Liverpool Banter Archive July 15 2015

 

Use our rumours form to send us liverpool transfer rumours.

15 Jul 2015 22:24:24
Jordy Claise to sign for Liverpool in the 2016/17 summer transfer window due to him being a great technician a wonderful player a real wizard and the fact he has had a great season at Southampton. His character is also believed to be a lure to the Liverpool manager .

Believable12 Unbelievable4

16 Jul 2015 00:08:28
Yawn.

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16 Jul 2015 03:01:54
He has just moved to Southampton unless i am going mad. can't see it personally

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16 Jul 2015 07:06:11
Sarcasm is lost on some people

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16 Jul 2015 08:45:12
Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit

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{Ed001's Note - yet, oddly, often it takes intelligence to notice it.}

16 Jul 2015 10:47:03
Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit. So said by the person who can't understand it.

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15 Jul 2015 23:28:55
Any Liverpool interest in Lucas Moura , Gary Medel and Aubameyang?

Believable0 Unbelievable2

{Ed002's Note - No - if you search there may be some more detail.}

16 Jul 2015 05:59:47
Gary Medel will never happen because Ed001 is a massive fan, We already have one Lucas and don't want to confuse Rodgers. The Kop would find it too hard to come up with a good song for Aubameyang, not to mention Ed002 said it was unlikely due to hair style or something.

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15 Jul 2015 22:16:43
Really love this site,tend to skip past most posts until I see a eds reply or a post from one of the regular posters on the site!Don't know how the Eds cope with repeat questions and the fantasy football heads on the site but thank you for your efforts

Believable14 Unbelievable5

15 Jul 2015 22:50:58
Lick.

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16 Jul 2015 02:24:43
Thanks,1 of the fantasy football heads. ROBINHO is a player you asked about

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16 Jul 2015 06:05:37
I feel cheated. I read this post even though it didn't have an Ed's reply! You owe me one dude!

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16 Jul 2015 11:40:12
Maybe if people didn't skip past the posts they would realise those repeat questions may have been answered by other posters or had been completely ignored by the eds for being repeat posts!

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15 Jul 2015 21:57:03
Oh dear eds prepare for the Reus questions again.

Believable8 Unbelievable1

15 Jul 2015 21:53:47
Can we expect more players in this transfer window or are we done?

Also don't you think we might have already spent the 49m we got for Sterling with the players that was brought in?

We were so quick out the gates to buy all the new guys and now we in a lull. seems like we done to me.

Thoughts?

Believable3 Unbelievable3

15 Jul 2015 22:47:05
Haha, it's a 'lull' if we don't sign somebody for a week in July?
You do realize the squad & staff are on the other side of the world at the moment? There are 45 days of bullshit and guessing games to go before the window SLAMS shut. Don't sweat it, it's not sudoku.

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15 Jul 2015 23:25:39
There is/was an offer for Kovacic on the table and an offer for Benteke. It's clear the club are trying to do something, whether it happens is another story.

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15 Jul 2015 21:41:12
Have we retired the number 8 jersey? I thought Henderson may have got it with him being named the new captain. Also any idea when the away strip will be unvailed?

Believable1 Unbelievable4

15 Jul 2015 22:30:10
I think its at 6pm brisbane time tomorrow

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15 Jul 2015 22:41:12
16th and no we haven't retired the number 8 shirt

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15 Jul 2015 23:12:30
Think i read the away strip is tomorrow.

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16 Jul 2015 06:13:34
Dude, pretty sure Reus will wear the No8 jersey this season.

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16 Jul 2015 08:27:14
God liverpress you've definitely started another conspiracy in the fact that the number 8 hasn't been filled which obviously means we're signing a "worldie" to stick on the back

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15 Jul 2015 21:35:55
4th next season if. Sturridge is fit for 70% of the season, play 4-3-3, sign Benteke

Believable8 Unbelievable5

15 Jul 2015 21:24:40
Well, depending on which site you believe either.

1. Utd have agreed a fee for Benteke and he prefers a switch to them over us

OR

2. We (Pool) have won the race to sign him and he prefers us to any other club.

ME???

