The transfer market has been moving at a similar pace to Alan Lee in his slippers this last few weeks. Despite Huddersfield Town desperately needing players, only two incoming deals have got over the line in this transfer window, with Danny Ward arriving on a free and Joel Pereira coming on loan from Manchester United.
Rumours have been circulating for weeks about players being on the verge of signing for Town but then nothing would materialise. I though it might be useful to recap the deals that have been reported but not completed. There have been dozens of players names connected to Town but some have been more consistently mentioned. I’ve written below about the four most likely to happen.
While I can’t see Town signing all these players before Saturday’s game against Rochdale, I’d hope we might bring in two or three before the first league game against Norwich a week on Saturday.
Robbie Gotts from Leeds United
When the possibility was first floated of Carlos Corberán raiding the Leeds Under 23s for loans it was Robbie Gotts people talked about.
The press have repeatedly said the deal was close but as yet it hasn’t happened. The rumour was that Leeds initially sanctioned the deal but then got cold feet and wanted to wait until they got some players in before allowing him to leave.
Town have made it clear that loan signings should only be either significant improvements on our current squad or done with an eye on a permanent move at the end of the loan. I’m not sure which kind of loan this would be, most likely Leeds wouldn’t want to sell if he has a good year in the Championship for Town. Presumably Carlos believes he’s better than what we currently have. Or possibly we’re so short in midfield that we can make exceptions to the new rule about loan men.
Chris Willock from Benfica
Willock arrived on loan from Benfica in January after his loan at West Brom was cancelled due to insufficient game time. He had a slow start as he worked his way up to fitness but showed flashes of quality to justify Town’s current interest.
I read somewhere that he took a pay cut to come to Town, so wages may be a barrier to this deal being concluded. A lot will depend on whether he’s willing to earn less to restart his faltering career or will he prefer to sit out his contract at Benfica and enjoy earning a decent wage at a club that clearly doesn’t want him.
Pipa from Espanyol
Full name Gonzalo Ávila Gordón but nicknamed Pipa, this former Spanish Under 21 is no longer likely to get game time in La Liga for his club so Carlos Corberán has been sniffing around the right back (not literally – social distancing) .
It’s not abundantly clear whether this would be a loan or permanent deal but either way he seems like a decent prospect who plays in an area we’re desperately in need of quality.
He’s a right back that can also play on the right wing, so he’s likely to be able to quickly adapt to the attacking system Corberán will be playing.
This rumour is fresher than others but the reports suggested a deal was very close. However, quarantine rules could complicate completing the signing even if all the interested parties can come to an agreement.
James Garner from Manchester United
I don’t know whether this potential loan move would be as well as or instead of Robbie Gotts at Leeds. Both are young midfielders, so it’s reasonable to think we’re only after one of the two.
Garner stood out for Manchester United Under 23s when Town played them last weekend. He was strong in the tackle, organised the defence and showed some nice touches at times. He would be well suited to the deeper of the three midfielder positions in the 4-3-3 system.
I’m fairly sure this wouldn’t be a loan with an option to buy, so Garner would need to be seen as a significant improvement on what we have. Given Austefield’s fine performances in the friendlies, it’s hard to know if this is true.
Given big clubs are often pushing for loan fees and guaranteed numbers of games, it may be that this deal isn’t worth it for Town, particularly when we’re trying to develop our own young talent.
Players that could leave Town
There are quite a few players that could be heading in the other direction too.
Karlan Grant has been strongly linked with a move to West Brom this week, though the latest news at the time of writing was that the baggies wouldn’t match our £16m valuation.
Some grainy pictures of Ramadan Sohbi signing for Pyramids FC on Egypt were circulating online yesterday. Whether they’re true or not, surely a deal must be close given how long he’s been linked with moves away from Town.
Florent Hadergjonaj, like Sohbi, didn’t return for preseason training and wasn’t given a squad number because he was close to leaving. Despite being rumoured to be close to a deal with Olympiakos weeks ago, he remains a Huddersfield Town player for now. Hopefully that will change shortly.
Alongside the three players mentioned above there could be a few more exits from Town, these will fall into three broad categories. Players that don’t want to stay, players Carlos doesn’t think are good enough and youngsters going out on loan.
It sounds like the new regime is pretty tough going and it’s possible that some of Town’s existing squad don’t want to buy into the double training sessions and grueling fitness work. If any players fall in this category they should be moved on quickly to avoid souring the morale in the squad.
Now Carlos has had a few weeks of training with his squad he should have a clearer picture of which players he wants and which ones aren’t right for him. The new system is a departure from how Town played last season, so I wouldn’t be stunned if a couple aren’t able to adapt to how he wants to play. Better to move these players on too, rather than leave them on the sidelines.
