Transfer Window Summer 2025 Transfer Window Build-Up Thread

[Jaboysmith]

Transfer Rumours In
​

Player​	Current Club​	Link or Source​
Thierry Small​	Charlton Athletic​	Football World Article​
Kasey Palmer​	Hull City​	YF ITK​
Ethan Erhahon​	Lincoln City​	Football World Article​
Onel Hernandez​	Norwich City​	Instragram Post​
Davis Keillor-Dunn​	Barnsley​	Football World Article​
COD​	Cardiff​	Scotchegg​
James Dornelly​	Peterborough​	Football League World​

Transfer Rumours Out​

Player​	Interested Club​	Link or Source​
Tyler Goodrham​	Burnley, Southampton, Middlesbrough, Coventry​	Football World Article, Bigboy​
Stuart Findlay​	Hearts, Kilmarnock​	Daily Record​

Transfer Window Dates
​

Opens​	Closes​	Re-Opens​
Sunday 1 June to Tuesday 10 June (19:00)​	Tuesday 10 June (19:00:01) to Monday 16 June (00:01)​	Monday 16 June to Monday 1 September (19:00)​

 

[Mateo Corbo's Tackle]

We aren't definitely signing Matos, so I would certainly be looking at other options on top of him

Yes. Good point - I assumed there.

 

[n1]

I'm not overly convinced that we'll recruit many new members of our starting XI this summer. Maybe just two (CB and LW).
The players we already have are greatly suited to Rowett's system (in the main), and they got us to 8th in the form table over the last 25 games of the season. We'd all be happy with 8th next season. You might say "but all the other teams will improve".....this is simply not true. We saw it last season with the likes of Hull; players are lost to the higher leagues, and it is certainly not a given that the replacements will elevate the team higher than they were; in fact, it is anything but.

We are good in goal, at RB (where I see Ter Avest really kicking on as no.1 with Long as backup - who knows about Kioso). LB is Currie and Leigh with Brown as third choice. We obviously need a CB to replace Nelson. Helik, Moore, Brown, Long - they are fighters but there's not enough quality on the ball there.

Midfield engine room of Brannagan, Matos, Vaulks is settled. We need to bring equally capable players in these areas (and lose the likes of Sibley, El Mizouni, who started well and faded and clearly aren't quire in this bracket, nor are they suited to the Rowett "way").

At 10, we might lose Goodrham, but we have multiple options in this area and I'm still not convinced that 10 is a pivotal position for Rowett - it's far more the dual DCM pivot and the wide players. As such, we need a new LW, I would say, to compete with Dembele. Placheta and Mills cover the right; perhaps another squad player for this position.

I've thought long and hard about the striker position. I'd be quite surprised if Harris DOESN'T start the season as no. 1. Who else out there fulfils the Rowett criteria: all-out effort, good in the press? Not many at this level.

I'll probably be completely wrong. Nothing unusual there. But I won't be disappointed if we don't bring in four or five world beaters who significantly disrupt how we go about things. If anything, the opposite could well be quite sensible.

I think the opposite is true. I think we will specifically be looking at quality that will impact the first 11, and we will spend as necessary to do that. That might mean less, but more expensive signings.

 

[Shosho]

I think the opposite is true. I think we will specifically be looking at quality that will impact the first 11, and we will spend as necessary to do that. That might mean less, but more expensive signings.

Which is the correct way to go, imo.

The talk of Indo-Netherlands players coming over - I struggle to see many making an immediate impact on the 11 (you can see most of them here).

Would also suggest, we will see players leave before some incomings. Today's ox mail article suggests Rowett will have the young loans as part of the pre-season, but no mention of Goodwin and Dale.

 

[bazzer9461]

I'm not overly convinced that we'll recruit many new members of our starting XI this summer. Maybe just two (CB and LW).
The players we already have are greatly suited to Rowett's system (in the main), and they got us to 8th in the form table over the last 25 games of the season. We'd all be happy with 8th next season. You might say "but all the other teams will improve".....this is simply not true. We saw it last season with the likes of Hull; players are lost to the higher leagues, and it is certainly not a given that the replacements will elevate the team higher than they were; in fact, it is anything but.