I'll go with Ed002.

Utd not interested and a deal will be struck with us soon.

13/8 if you fancy it!!!


vrcomp
Y.N.W.A.

Believable7 Unbelievable1

15 Jul 2015 21:36:15
£5. Fancy it. Utd.

£10 on him as top scorer too. £20 on many turning and moaning we should have signed him.

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16 Jul 2015 17:49:36
Looks like you were spot on again Ed002!!

vrcomp
Y.N.W.A

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15 Jul 2015 21:13:09
I like FSG.
Development of the stadium and the fair 30mill'ish into the squad is.projection, but they seem savvy enough to understand the club has correct guided potential(ala Red Socks) to be worth 1bill in 5/4 years.
Which fundamentally is good for LFC
#buybenteke

Believable13 Unbelievable1

15 Jul 2015 21:35:36
Good owners full stop
Up the pool

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15 Jul 2015 22:51:50
So now the quality of the owners is measured by our potential worth in five years? I thought a football team's success is measured in trophies (which by the way bring more money but that is a different story). Our owners showed so far very little understanding of how to build a team that can win trophies. Some of their mistakes in that sense - e.g. keeping BR this summer, are nothing less than shocking and full of wishful thinking. They may have good intentions but it will be their full responsibility that we will finish next season at best where we had finished the last.

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16 Jul 2015 01:20:55
Fanobip . football is a business that generates huge income if managed correctly, off field is where FSG do their business. it's the on field stuff that matters to us and it's up to the squad and coaching staff to win games and bring in trophies. that's why a lot of them are so well payed, judge the squad and coaching staff at the end of the season on merits, if we win nothing or at the very least not gain champions league place well then the only ones who will have to answer 1st is the staff and players, keep the faith we already have an abundance of talent on and off field. the club needs time to gel but it's coming together really fast already just a lot of so called fans don't want to be around for someone to build the foundations that were ripped from under us from previous owners.

Have faith
believe in the club it's current players and staff back and support them now and they will have to show then if it's for their own pockets they are with the club or if they are here for the fans and the legacy this club has always had and can reacheive once again.

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16 Jul 2015 08:30:34
Fanobip you actually start off some posts like you are going to have a good point but then you trick me and bring it back to Rodgers not being sacked. Get over it mate. I think we all get you think that's a bad decision but ranting about it in every post isn't doing anything and it's a bit repetitive at this point

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15 Jul 2015 21:06:40
Hey ed Ya seem to be on rare form tonight , am half afraid to ask for fear of getting me arse kicked but do you think the squad will do better this season than last , I know you haven't a crystal ball but the lads signed this year seem to have the right attitude for a change

Believable5 Unbelievable1

{Ed002's Note - Somewhere between 3rd and 8th.}

15 Jul 2015 21:28:39
I agree and to get 3rd or 4th we will have to be extremely consistant with what we have, I still believe top 4 is possible but we really need to tighten up at the back and our strikers need to chip in with more than they did last season.

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15 Jul 2015 22:18:24
Generous on 3rd ed . But would your prediction not be better based on a between 5-8? Do u genuinely think we could get into too 4 ?

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{Ed002's Note - I have just answered the question. Hopeless.}

15 Jul 2015 23:00:08
Ed generally with you , you have a little sarcasm etc that could mean you actually think we could finish 7th and your prediction is right .

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{Ed002's Note - I do actually know where Liverpool will finish next season as we have been working on the final table recently.

