January Transfer Window 2025

[CB Fry]

Albert Grønbæk is the missing piece of the jigsaw.

Edited Sunday at 20:38 by CB Fry

[pimpin4rizeal]

On 17/01/2025 at 14:23, SambaMaverick said:

Sell sell sell at almost any price for christ's sake

 

On 17/01/2025 at 14:27, Turkish said:

just what did people see in him? He's so clumsy and awkward its obvious watching him for five minutes he was never going to cut it in the premier league. He's a bit of a comedy figure we all know but scoring goals in the Belgian league is very different to the premier league. I wonder if anyone actually watched him play or was it a data driven signing where his stats looked good.

Aged like fine milk 😆

[Turkish]

15 minutes ago, pimpin4rizeal said:

 

Aged like fine milk 😆

One goal in two years 😂😂😂😂😂😂

Edited Sunday at 18:37 by Turkish

[coalman]

50 minutes ago, Turkish said:

One goal in two years 😂😂😂😂😂😂

Or, one goal in 45 minutes depending on how you look at it.

[CB Fry]

35 minutes ago, coalman said:

Or, one goal in 45 minutes depending on how you look at it.

If you look at it as his debut which I'm pretty sure it wasn't.

[Turkish]

1 hour ago, coalman said:

Or, one goal in 45 minutes depending on how you look at it.

One goal every 10 minutes if you exclude the rest of his time here 

[Holmes_and_Watson]

39 minutes ago, Turkish said:

One goal every 10 minutes if you exclude the rest of his time here 

Surely his statue outside the ground is underway?

[skintsaint]

7 minutes ago, Holmes_and_Watson said:

Surely his statue outside the ground is underway?

Would rival the size of this one...

[Matthew Le God]

 

 

[Lighthouse]

How are we supposed to immediately loan him out to Goztepe, if we only sign him on loan ourselves? Is it like some kind of HMO sub-letting scheme?

[spyinthesky]

Doesnt seem to have set the world alight in France.
Just hope he may be another Fernandes level player.

[ErwinK1961]

Only joined Rennes in the summer, hopefully makes more of an immediate impact than our last import from them.

[The Kraken]

Grønbæk only arrived in Rennes last summer after he made the €12 million move from Bødo/Glimt. However, he has struggled to find his footing in the French league having only registered two goals and an assist in 18 appearances for the club. 

After only six months in France, his situation has quickly unravelled. Grønbæk was one of the players who was reported to have been placed in the “loft” by the club following their exit to ESTAC Troyes in the Coupe de France. 

And on Friday, Jorge Sampaoli confirmed that the player had handed in a transfer request as he tries to secure his exit from Rennes. Despite his struggles, Premier League and Bundesliga clubs have been keeping an eye on the Danish midfielder. 

[Holmes_and_Watson]

37 minutes ago, skintsaint said:

Would rival the size of this one...

Not convinced about his tracking back. Looks a bit stationary. 🙂 

[Doctoroncall]

34 minutes ago, Matthew Le God said:

 

 

Seems to be proud of his three long fingered hand. Welcome to Saints, Albert ‘ the claw’ Gronbaek. 

[skintsaint]

16 minutes ago, spyinthesky said:

Doesnt seem to have set the world alight in France.

Either way he won't be with us next season. If he does shite then its back to France, if he does well then someone else will snap him up in the PL.

[woodsaint1]

Also linked with Glen Kamara (DM), formerly of Leeds and Rangers. Another Rennes player, like Gronbaek who seems to be surplus to requirements since Jorge Sampaoli came in

[disconnect]

21 minutes ago, woodsaint1 said:

Also linked with Glen Kamara (DM), formerly of Leeds and Rangers. Another Rennes player, like Gronbaek who seems to be surplus to requirements since Jorge Sampaoli came in

Would rather Gronbaek, just as I don’t already know that he’s very average

[Galway saint]

59 minutes ago, The Kraken said:

Grønbæk only arrived in Rennes last summer after he made the €12 million move from Bødo/Glimt. However, he has struggled to find his footing in the French league having only registered two goals and an assist in 18 appearances for the club. 

After only six months in France, his situation has quickly unravelled. Grønbæk was one of the players who was reported to have been placed in the “loft” by the club following their exit to ESTAC Troyes in the Coupe de France. 

And on Friday, Jorge Sampaoli confirmed that the player had handed in a transfer request as he tries to secure his exit from Rennes. Despite his struggles, Premier League and Bundesliga clubs have been keeping an eye on the Danish midfielder. 

Sounds like just what we need - where do they get these players from ? It’s all so random.