We are good in goal, at RB (where I see Ter Avest really kicking on as no.1 with Long as backup - who knows about Kioso). LB is Currie and Leigh with Brown as third choice. We obviously need a CB to replace Nelson. Helik, Moore, Brown, Long - they are fighters but there's not enough quality on the ball there.

Midfield engine room of Brannagan, Matos, Vaulks is settled. We need to bring equally capable players in these areas (and lose the likes of Sibley, El Mizouni, who started well and faded and clearly aren't quire in this bracket, nor are they suited to the Rowett "way").

At 10, we might lose Goodrham, but we have multiple options in this area and I'm still not convinced that 10 is a pivotal position for Rowett - it's far more the dual DCM pivot and the wide players. As such, we need a new LW, I would say, to compete with Dembele. Placheta and Mills cover the right; perhaps another squad player for this position.

I've thought long and hard about the striker position. I'd be quite surprised if Harris DOESN'T start the season as no. 1. Who else out there fulfils the Rowett criteria: all-out effort, good in the press? Not many at this level.

I'll probably be completely wrong. Nothing unusual there. But I won't be disappointed if we don't bring in four or five world beaters who significantly disrupt how we go about things. If anything, the opposite could well be quite sensible.

I think you’ll find we will definitely be looking at a striker maybe 2 Matos would be an immense signing but we would need a quality no 10 if Tyler does go ( but only at the right price and I can’t see Burnley offering much more than a couple of Million in which case they can jog on. Look at Luke McNally hardly played for Burnley in what 3 seasons so if a bid came in of which we would consider I hope Tyler would look at the McNally situation.

 

[bazzer9461]

We aren't definitely signing Matos, so I would certainly be looking at other options on top of him

I think if we had the option and could do it we would definitely be signing Matos we are in talks apparently so who knows

 

[Taff Ewe]

I think the opposite is true. I think we will specifically be looking at quality that will impact the first 11, and we will spend as necessary to do that. That might mean less, but more expensive signings.

I agree. Even though the 'Rowett league table' looks amazing, we were consistently outplayed, out possessed and had to dig in to get the majority of points. It was survival football. we have to aim higher than that and play on the front foot a lot more, which requires;

1. a reduction in seasoned pro's who are L1 at best (replace with younger players which GR has alluded to)
2. sign 5 who will really impact the 1st team

So we will have a leaner squad with real quality to call on off the bench even with some injuries.

This is the first year I have felt that the squad is just too big and clearly GR was not at ease with a lot of players, he was just making do.

The reality is, to get the squad to a point where we are properly competitive in the Champ will take another 12 months as it will be financially impossible to trim the squad enough this summer due to the number in contract and subsequent disruption to 1st team. It will be a gradual build.

Not helped by signing Bradshaw I fear as he seems to be another who adds nothing.

 

[Mateo Corbo's Tackle]

I think the opposite is true. I think we will specifically be looking at quality that will impact the first 11, and we will spend as necessary to do that. That might mean less, but more expensive signings.

Don't get me wrong, this my preferred scenario. I like exciting as opposed to sensible.

Just that I'm not sure Rowett will be urgently trying to change a set of players who he has got singing his tune, pretty effectively.

Let's see.

 

[n1]

I agree. Even though the 'Rowett league table' looks amazing, we were consistently outplayed, out possessed and had to dig in to get the majority of points. It was survival football. we have to aim higher than that and play on the front foot a lot more, which requires;

1. a reduction in seasoned pro's who are L1 at best (replace with younger players which GR has alluded to)
2. sign 5 who will really impact the 1st team

So we will have a leaner squad with real quality to call on off the bench even with some injuries.

This is the first year I have felt that the squad is just too big and clearly GR was not at ease with a lot of players, he was just making do.

