Transfer Rumours Winter 2025 Transfer Thread

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Slightly different, Barmby was 29/30 but he was also an ex England international and we got him from the Premier League while we were in League 1, was a fantastic signing for us. Probably one of my favourite ever players, loved seeing him play for us.

Edit: I actually like this signing as I’m not against signing older experienced players but the comparison to Barmby makes no sense.

Leeds had been relegated by then, he signed for us at 30 in L2 but he was key in our championship promotion 4 years later.

So same age as Crooks when he signed and still championship capable at 34, despite playing a couple of seasons at a lower level.

30 is not particularly old in this day and age.

I'd be more concerned that he hadn't ripped up MLS - though 3 goals and 4 assists in 31 isn't awful - but that in itself isn't a reason to dismiss the signing either. He clearly hasn't settled if he's on his way back now, but he was clearly doing a job for Boro last season.
 
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We’re in a different market in comparison to last January when we got Carvalho, we were playoff bound then. Crooks would’ve been a concerning signing then maybe but he fits what we need now. Different midfield profile with some championship experience who I assume who won’t cost a huge amount.
 
A bit of experience in the team isnt a bad thing, and given where we are currently we aren't going to attract the jewels to fit our crown. I know it's nice to think we can get the cream, but afraid its semi skimmed stuff for now. We need players who are gonna roll up their sleeves, dig in, and get us out of this mess, yes I'm sure we'll bring in some talent, but it won't be refined and will be a spin of a coin whether they can produce for us.
 
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Leeds had been relegated by then, he signed for us at 30 in L2 but he was key in our championship promotion 4 years later.

So same age as Crooks when he signed and still championship capable at 34, despite playing a couple of seasons at a lower level.

30 is not particularly old in this day and age.

I'd be more concerned that he hadn't ripped up MLS - though 3 goals and 4 assists in 31 isn't awful - but that in itself isn't a reason to dismiss the signing either. He clearly hasn't settled if he's on his way back now, but he was clearly doing a job for Boro last season.
Completely wrong, we were in league 1 and he played for us in the championship the season after so he would’ve been 31 and he’d only just been relegated from the premier league, the signing we’re making has only just finished the season in MLS. And Barmby was a far better player than Crooks ever was/will be so the comparison is daft.

As I also said, I’m not against this signing, I think he will prove valuable to us as we’re crying out for an older experienced head.
 
We’re in a different market in comparison to last January when we got Carvalho, we were playoff bound then. Crooks would’ve been a concerning signing then maybe but he fits what we need now. Different midfield profile with some championship experience who I assume who won’t cost a huge amount.
We are, but we overloaded on that certain type of small midfielder, it nearly bankrupted us, hopefully Crooks adds the final balance and we can concentrate on strengthening the other positions now.
 
Completely wrong, we were in league 1 and he played for us in the championship the season after so he would’ve been 31 and he’d only just been relegated from the premier league, the signing we’re making has only just finished the season in MLS. And Barmby was a far better player than Crooks ever was/will be so the comparison is daft.

As I also said, I’m not against this signing, I think he will prove valuable to us as we’re crying out for an older experienced head.

My point was that dismissing a player based purely on age on age and league most recently played in is ridiculous. He signed for us in 2004/5 technically but you're right he didn't play in L2.

It's.worth noting though that he was still championship capable when he took the managers job in 2010/11 albeit from the bench.

Maybe Deano would have been a better comparison, but a 2 1/2 year deal for a 30 year old isn't exactly a crazy proposition.

Especially for a predominantly young side crying out for experience
 
We've been crying out for players with a bit of Championship experience and players that won't allow themselves to be bullied off the ball,this lad fits both requirements pretty well.Big threat from set-pieces with his height,thumbs up from me.

Good to see someone has realised that having someone who is 6’4” in amongst our diminutive midfield is a good idea.
 
We are, but we overloaded on that certain type of small midfielder, it nearly bankrupted us, hopefully Crooks adds the final balance and we can concentrate on strengthening the other positions now.

We're looking at Crooks, Palmer and Omur as potential 10's with Palmer injured for the foreseeable. It's not a crazy overload in the short term but I accept there has been a lot of churn in that position.

But then there has been everywhere else too.

Hopefully the focus on youth in summer and the new DOF puts an end to that level.of churn going forward.
 
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