time£ doesn't mean that he isn't also what we need right now. However, there is the added benefit of having someone who is barely 21 but could increase his value significantly with a few years playing regularly in the Championship.

 

[WRox]

Being a "real asset in time£ doesn't mean that he isn't also what we need right now. However, there is the added benefit of having someone who is barely 21 but could increase his value significantly with a few years playing regularly in the Championship.

It’s easy to see how he does that as well. If he gets those regular games he’ll improve technically and add to his physical attributes.

It’s hard to understand why Sheffield United thought that was the kind of player and development they could accommodate at this stage, whilst trying to outpass and outplay teams, but it’s not a surprise he’s looked fine at the level for Oxford and Huddersfield and will only get better for more minutes in a suitable team.

 

[Chippy]

If we signed Matos then I’d want a further addition with the physical presence we’ve been lacking. Matos doesn’t give us that but he’d certainly be a decent addition in terms of younger legs and potential. However we do need some height power and strength and he doesn’t really bring those attributes.

Aside from Norwich away and a few other games I wouldn’t say I was massively impressed with him last season as others seem to be. He couldn’t string 2 decent performances together back to back and wasn’t a regular starter, but I acknowledge it may have been Rowett’s style and systems preventing him from showing his true potential. The fact he couldn’t get into the Sheff Utd side, even when they were losing every week at the start of the season is a bit of a worry for me, but then if was in their side he wouldn’t potentially be available now.

So yes I’d be happy to have him and he’d give us the legs that Vaulks no longer has, but still don’t think he solves all our problems in that area of the pitch as we desperately need a bigger physical player.

 

[Marked Ox]

If we signed Matos then I’d want a further addition with the physical presence we’ve been lacking. Matos doesn’t give us that but he’d certainly be a decent addition in terms of younger legs and potential. However we do need some height power and strength and he doesn’t really bring those attributes.

Aside from Norwich away and a few other games I wouldn’t say I was massively impressed with him last season as others seem to be. He couldn’t string 2 decent performance together back to back but I acknowledge it may have been Rowett’s style and systems preventing him from showing his true potential. The fact he couldn’t get into the Sheff Utd side, even when they were losing every week at the start of the season is a bit of a worry for me, but then if was in their side he wouldn’t potentially be available now.

So yes I’d be happy to have him and he’d give us the legs that Vaulks no longer has, but still don’t think he solves all our problems in that area of the pitch as we desperately need a bigger physical player.

The one thing Matos would definitely bring us is physical presence and strength. He wouldn't bring height though.

I agree we'd need another though.

 

[OtteryYellow]

The Palace ultras would burn me alive.

I was trying to explain this to my brother at Christmas who just doesn’t get it.

Palace a huge part of my life growing up - going with my dad, then going with mates, thinking I was a gobby know it all at the back of the Holmesdale stand. I went home and away and a season ticket holder for years.

Then moved to Oxford about 20 years ago. Stopped going so much when kids arrived and then my daughter wanted to see Oxford play, amazing club and I got obsessed again.

Despite my history with Palace I felt like a fraud when they won the FA Cup. Like I’d turned my back on them. I’m an emotional football supporter (that’s why I loved Des so much). Now I strangely don’t fit in anywhere properly. I still love Dougie Freedman, Mark Bright, Clinton Morrison and Wilf Zaha but now also love Josh McEachran, Josh Murphy and Shemmy. I don’t try to understand just try to let things be as they are.

35p for six mince pies. Still floored by that.

Interesting, I moved down to Devon nearly 20 years ago and no matter how many times I watch Exeter I can't ever imagine supporting them as I don't feel anything when they score. I just go to keep a mate company.

My wife spent ages trying to 'reason' with me to switch, she still doesn't get it at all.

 

[TailsWeWin]

If we signed Matos then I’d want a further addition with the physical presence we’ve been lacking. Matos doesn’t give us that but he’d certainly be a decent addition in terms of younger legs and potential. However we do need some height power and strength and he doesn’t really bring those attributes.

Aside from Norwich away and a few other games I wouldn’t say I was massively impressed with him last season as others seem to be. He couldn’t string 2 decent performances together back to back and wasn’t a regular starter, but I acknowledge it may have been Rowett’s style and systems preventing him from showing his true potential. The fact he couldn’t get into the Sheff Utd side, even when they were losing every week at the start of the season is a bit of a worry for me, but then if was in their side he wouldn’t potentially be available now.

So yes I’d be happy to have him and he’d give us the legs that Vaulks no longer has, but still don’t think he solves all our problems in that area of the pitch as we desperately need a bigger physical player.

Exactly this.

 

[Eric Blair]

Interesting, I moved down to Devon nearly 20 years ago and no matter how many times I watch Exeter I can't ever imagine supporting them as I don't feel anything when they score. I just go to keep a mate company.

My wife spent ages trying to 'reason' with me to switch, she still doesn't get it at all.

I wonder if it was watching it through the eyes of my daughter and havent been to Palace for so long.

The last Palace match I saw live (I'm embarrassed to say) was the Palace v Wednesday away to stay up in the Championship which must be nearly 15 years ago now.