I get we’re not an appealing option but why can’t we sign someone who has been round the block, battle hardened and can make an immediate impact to a team desperate for some quality. If we can’t do that don’t bother adding to an already bloated squad.

Looks like another punt on someone you’ve never heard of to add to the very long list of speculative transfers 

[ApprenticeBillionaire]

9 minutes ago, Galway saint said:

Sounds like just what we need - where do they get these players from ? It’s all so random.

I get we’re not an appealing option but why can’t we sign someone who has been round the block, battle hardened and can make an immediate impact to a team desperate for some quality. If we can’t do that don’t bother adding to an already bloated squad.

Looks like another punt on someone you’ve never heard of to add to the very long list of speculative transfers 

We're an absolute dumpster fire of an option for the kind of player you are describing there.

[pimpin4rizeal]

5 hours ago, Turkish said:

One goal in two years 😂😂😂😂😂😂

He’s had 360 mins this season so 4 full games .. last season was out on loan. and in the relegation season hardly got a sniff with selles if that equates to two years ok then.

he’s had more good performances then bad this season I think we are a better team with him on the pitch 

[Saint Fan CaM]

1 hour ago, pimpin4rizeal said:

He’s had 360 mins this season so 4 full games .. last season was out on loan. and in the relegation season hardly got a sniff with selles if that equates to two years ok then.

he’s had more good performances then bad this season I think we are a better team with him on the pitch 

WTF does it matter?  He’ll be dropped next game for scoring a goal. 😏

[CSA96]

2 hours ago, Galway saint said:

Sounds like just what we need - where do they get these players from ? It’s all so random.

I get we’re not an appealing option but why can’t we sign someone who has been round the block, battle hardened and can make an immediate impact to a team desperate for some quality. If we can’t do that don’t bother adding to an already bloated squad.

Looks like another punt on someone you’ve never heard of to add to the very long list of speculative transfers 

You answered your own question

[SaintTex]

7 hours ago, The Kraken said:

Grønbæk only arrived in Rennes last summer after he made the €12 million move from Bødo/Glimt. However, he has struggled to find his footing in the French league having only registered two goals and an assist in 18 appearances for the club. 

After only six months in France, his situation has quickly unravelled. Grønbæk was one of the players who was reported to have been placed in the “loft” by the club following their exit to ESTAC Troyes in the Coupe de France. 

And on Friday, Jorge Sampaoli confirmed that the player had handed in a transfer request as he tries to secure his exit from Rennes. Despite his struggles, Premier League and Bundesliga clubs have been keeping an eye on the Danish midfielder. 

only two goals? well that damn well would make him among the top of our league scorers this season (and an assist!) - with less minutes

 

 

,

Edited Monday at 05:20 by SaintTex

[Chez]

10 hours ago, The Kraken said:

Grønbæk only arrived in Rennes last summer after he made the €12 million move from Bødo/Glimt. However, he has struggled to find his footing in the French league having only registered two goals and an assist in 18 appearances for the club. 

After only six months in France, his situation has quickly unravelled. Grønbæk was one of the players who was reported to have been placed in the “loft” by the club following their exit to ESTAC Troyes in the Coupe de France. 

And on Friday, Jorge Sampaoli confirmed that the player had handed in a transfer request as he tries to secure his exit from Rennes. Despite his struggles, Premier League and Bundesliga clubs have been keeping an eye on the Danish midfielder. 

So, basically, he's Sulemana mark II. A young talent that was on our radar, but it was Rennes that made the investment only for the player to not really work out immediately. He plays but is only really getting minutes off the bench. We step in with an offer that will get their money back. 

Looks great playing for Glint (at that level). Lots of nice highlights and goals. Very one footed. Look forward to seeing him.

[FarehamSaintJames]

Paying a higher price for a young player when he already hasn’t worked out in a marginally better league (Ligue 1) is very SR and Saintsy to do.

If he hasn’t been able to hack it in that league is he going to be able to hack it in the Premier League?

[CamSaint]

49 minutes ago, Chez said:

So, basically, he's Sulemana mark II. A young talent that was on our radar, but it was Rennes that made the investment only for the player to not really work out immediately. He plays but is only really getting minutes off the bench. We step in with an offer that will get their money back. 

 

32 minutes ago, FarehamSaintJames said:

Paying a higher price for a young player when he already hasn’t worked out in a marginally better league (Ligue 1) is very SR and Saintsy to do.

If he hasn’t been able to hack it in that league is he going to be able to hack it in the Premier League?

