19 Jan 2026 15:15:56
Hi all,
Figured I'd give you all another update based off what I've heard.
To my knowledge, talks with Xabi Alonso have been positive and all parties are seemingly aligned on a move. I'm not saying it's a done deal, but I've just heard positive things. It could very well be sealed, Carra seems to be a bit closer to the action and it's in line with what I'm hearing.
However, I hear it won't be until the summer. Xabi wants a pre season, the club wants a pre season, and the feeling is the best chance of top 4 qualification is by keeping Slot here. Whether or not I agree with that is a different question.
I'm officially going to take a back peddle on any future contract discussions regarding players because I've had enough. I hate agents and I hate negotiation processes. So difficult to pin point who is signing when and for how long because talks are always stalling and moving and stalling and moving, but with that being said I'm still extremely confident about Szoboszlai re signing.
Regarding the January window, my information is that the lack of signings has nothing to do with a change of manager. The club just don't see any "market opportunities" at the moment and will not spend unless one arises.
Lastly, Curtis Jones in no reality will be going to Tottenham. Slot rates him highly, as does Xabi.
19 Jan 2026 15:50:13
Happy days, makes sense I suppose but a downturn in form again and it wouldn't be a surprise if those plans maybe moved forward or an interim came in.
19 Jan 2026 16:21:46
With the World Cup on this summer, there'll hardly be any preseason at all, so that excuse is for the birds quite frankly.
Better to start implementing the foundations now.
19 Jan 2026 19:56:51
If the best chance of top 4 is keeping Arne why are they considering swapping him out for Xabi. That would mean Arne had won a prem, and qualified for CL twice. If Xabi rates Curtis that's a worry, he's ok as a squad player that's all.
19 Jan 2026 21:47:58
100% agree FPF. Xabi starting now would be ideal in terms of him getting enough time to implement things before next season.
Plus, I think we can all see a change is needed. players and fans all seem desperate for some sort of change.
With our current form, in what was a fairly winnable run of games, shows a real possibility of missing out on top 4.