Sorry, this is the Conspiracy page?}

16 Jul 2015 00:29:39
Don't go down that road . The lesser minds will laugh at your response to my gullibility . Anyway away with ed2 . It's late!! It's 3min to 8 here

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16 Jul 2015 03:52:41
I think we will get top 4 myself, ahead maybe of Arsenal to 3rd

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16 Jul 2015 08:33:10
Best chance we have of top 4 at the moment is ahead of man city or less likely man u. arsenal and Chelsea are nailed on certainties (as much as clubs can be) and I just can't envisage any scenario where those two aren't in the top 3

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15 Jul 2015 20:01:31
Surely we are not now going to miss out on Benteke, meaning we will have gone 3 transfer windows in a row without addressing the area that every man and his dog knows needs sorted most.

Surely not .

Believable6 Unbelievable6

15 Jul 2015 20:29:35
And?

If we wanted him enough we would sign him

I reckon we'll get him for 25 as I'm sure the lure of two international teammates makes it a more worthwhile move for him.

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15 Jul 2015 20:31:46
I have to say I would be thoroughly peed off if we don't get him.

I've said all along that I think the man is a monster and would give us a whole new dimension.

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15 Jul 2015 20:57:02
We have addressed the striker situation? We've signed two young strikers, that have been promised first team time; and we have 3 more that are likely to be moved on, so I don't know how many more strikers we could possibly fit.

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15 Jul 2015 21:02:29
Seem like not only we miss him, we miss him to United. The way they work is 'we want this player, what's his tag price? £32? good we will pay it'. Next day he is theirs.

The way we work is 'do we want this player? not sure, maybe. maybe only if we will not find someone chepaer, let's bid on third of the asking price try to get to the end of the summer and if we will not have other options then we may raise our bid in ten precent. If it will not work we will say we never wnated him and actually We already have Origi and Inges os don't need other strikers.

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15 Jul 2015 21:25:31
Similar to firmino then

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15 Jul 2015 21:30:45
Thing is fanobip, do you think he's worth the asking price?

I don't, and it's clear the club don't.

Isn't that wise?

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15 Jul 2015 21:46:16
Some posters really do get their knickers in a twist sometimes. let's wait and see who Benteke signs for before throwing ourselves off the cliff!!

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15 Jul 2015 21:56:42
I don't think Belgian international mates really work as an argument as United have Fellani and januzaj vs our Mignolet and Origi so can't see that being much sway either way to be honest

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15 Jul 2015 22:04:33
If anyone thinks , presuming we move on Balotelli, Borini & Lambert, that young kids like Origi & Ings alongside a brittle Daniel Sturridge, with Firmino, Markovic or Sinclair in emergencies, is good enough to get us in top 4 is wired to the moon.

We are crying out for an out and out proven goal scorer .

Has no one seen how poor we've been in attack since the wee man left!

Beginning to think that some of the guys off the transfer committee post on here.

I for one would be delighted with Benteke, provided he is used in a front 2 and we don't try to change how he plays.

Will be well pissed if he goes to Man U.

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15 Jul 2015 22:29:55
Why waste 32 million on someone who won't press and will want the ball player into him all the time? United are welcome to him, will suit their long ball style.

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15 Jul 2015 22:53:55
Well said Elderslie! Couldn't agree more.

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16 Jul 2015 01:19:41
If Ings and Origi aren't good enough to start, why did we buy them? Makes little sense to me to keep acquiring players and then not use them.

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16 Jul 2015 03:00:24
RDL, that's what we've been doing since last summer so why should anything change?

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16 Jul 2015 03:54:09
I rate him it seems than many on here, but for £32 million i would for sure not worry about getting someone else for less

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16 Jul 2015 06:31:48
I'd rather we didn't sign him, we have do many attacking players, if benteke came in meant ibe or markovic getting less time then it's not worth it. We should just play a 4-2-3-1 with ings or firmino until studge is back. With couts ibe markovic lallana we should still score.

