Transfer panic sets in as deadline day draws near. In a January transfer window that has already seen some big-money deals, it's becoming increasingly clear that only those clubs on the brink of disaster are willing to splash the cash.
For most Premier League sides, this month is more about patching up existing problems than making bold, expensive signings. Even the list of top-flight deals so far reads like a Who's Who of Football Manager rejects. So where are all the big money moves? Are Manchester City and Aston Villa going to buck their usual trend of splashing out in January, or will it be business as usual for the rest?
Those on the periphery of the top flight, meanwhile, are still looking to make a statement. West Ham has resorted to old-school scouting methods, landing two South American signings who have sent their fortunes soaring. Forest and Leeds, though, are struggling to get through the checkout with their shopping carts stacked but empty-handed.
As we count down the hours until transfer deadline day, there's still plenty of room for a few surprises. Raheem Sterling has ended his Chelsea contract, while Harvey Elliott remains tied up in WhatsApp chats with his agents. It's anyone's guess how much more will change hands before 5 pm on Sunday.
While Charlton's capture of Conor Coady is an eye-catching coup, it's clear that panic buying will be the order of the day. And if you think your team won't sign anyone as good as a Michael Enerio or Timo Werner, then Panic Monday just might be worth watching - but don't get too optimistic.
For most Premier League sides, this month is more about patching up existing problems than making bold, expensive signings. Even the list of top-flight deals so far reads like a Who's Who of Football Manager rejects. So where are all the big money moves? Are Manchester City and Aston Villa going to buck their usual trend of splashing out in January, or will it be business as usual for the rest?
Those on the periphery of the top flight, meanwhile, are still looking to make a statement. West Ham has resorted to old-school scouting methods, landing two South American signings who have sent their fortunes soaring. Forest and Leeds, though, are struggling to get through the checkout with their shopping carts stacked but empty-handed.
As we count down the hours until transfer deadline day, there's still plenty of room for a few surprises. Raheem Sterling has ended his Chelsea contract, while Harvey Elliott remains tied up in WhatsApp chats with his agents. It's anyone's guess how much more will change hands before 5 pm on Sunday.
While Charlton's capture of Conor Coady is an eye-catching coup, it's clear that panic buying will be the order of the day. And if you think your team won't sign anyone as good as a Michael Enerio or Timo Werner, then Panic Monday just might be worth watching - but don't get too optimistic.
Ugh I'm so over this transfer window already! Like can't we just have some decent signings that actually make sense? Instead we're getting old news and dodgy connections... like Raheem Sterling just ending his contract out of the blue? 
It's just not adding up, you know?
It's like they're all waiting for someone else to take the risk. West Ham's old-school scouting methods are actually kinda refreshing tho - maybe it'll pay off this time! 
And those teams on the periphery, trying to make a statement... I'm curious to see who'll surprise us next. 
... like, I know the January window is still open and all, but come on! It feels like nobody wants to take any real risks. The big clubs are just patching up their squads instead of making bold moves, which makes it so boring to watch. And don't even get me started on the smaller teams - they're just scrambling around trying to find someone to sign before the deadline 
... anyone who thinks Conor Coady's capture is going to be a game-changer needs to chill out 
. I mean, if you want to make some noise in the transfer market, you need to start making some bold moves NOW, not waiting till the last minute 
. And can we please just get back to seeing some real player movement? The suspense is killing me! 
I mean, don't get me wrong, Conor Coady is a solid signing for Charlton, but it's not exactly going to send shivers down your spine... yet. 
Still, can't wait to see what happens on deadline day – maybe some surprises will come out of the woodwork! 
. It's like the same old story every January - teams are too scared to make any big moves for fear of getting stuck with another dud signing like that one bloke from Football Manager who just won't quit his job 
. Can't we just have some sensible, level-headed signings for once?! 
I mean, I know Charlton's got Conor Coady now and all, but is it really worth the hype?