Letting youngsters out on loan will be a trickier decision this season given how thin our squad is. It already looks like a mistake to have sanctioned Scott High’s exit on a season long loan now we’ve got several injuries in midfield. However, a few could really benefit from time out on loan to physical develop and gain experience.
It seems that the players who were considered “unavailable” still seem to fall into that category as none featured in any of the preseason matches. Kongolo is obviously long term injured but no mention of the others. It upsets me that with all the money that has come into the club from either parachute payments or transfers, we are scratching round for loans or relative unknowns to be brought in. It looks like the season will start with whatever miracles Carlos can work with what we’ve got then maybe look for replacements before the window closes in October if it hasn’t worked out.
It’s so frustrating that the huge windfall from promotion has been completely squandered.
I’m also concerned about the lack of communication around how many first team players weren’t available for the friendlies (only 7 first teamers were in the squad against Manchester United U23s). Hopefully the communication will improve when the competitive games start because the manager is obligated to speak to the press.
Town supporters at this moment in time are been treat like mushrooms, you want our money but not showing your hand. Come back Dean Hoyle.
A lot of fans blame Dean Hoyle for our current predicament. I’m not one of them though, I think it’s fair enough that he wants his money back.
I’m not sure we’re likely to see Dean back in charge though even though he has the cash. I just don’t think he’d have the appetite after his health problems and the whole Premier League experience.
I completely agree with you about feeling in the dark. Though last summer Phil looked a bit silly last summer when he promised big signings that didn’t materialise.
Come back Dean Hoyle ? Do we want to be spending tens of millions (apparently it was the club’s money not his) on Diakhaby, Mbenza, Pritchard and the rest ?
I’m not sure hwo exactly was to blame, but it isn’t the Chairman’s job to pick the players (despite what big Phil might think). It’s a but harsh to blame our transfer mistakes on Dean.
You must be joking. Hoyle has caused all these problems. Pure luck that we got promoted with a negative goal difference. He has made a lot of money out of town and continues to do so as he gobbles up parachute payments. Some supporter!!
Isn’t Hoyle just taking out the money he put into the club? I’ve not heard anything about him making a profit out of Town.
I hear so much contradictory information about the finances and takeover arrangement that I’m struggling to follow it.
Whatever the truth of it, I find it hard to have any negative feelings towards Hoyle after he did such a good job in his time at Chairman.
Without doubt players will leave soon . Sohbi and hadergjonaj sound like they have all but left .
Bringing loan players in without a permanent deal . Thought this was not going to be the policy of Town . ?
KG must be worth 20 to 25 million . He is 22 years old, 2 years plus left on his contract. Scored 4 goals and 5 assists in the premier league, in a very poor premier side. Compared to Brentford’s Watkins, 25 million rated?
Huddersfield do not have to sell . Some of the players be given another chance .?
Some of the young players will be in the first team squad for sure. Another 2 to 3 players to be brought in ?
I think Watkins is probably a better footballer than Grant. While Karlan has consistently got plenty of goals at every level, his link up play is often poor and he’s easy to defend against if you know he’ll always try to cut in onto his right.
It looks like Phil is pushing for more than £16m, we’ll have to wait and see what the final figure is.
I’d expect a small amount to be made available for a replacement but I’m sceptical we’ll shell out much on transfer fees.
It seems that two or three signings are pretty close. Then probably another couple of Grant goes for a decent fee. I’d guess we’ll see another four or five new faces before the window closes.
Talk of ‘moving players on’? This can only happen if someone wants to take them on terms the players are prepared to accept. Why the need to cast aspersions on players prepared to leave? Why should we assume these players are too lazy to cope with our training schedule? More of a problem are the players who , for whatever reason, don’t move on and aren’t picked.
And what about Schindler? Have we finally pigged him off completely? A stalwart under three managers, who could blame him if he feels he’s done his stint? Particularly if his value to the club is not fully appreciated by the powers that be – looking to save a few quid off the wage bill. But before he goes he should sit for a statue in his honour. Stroking that Wembley penalty home would be a perfect pose for one of the greatest Town players in the last sixty years.
When David Wagner came in there were a few players that didn’t take well to the changes. James Vaughan’s body couldn’t cope with the training intensity and Joel Lynch decided he wanted a move away. Both were key players before Wagner arrived. I can imagine a similar situation happening at Town but no idea who the individuals would be, just speculating.
Schindler was in the training video that came out this afternoon so I presume he’s fit again after the non-specific injury he had. Danny Cowley said that he’d fallen out of love with the game when the Cowleys arrived at Town. However, he seems to pick up toward the end of the season. No idea if he wants to leave or not, he’s too much of a professional to agitate for a move. Agree completely about the Schindler statue. Right next to the Collin Quaner one.