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15 Jul 2015 19:52:36
If Lacazette has a price-tag of something like £37-to-£40m, now that Sterling's transfer money is confirmed, wouldn't LFC be in condition to negotiate a transfer for him? Is that valuation of Lacazette something far away for us?
Or is the Sterling money already assigned to the previous signings in the season such as Firmino, Clyne and possible Ings?

If Benteke is our only option, I really hope it doesn't come through. Would rather give a try to what we have + some small contribution from youngsters when needed to rotate.

Believable0 Unbelievable7

{Ed002's Note - It doesn't work like that.}

15 Jul 2015 20:09:15
I mean, Lacazette is definitely not an option LFC could go for?
May be because of money, no CL, or whatever else

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15 Jul 2015 20:46:13
I know. I think it would be easier for all involved if city just sent the 49 million to lyon.

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15 Jul 2015 20:46:51
2+2=37-40. I think we need to sack all the back-seat managers.
You hope it doesn't come through what? The matrix?
And I hope you wouldn't rather 'give a try' to any of last season's fit strikers, it's been proven, they were useless.

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15 Jul 2015 20:57:14
That's not an excuse for Liverpool, we can bring him in

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15 Jul 2015 20:57:28
hit one's own forehead with hand/palm, and drag it down one's face.

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15 Jul 2015 23:34:15
I know there isn't a sarcasm button but sometimes I wonder

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15 Jul 2015 19:09:57
Hello Ed's Gents and Ladies. It's not often I get left behind in the thought process , often enjoy the comments and knowledge from Ed's and fans alike but I am left a little baffled by Ed02 comments about recouping more or less half what we paid out from sales( more or less not exact words I'm 54 and memory not too good).
This is how I see it. Am I so wrong? This doesn't include wages agents fees etc but two large salary earners have left and more will follow.
EXPENDITURE:

Roberto Firmino (Hoffenheim, £29m)
Joe Gomez (Charlton, £3.5m)
Nathaniel Clyne (Southampton, £12.5m)
Danny Ings (Bosman, fee to be agreed)
Adam Bogdan (Free)
James Milner (Free)
Total: £45m

INCOME:

Raheem Sterling (Manchester City, £49m*)
Sebastian Coates (Sunderland, £4m)
Iago Aspas (Sevilla, £4.4m)
*20% of £44m - £8.8m - believed to be going to QPR as part of sell-on clause

Total: £47.8m

Total (approximate) spend: £2.8m (in profit)

Believable2 Unbelievable4

{Ed002's Note - Yes you are wrong, but I have no idea why your age is relevant.

If you want to include the add-ins for Sterling then include them for Firmino as well. Aspas money was in last seasons figures as I previously explained - Liverpool used it to offset an FFP issue. Ings will cost several million - circa £6M-£8M. Bogan and Milner had signing on fees - one of which was very significant. You have also seemingly excluded the money spent to buy off two players (circa £8M) and the 5% of the fee given to Sterling. The 20% of the money paid to QPR will extend to the add-ins as well. If I got into the money spent on FA fees, agent fees and other fees you will see a figure around half as I said.

Another great example of why we don't discuss money.

I assume you are no longer baffled; sorry, just got it - 54 is your IQ.}

15 Jul 2015 19:52:26
That's what we call ownage in internet terms.

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15 Jul 2015 19:54:51
To be fair though ed whenever clubs spending for transfer windows is mentioned in the media they never include all the fees in which you have mentioned.

Like you said there's a lot more to a transfer than just the fee, so probably easier to just stick to the fee.

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{Ed002's Note - I have no idea what the media has said but if Liverpool fans continue to think Ings, Milner and Bogdan are "free transfers" then they really should have all of the numbers removed from the keyboards Lavers.}

15 Jul 2015 19:56:52
Harsh!! That's why I read and don't comment

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15 Jul 2015 20:00:31
That entire post was copied and pasted from the Liverpool echo. I've only just read it and knew someone would post it here and get it ripped to shreds by Ed2!

