04 Feb 2020 13:18:12
Dear Ed002,
It appeared that the club took the approach of not buying this January if the top targets were not available, therefore waiting for the summer to make the moves (perhaps similar to how Liverpool waited for Van Dijk and Allison).
I am personally happy with this if it does mean that we go out to secure a couple of premium players in the summer that we need.
Do you expect Chelsea to make one or two premium and expensive signings in the summer?
Many thanks
{Ed002's Note - Well James, players not being available plus an outrageous financial request for one player killed the chances of signing players wanted this January. However, Liverpool did not wait for van Dijk or Allison - one was illegally approached and went on strike to force a move and the other was not first choice.}
04 Feb 2020 14:16:55
Hmm, I believe what Ed is telling us is that the way to success is through cheating! Let’s get on with it Chels! Seriously though, I hope we identify the targets and (legally! ) convince them of our ambitions and project. I hope that we can still do that as a club (:
04 Feb 2020 17:57:52
Ed002
Has signing players in January this year been affected by the Euro Championships?
I have read several comments that international players are reluctant to move to new clubs and disrupt there form.
Also that selling clubs are hoping to drive prices up based on good performances at the Championships.
Thanks.
{Ed002's Note - No, it is of no consequences. January is a time when most sides are mid-season and don't want to sell because of the disruption and because of the lack of replacements being available. I know of seven potential replacements for Jadon Sancho being looked at by Borussia Dortmund but none were available in January - so they are simply not going to sell. I explained that there was no way Lyon were going to let Moussa Dembele leave in January even if circumstances changed in a nother respect that facilitated additional talks. And so it goes.}
04 Feb 2020 20:16:53
Ed002, not really sure how to word this or if its somthing you even have any knowledge of or not.
what's the general consensus amongst clubs Re the current transfer window system (January and Summer)
Do clubs favour it as it is? can clubs petition fifa/ UEFA to change this or is it solely down to the discretion of the governing body? I may be wrong but did clubs not vote in favour of the current system?
I'm asking in general terms from your experience of course, I don't expect you to know the thoughts of every board across Europe.
{Ed002's Note - The FAs voted for it. Each individual country has latitude for the timing but there are minimum lengths. The clubs in England voted for the changes to the summer window and most regret it. I suspect they will lose the English arrogance to fall back in line with the majority of European sides.}
04 Feb 2020 21:16:18
Many thanks for clarifying that Ed002.