AFCON and the January 2026 Window

Whilst I agree with you, how long will these players get upto speed with OG's system?
But Jamie, that is the same for all players, maybe Reiss Nelson, Harvey Elliot etc, may be available with a loan with option, i know they are not world beaters, not doing well at new clubs, at least they have played some decent games in the Premier, 6 month loan
 
But Jamie, that is the same for all players, maybe Reiss Nelson, Harvey Elliot etc, may be available with a loan with option, i know they are not world beaters, not doing well at new clubs, at least they have played some decent games in the Premier, 6 month loan
A couple have walked straight in like they've always played it. Some have taken time to adapt. Although, like you say really, some are taking time to adjust to the Premier League, rather than the system. Kamada has just about got there - he's found his niche. Pino needs a little more time. Munoz waltzed straight in from abroad. Which probably shows what we all feel. Physical attributes are the most important part of the Premier League. Which is why I have to frankly say: it looked to me like Uche has the attributes. Raw perhaps but looked promising and strong. His complaining could be looked at as keenness to play.
 
we need players on loan that have some premier league expierience, not players that might be alright on not.
yes premier league experience is useful but it usually means the player is not good enough , has fallen out with manager or is on a team doomed to go down. There might be some from top teams who need experience. So in each category, Sterling, Mainoo, Hwang, Lewis would be examples. If Chelsea loaned us one at the beginning of the window they would take him back 4 weeks later
We were also in a better position when we were struggling as top half teams might not have minded loaning us players. We might be in the top 6 come the end of the year
In retrospect, Chilwell wasn't worth it last year but if we knew Mitchell was going to be out for a significant number of games would have earned his corn
 
yes premier league experience is useful but it usually means the player is not good enough , has fallen out with manager or is on a team doomed to go down. There might be some from top teams who need experience. So in each category, Sterling, Mainoo, Hwang, Lewis would be examples. If Chelsea loaned us one at the beginning of the window they would take him back 4 weeks later
We were also in a better position when we were struggling as top half teams might not have minded loaning us players. We might be in the top 6 come the end of the year
In retrospect, Chilwell wasn't worth it last year but if we knew Mitchell was going to be out for a significant number of games would have earned his corn

I'd still take Hwang. But specifically as another biggish lad to give JM a bit of a break.
 
If ever there is a time to splash the cash it is now, spending 80+ million on 2/3 players, with the knowledge you can raise money by selling if it goes Pete Tong, Arsenal are the the only top team in the league, if ever there was a time for Champions League qualification, this is it.
 
If ever there is a time to splash the cash it is now, spending 80+ million on 2/3 players, with the knowledge you can raise money by selling if it goes Pete Tong, Arsenal are the the only top team in the league, if ever there was a time for Champions League qualification, this is it.
Good point. A lot of the teams are no better than us. You have to think we could make the top 8, if we had a good enough squad. Higher maybe. There's still Man City and Chelsea. They're not brilliant but look at their squads. Fourth though, no idea. I have a funny feeling Everton might finish quite high. Which seems weird - they're similar to us really but with a better ground and slightly larger squad. Worse manager but not bad.
 
If ever there is a time to splash the cash it is now, spending 80+ million on 2/3 players, with the knowledge you can raise money by selling if it goes Pete Tong, Arsenal are the the only top team in the league, if ever there was a time for Champions League qualification, this is it.
With the exception of Arsenal (who look like they'll run away with the title) this has the feel of a Leicester City year for any mid-table team who wants a crack at the CL places. Despite poor performances from 4 of the 6 CL teams this week, the English clubs are all doing better that their European counterparts and the 5th CL place is still very possible. The PL table is tighter than I can remember at this stage of the season with us 5th and Liverpool just 2 points fewer that us but down in 12th. Come the season halfway point (Fulham on 1st Jan) we'll have a better idea how things are panning out and if we're still in the mix, then it could be worth taking the chance in the January window. The caveat, though, is ensuring that we've already earmarked the players we want and are satisfied that they will fit our club and squad culture. We can't afford to buy someone who's not prepared to put the team before their own ego.
 

Oliver Glasner on January transfer plans:​

"I think we need to [bring in a forward]. Ismalia (Sarr) will also leave us (Afcon). He is the only player who makes runs in behind. I think we just have to have this profile again. The players on the bench are a different profile; we need players to stretch the defence, and I hope we will get it done."
 
If ever there is a time to splash the cash it is now, spending 80+ million on 2/3 players, with the knowledge you can raise money by selling if it goes Pete Tong, Arsenal are the the only top team in the league, if ever there was a time for Champions League qualification, this is it.

100% agree. We're so close, and this is a good season to have a propper crack.

I also think we need to be a bit better in speculating what replacements we are going to need. For example I'd bring in Kees Smitt this window, we've then got 5 months to blood him see if he can fill Whartons boots. Big big comes in for Wharton in the summer we can let him go without the panic.
 
Good point. A lot of the teams are no better than us. You have to think we could make the top 8, if we had a good enough squad. Higher maybe. There's still Man City and Chelsea. They're not brilliant but look at their squads. Fourth though, no idea. I have a funny feeling Everton might finish quite high. Which seems weird - they're similar to us really but with a better ground and slightly larger squad. Worse manager but not bad.
Everton got one today so still a bit sketchy. I do see potential for them though sadly.
 
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the task of playing so many games with a smallish squad is starting to take it's toll especially as the pitches get heavier and the weather colder. I totally agree that we don't have anyone who can really fill Sarr's role. The odd thing is that this season he actually choosing not to run in behind defences as much and is often laying the ball off. However, it is the threat of his pace that forces his opponents to sit deeper or and not get too tight that allows him the time to do this. Fast players with good skills, however, are sort after and don't come cheap.
 
I see Ivory Coast have called up a certain W. Zaha to their Afcon squad .. just saying
He’s on loan from Galatasaray to Charlotte until June 2026, so pulling off the deal would be highly awkward to say the least.

Cote D’Ivoire are at AFCON, so he couldn’t cover for Sarr in his absence.

I don’t think he would be Ollie’s type of player anyway.
 
I can't stand Afcon. Just from a completely selfish Palace viewpoint. However, I tried to give it a go. I've watched a lot of the games our players have been involved in. Invariably the games have been a rubbish standard, with some hilarious incidents thrown in. Refs have been shambolic every game I've ever seen. Loads seem either politically or financially motivated if I give my honest opinion. Pitches were always terrible. However, maybe it's somewhere better this year.
You're not alone. Should be scheduled for post domestic season and every 4 years. Highly disruptive otherwise.
 

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