I don't feel like I have switched clubs. I haven't. I'm just in some weird purgatory where I have an obsession with a club that I only have recent history with.

 

[Jaboysmith]

Also, who knows if he wants to be here? It may have been a case of him wanting to come here, but us not paying what Sheff U offered Chelsea. In that instance he wouldnt have any say

 

[Bornyellow]

I’d happily see Matos back, would be delighted with a permanent move. I definitely agree with others though about needing extra body in there even with Matos preferably over 6 foot. Unless we suddenly go for a massive shake up I can’t see more then one midfielder signed unfortunately.

 

[Foley]

If we signed Matos then I’d want a further addition with the physical presence we’ve been lacking. Matos doesn’t give us that but he’d certainly be a decent addition in terms of younger legs and potential. However we do need some height power and strength and he doesn’t really bring those attributes.

Aside from Norwich away and a few other games I wouldn’t say I was massively impressed with him last season as others seem to be. He couldn’t string 2 decent performances together back to back and wasn’t a regular starter, but I acknowledge it may have been Rowett’s style and systems preventing him from showing his true potential. The fact he couldn’t get into the Sheff Utd side, even when they were losing every week at the start of the season is a bit of a worry for me, but then if was in their side he wouldn’t potentially be available now.

So yes I’d be happy to have him and he’d give us the legs that Vaulks no longer has, but still don’t think he solves all our problems in that area of the pitch as we desperately need a bigger physical player.

I would imagine that there is very little chance of bringing in more than one midfield player until the summer

 

[Raymond O'Leary]

I partially agree, but perhaps training could be influencing his lack of starts.

As I reflect on the last 12 months I see a number of players who divide opinion. Are they fit/fast/aggressive/technical enough?
I wonder if the reason is that they haven't had a consistent run in a consistent role. If you come on as sub, or even start, as left winger, right winger, false 9, 10, CM/ wing back/full back etc.
Then they have a spell out of the team, or even the squad. The rotations seemed to be to try someone different, not necessarily clearly better.
When they do play they lack match fitness and it is in a role which highlights their weaknesses, not their strengths.
We probably have five or six players in that category, Tyler is a great example.
A situation which was easier in the past with a regular reserve team with a match every week.
For me Alex Matos is one of those. A run of games in his best role would answer the question.

 

[Pontification]

Id be more than happy to have Matos back because I think we have players that mask his deficiencies with passing, etc and he there’s with physical presence, shielding and body control. I think we need another midfielder as discussed Vaulks should be a squad player type, like Mous a few years back.

Where I don’t want Matos is if it drags on and we are chasing him all window and miss out on other targets because we’ve got the blinkers on… this is exactly what happened when we signed Marcus Browne. Get it done early or not at all imo.

 

[forevayella]

Yup- I've met quite a few pros/ex-pros over the years. A small % of them have genuine affection for a club they play for/have played for. For the vast majority, it's a job- and they will go wherever they can get the best financial/playing deal. If Matos does join, he will be hoping to play 80-100 games in the next couple of seasons then get a move up the 'ladder'. And if that happens, good for him- and good for us.

Totally agree. I know an ex Swindon player well (don’t judge me ) who said he would sign for us if the deal was right.

 

[forevayella]

I was watching an interview with Roofe the other day where he talks about going into Appleton’s office before signing permanently and them agreeing that we’ll let him go as soon as a big club puts in a big offer, Roofe was very clear that he was only coming here so he could get back to the top level ASAP, he also said that in the January of the promotion season a Premier League team came in for him and Appleton told him he had to wait until the summer, when obviously he went to Leeds, Roofe said he was a bit annoyed about this but understood, and obviously didn’t let his performances drop in the second half of the season

I’d be more concerned if we were signing players who didn’t want to get a big move from us, because to me that would show a weird lack of ambition

Up the cosh!

 

[TheDukeOfBanburyshire]

Is anyone else watching Liverpool Barnsley? I wish we'd gone in for Keillor-Dunn, he looks like a proper player. Full of energy and always looking to break lines with his passing and movement.

Barnsley have been really impressive.

 

[wallingfordox97]

Is anyone else watching Liverpool Barnsley? I wish we'd gone in for Keillor-Dunn, he looks like a proper player. Full of energy and always looking to break lines with his passing and movement.

Barnsley have been really impressive.

My next door neighbours son in law is between the sticks for Barnsley small world

 

[TheDukeOfBanburyshire]

My next door neighbours son in law is between the sticks for Barnsley small world

He's made one absolutely outstanding save from a Van Diyk volley at the Kop end. One to tell the grand kids.

 

[Horse]

Barnsley winger is just what we need: Cleary

 

[OX14]

Barnsley winger is just what we need: Cleary

Agree. Looks really good and only 21 years of age.

 

[Bicester Yellow]

Agree. Looks really good and only 21 years of age.

Yeah he looked classy, Ex West Brom I believe, and think we’ve looked at him previously.

Keillor Dunn put a shift in also but maybe would be priced out of a move for him.