From what has been posted on here, it is a loan until the end of the season with an option, not an obligation, to buy so not really a case (at the moment) of spending loads of money on an unknown. We will need to do a major restructure next season. We have no idea yet a) whether he's any good  and we would want to keep him, b) if we do what fee we might be able to negotiate and c) whether he would be prepared to play in the championship.

[sadoldgit]

Are we to assume that Albert Gronbaek is Danish for Austin Allegro?

[goodymatt]

Transfermarkt has Gronbaek’s current worth at €15m. This is exactly what Rennes paid for him and what our option price will be. 16 games (plus any cup games) to take a look at him and see if we think he’s worth it. Don’t really see any issue with this.

Edited Monday at 10:38 by goodymatt

[goodymatt]

[goodymatt]

[Channons Windmill]

A client of mine in Bodo really rates Grønbæk, described him as by far their best player whilst he was there - part of that time I think included playing in Europe. He thinks he’ll do well with us..

[goodymatt]

Edited Monday at 11:10 by goodymatt

[Dusic]

Chances of a Nathan Tella sitaution playing out again with Shea Charles?

[SuperSAINT]

4 minutes ago, Dusic said:

Chances of a Nathan Tella sitaution playing out again with Shea Charles?

Almost certainly. 

[2Morrow]

Oh no we sold Charles for £25m. It's the end of the world!

[goodymatt]

[Jeremy Corbyn]

Not sure I understand what happened with BBD.  I know he wasn't great for us, but he's shown more in the prem previously then any of our other attackers but seemed to not get much of a chance.

[Badger]

16 minutes ago, Jeremy Corbyn said:

Not sure I understand what happened with BBD.  I know he wasn't great for us, but he's shown more in the prem previously then any of our other attackers but seemed to not get much of a chance.

Agree, it’s strange how that has worked out. Of the signings made I thought he was worth the risk for the fee given his scoring record at Sheff Utd last season.  

Archer though, I’m still scratching my head about.

As for BBD I expect he’ll be back in the summer. If Sheff Utd go up, they’ll probably look to upgrade, and if they don’t then can’t see them buying him. The £10m looks like a bit of a sweetener or padding on the deal. 

[Badger]

24 minutes ago, goodymatt said:

Should be drummed out the club for taking to the pitch with his socks like that. 

[notnowcato]

22 minutes ago, Jeremy Corbyn said:

Not sure I understand what happened with BBD.  I know he wasn't great for us, but he's shown more in the prem previously then any of our other attackers but seemed to not get much of a chance.

He got more chances than he deserved... in my opinion

[Badger]

4 hours ago, FarehamSaintJames said:

If he hasn’t been able to hack it in that league is he going to be able to hack it in the Premier League?

Hate to break it to you, but we probably won’t have that concern in a few weeks.

4 hours ago, CamSaint said:

 

From what has been posted on here, it is a loan until the end of the season with an option, not an obligation, to buy so not really a case (at the moment) of spending loads of money on an unknown. We will need to do a major restructure next season. We have no idea yet a) whether he's any good  and we would want to keep him, b) if we do what fee we might be able to negotiate and c) whether he would be prepared to play in the championship.

I think SkintSaint summed it up, if he’s any good he’ll probably sign for another Prem club once we’re down. 

[Chez]

2 hours ago, goodymatt said:

Bit of a shame we couldn't have an obligation to buy on promotion included in the deal. If the manager doesn't want to keep him, it would be good to move him on a quickly as possible. United currently need him to get promoted. Their options are limited in the January window. We hold a decent card there. Next summer, if they are promoted, their options increase and we may end up stuck with him. Perhaps that turns out to be a blessing, but at this moment in time a clean break for all parties seems a good outcome.

[notnowcato]

1 minute ago, Chez said:

Bit of a shame we couldn't have an obligation to buy on promotion included in the deal. If the manager doesn't want to keep him, it would be good to move him on a quickly as possible. United currently need him to get promoted. Their options are limited in the January window. We hold a decent card there. Next summer, if they are promoted, their options increase and we may end up stuck with him. Perhaps that turns out to be a blessing, but at this moment in time a clean break for all parties seems a good outcome.

BBD will be fine in the Championship this season for Chuff Utd and next season with us.

[Chez]

1 hour ago, Dusic said:

Chances of a Nathan Tella sitaution playing out again with Shea Charles?

Could happen, but the decision will be ours again, which is important. Last time we got a significant transfer fee that helped fill the gap in income and allowed us to bring in players like Brooks and Fraser that help get us promoted. 

[Chez]

11 minutes ago, notnowcato said:

BBD will be fine in the Championship this season for Chuff Utd and next season with us.