The reality is, to get the squad to a point where we are properly competitive in the Champ will take another 12 months as it will be financially impossible to trim the squad enough this summer due to the number in contract and subsequent disruption to 1st team. It will be a gradual build.

Not helped by signing Bradshaw I fear as he seems to be another who adds nothing.

That's right. We cannot forget that we had to really muck in to survive and that is not sustainable. We have to have more quality in games and that just won't come from the current players. Midfield, wide players and forwards especially.

 

[oldabingdonian]

Mind you, it is very clear that 'mucking in' is a Rowett non-negotiable.

 

[Taff Ewe]

Mind you, it is very clear that 'mucking in' is a Rowett non-negotiable.

It is, but he knows we can't have another 12 months of scrapping. Has to be more control, quality and threat. We looked like a Dave Bassett team 2nd half of season and that is not sustainable for OUFC. Need to find the Oxford Way.

Can have a high tempo, but the chasing down seemed too isolated and all over the place. Win the ball back quicker, coordinate better and use less energy.

 

[holdsteady]

It is, but he knows we can't have another 12 months of scrapping. Has to be more control, quality and threat. We looked like a Dave Bassett team 2nd half of season and that is not sustainable for OUFC. Need to find the Oxford Way.

Can have a high tempo, but the chasing down seemed too isolated and all over the place. Win the ball back quicker, coordinate better and use less energy.

It will be another season of scrapping most likely, we just need to be better at it than we were last season.

 

[Foley]

Swift has been pretty poor for WBA since he signed there, and fans were pretty glad to see the back of him

He had a poor season, but 9 goals in 37 games in his second season was pretty good ( and I have heard people say how good he was in the first 2 seasons)

 

[Foley]

It will be another season of scrapping most likely, we just need to be better at it than we were last season.

Not from what GR has been saying.

 

[Taff Ewe]

Not from what GR has been saying.

And Cam.....even though he is Scrappy Doo himself!

 

[Hackney Jack]

In the last eight matches we had one goal from a recognised striker - Placheta (for me he wouldn’t be in the starting 11, but that’s another story).

We have to sign a striker, someone who naturally knows where the net is. Yes it will be spenny, but the other option is to put Helik upfront!!!

 

[JOHN BOY]

N

In the last eight matches we had one goal from a recognised striker - Placheta (for me he wouldn’t be in the starting 11, but that’s another story).

We have to sign a striker, someone who naturally knows where the net is. Yes it will be spenny, but the other option is to put Helik upfront!!!

Helik is good from set pieces but playing him upfront a definite no.To good a player at the back for us. Imo.

 

[Ricey]

54 pages of absolute nothing. And I’ve read it all…

 

[Marked Ox]

54 pages of absolute nothing. And I’ve read it all…

Nothing happens before the 100th page is finished.

 

[Hackney Jack]

N

Helik is good from set pieces but playing him upfront a definite no.To good a player at the back for us. Imo.

Sure, agreed, I was actually joking and trying to suggest how sorry our strike force is as we’ve been bailed out by defenders.

 

[BillyTurleys CurlyWurly]

Cumming
________ Helik Brown Currie
Vaulks Brannagan
________ | ________ | Goodrham
________

You could add 4 players easily free the Championship released list that would improve this team from having Long/Placheta/Rodrigues/Harris starting.

Right Back: Dijksteel - let go by Boro
Right Winger: Diangana - let go by WBA
Attacking Midfielder: Swift - let go by WBA
Striker: Riis - let go by PNE​

 

[BillyTurleys CurlyWurly]

Cumming
________ Helik Brown Currie
Vaulks Brannagan
________ | ________ | Goodrham
________

You could add 4 players easily free the Championship released list that would improve this team from having Long/Placheta/Rodrigues/Harris starting.