OK, but loaning him out and agreeing an option doesn't suggest we really want him to be part of the (hopefully) promotion winning side. The player is not going to feel very loved by the current manager. 

[Lighthouse]

47 minutes ago, Jeremy Corbyn said:

Not sure I understand what happened with BBD.  I know he wasn't great for us, but he's shown more in the prem previously than any of our other attackers but seemed to not get much of a chance.

His six goals, including a pen, in half a season really isn’t much to go on. Especially when he failed to score in the half a La Liga season he played before that. I think Brett Ormerod score five goals in a week once, it’s really not much of a sample to go on.

To put it bluntly, he just looked sh*t every time I saw him play.

[SNSUN]

Shame as BBD would have useful in the Championship next year. Hey ho, just hope we don't dismantle too much of the team that could get us promoted next season. They might be shit in the Prem but we do currently have a lot of Championship quality that we'll need next season.

 

[gio1saints]

49 minutes ago, SNSUN said:

Shame as BBD would have useful in the Championship next year. Hey ho, just hope we don't dismantle too much of the team that could get us promoted next season. They might be shit in the Prem but we do currently have a lot of Championship quality that we'll need next season.

 

Don’t usually go in for slating players -but- BBD this year has got to be right up there with the biggest disappointments  I’ve seen. Came with a big rep. Scored a decent goal v Lazio. Got that toon sent off Day one and then - nothing - literally nothing.
He does not get near this squad but early season my impression was : Stands as still as he can at Left wing. If passed the ball will only pass it back or pass it infield. Has never knowingly gone forwards. Not seen him shoot. Not seen him attempt an offensive pass, god forbid a forward header. He may attempt to amble backwards in an impersonation of someone attempting to regain possession and it’s as if going past his man was made clear to him it’s illegal. His pace is glacial as are his reactions and ability to shield the ball. He cannot tackle. He looks hefty but he’s lightweight.  He cannot shoot. That lazio goal was a mirage. His eye for a goal is back in Chile somewhere I reckon. His movement, to which I’ve previously alluded to makes wooden mannequins look eerily vivacious. If he was born in the Middle Ages Michelangelo wouldn’t need to carve a giant lump of marble to depict him. Bit of white paint jobs a good un. Spends more time stroking his hair and beard than stroking the ball around the football pitch. And I had such high hopes for him. Such a shame. I’m gutted really. Nice guy in person as well. 
NB m. and we dumped Sam E and left Sulemana to rot so that he could do zero squared. Boggled mind. Hope he does alright at Sheff Utd.

Edited Monday at 15:23 by gio1saints

[S-Clarke]

9 minutes ago, gio1saints said:

Don’t usually go in for slating players -but- BBD this year has got to be right up there with the biggest disappointments  I’ve seen. Came with a big rep. Scored a decent goal v Lazio. Got that toon sent off Day one and then - nothing - literally nothing.
He does not get near this squad but early season my impression was : Stands as still as he can at Left wing. If passed the ball will only pass it back or pass it infield. Has never knowingly gone forwards. Not seen him shoot. Not seen him attempt an offensive pass, god forbid a forward header. He may attempt to amble backwards in an impersonation of someone attempting to regain possession and it’s as if going past his man was made clear to him it’s illegal. His pace is glacial as are his reactions and ability to shield the ball. He cannot tackle. He looks hefty but he’s lightweight.  He cannot shoot. That lazio goal was a mirage. His eye for a goal is back in Chile somewhere I reckon. His movement, to which I’ve previously alluded to makes wooden mannequins look eerily vivacious. If he was born in the Middle Ages Michelangelo wouldn’t need to carve a giant lump of marble to depict him. Bit of white paint jobs a good un. Spends more time stroking his hair and beard than stroking the ball around the football pitch. And I had such high hopes for him. Such a shame. I’m gutted really. Nice guy in person as well. 
NB m. and we dumped Sam E and left Sulemana to rot so that he could do zero squared. Boggled mind. Hope he does alright at Sheff Utd.

I wouldn't say he ever came with a big rep, maybe people were a little optimistic based on the handful of goals he scored for Sheff U, but he didn't have a big rep and was ultimately an almighty flop in Spain.

My personal view on BBD is that he was the wrong player for us, he didn't suit a passing style which is why he always looked like a rabbit in headlights. Awful touch and awful mobility which meant he was pretty much null and void in a team which needed legs to stretch the game, in the occasional moments we decided to put the ball forward. He will be a good player at the right club, but that wasn't us. 

The decision making in the summer was bizarre though, I'm not sure what we expect as a club by signing the two forwards from the 20th team from the previous year.