Right Back: Dijksteel - let go by Boro
Right Winger: Diangana - let go by WBA
Attacking Midfielder: Swift - let go by WBA
Striker: Riis - let go by PNE​

Cumming
Dijksteel Helik Brown Currie
Vaulks Brannagan
Diangana Swift Goodrham
Riis​

 

[Left Wing Cross]

Nothing happens before the 100th page is finished.

Last year we got to 334 pages so there's the first target

 

[JOHN BOY]

Sure, agreed, I was actually joking and trying to suggest how sorry our strike force is as we’ve been bailed out by defenders.

Silly me.

 

[Swaby39]

Cumming
Dijksteel Helik Brown Currie
Vaulks Brannagan
Diangana Swift Goodrham
Riis​

I nearly suggested Diangana but felt a bit stupid when I saw he was linked with wolves and Leeds - seems a bit far fetched.

Below is how I see it, and I’m assuming Goodrham will be sold after a bit more hard ball/hands off PR to drive the price up.

God knows how I’d plug the gaps but of names mentioned I think Sorba Thomas, Carlton Morris (or Riis), Palmer and Erhahon would be right up there.

I don’t have RB as an area of attention but I can’t disagree that Dijksteel would be a great signing. I’m not sold on our back line if we plan to be a bit more expansive.

Any thought that 2 or 3 players will suffice is wild to me. 8 as a minimum in my eyes.

 

[Marked Ox]

Last year we got to 334 pages so there's the first target

I couldn't remember the actual number and couldn't be bothered to look tbh. 334 it is.

 

[SirAndyOfCrosby]

54 pages of absolute nothing. And I’ve read it all…

Really?

There's a bit of guff for sure, but I make it 54 pages of different views on ideal transfer strategies, plans for current players, and some really interesting (and some less so) names of potential targets to get our teeth into.

It's literally the lifeblood of a forum of this nature, and largely a decent read IMHO.

Each to their own.

 

[Mateo Corbo's Tackle]

I nearly suggested Diangana but felt a bit stupid when I saw he was linked with wolves and Leeds - seems a bit far fetched.

Below is how I see it, and I’m assuming Goodrham will be sold after a bit more hard ball/hands off PR to drive the price up.

God knows how I’d plug the gaps but of names mentioned I think Sorba Thomas, Carlton Morris (or Riis), Palmer and Erhahon would be right up there.

I don’t have RB as an area of attention but I can’t disagree that Dijksteel would be a great signing. I’m not sold on our back line if we plan to be a bit more expansive.

Any thought that 2 or 3 players will suffice is wild to me. 8 as a minimum in my eyes.

View attachment 27471

Mills has to be included in this, surely ?

 

[SteMerritt]

Last year we got to 334 pages so there's the first target

Don't forget this is just the buildup thread, we haven't started the transfer thread yet...

 

[Jaboysmith]

I nearly suggested Diangana but felt a bit stupid when I saw he was linked with wolves and Leeds - seems a bit far fetched.

Below is how I see it, and I’m assuming Goodrham will be sold after a bit more hard ball/hands off PR to drive the price up.

God knows how I’d plug the gaps but of names mentioned I think Sorba Thomas, Carlton Morris (or Riis), Palmer and Erhahon would be right up there.

I don’t have RB as an area of attention but I can’t disagree that Dijksteel would be a great signing. I’m not sold on our back line if we plan to be a bit more expansive.

Any thought that 2 or 3 players will suffice is wild to me. 8 as a minimum in my eyes.

View attachment 27471

8 to me is wild. We have a a squad already a good distance above the squad cap, so to bring in 8 new players, even if one or two of them are under the squad cap, we are going to have to find takers for about 10-11 of our current squad.

 

[Orkney Islands Yellow]

8 to me is wild. We have a a squad already a good distance above the squad cap, so to bring in 8 new players, even if one or two of them are under the squad cap, we are going to have to find takers for about 10-11 of our current squad.

Negru loaned out, Dale and Goodwin loaned or sold, Thorniley will go, one of Long, Ter Avest or Kioso will be surplus to requirements I reckon, Bennett and McEachran gone. That's 7 out.