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{Ed002's Note - Are they Liverpool supporters?}

15 Jul 2015 20:00:48
them figures look exactly same as the ones the echo have posted so do you mean this is how you see what you have read elswhere? ed002 has already stated we have spen 70m and whatever and ed002 knows his shit pal.

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15 Jul 2015 20:05:03
infact its an exact replica heres the text from the echo

Here is their balance sheet for this summer so far.

EXPENDITURE:

Roberto Firmino (Hoffenheim, £29m)
Joe Gomez (Charlton, £3.5m)
Nathaniel Clyne (Southampton, £12.5m)
Danny Ings (Bosman, fee to be agreed)
Adam Bogdan (Free)
James Milner (Free)
Total: £45m

INCOME:

Raheem Sterling (Manchester City, £49m*)
Sebastian Coates (Sunderland, £4m)
Iago Aspas (Sevilla, £4.4m)
*20% of £44m - £8.8m – believed to be going to QPR as part of sell-on clause

Total: £47.8m

Total (approximate) spend: £2.8m (in profit)


why not just say where you saw it insted of trying to look clever?when infact ed002 has made you look like a DF?

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15 Jul 2015 20:05:30
Ha ha ed02 you are seriously my favourite ed. can you hear the knuckles dragging ha ha
Up the pool

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15 Jul 2015 20:29:55
Bit harsh that. A 50 odd year old feller asking a simple question based on something he read elsewhere. You go too far sometimes ed mate

It's only here that goes someway to explaining all the fees but stops before explaining it fully although this is the furthest I remember you explaining it ed

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{Ed001's Note - sense of humour bypass? Ed002 was very much tongue in cheek, hence the quip about 54 and age/iq. If you can't laugh at yourself there is no point in being alive mate.

As for the explanation, Ed002 has given a very full explanation a number of times, I will see if I can get it resurrected and put into its own page of the site to make it accessible more easily.}

15 Jul 2015 20:34:01
And just to add, that list of numbers is not a balance sheet. Further proof that it's better to not use terms you don't understand. Especially if you're a journo.

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15 Jul 2015 20:17:29
So ed does that mean your confident most Liverpool fans can't spell the numbers then! Lol

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15 Jul 2015 20:36:26
Ok then, with all this great knowledge and insight into the clubs finances and me being a mathematical genius I would say LFC financial situation resembles that of an American Indians water vessel travelling through a sewer with no form of propellsion
Would that be closer to the mark Ed??

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15 Jul 2015 20:37:29
An un-EDifying site sometimes

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15 Jul 2015 20:43:09
Not sure if they're Liverpool fans Ed2 but I'm fairly sure they aren't members of Mensa

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{Ed002's Note - It would account for their financial acumen.}

15 Jul 2015 20:51:19
Haha. When will we have emoticons please Eds? I just want to add a smiley face applauding to Ed002's response here. :)

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15 Jul 2015 21:36:47
Ed002 did a great explanation of the (massive) "other" costs involved in a transfer. You can find it my searching for "super agent"

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15 Jul 2015 21:49:16
I think Ed02 is Ed01's evil alter ego.

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15 Jul 2015 21:57:44
I know you hate talking finances eds but am I right in thinking we would of had to pay to terminate sterlings contract plus he would of got a substantial signing on fee from city as well?

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{Ed002's Note - No.}

15 Jul 2015 22:41:23
At the risk of being brutally shot down. If sterling gets 5% of the fee. Does the agent/s get a cut of that as part of his contract with sterling or the agents fee from the clubs for the sale?

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{Ed002's Note - Liverpool has no obligation to pay his agent. His agent will be paid by Manchester City (probably a lot less than Liverpool have been playing on agents) and will get a proportion of what RS gets based on the contract he has with him. I could tell you a lot of footballer/agent stories but don't have time. However, two quickies you might enjoy. (a) a Premier League player who couldn't drive had his agent organise the purchase of an expensive car that was rolled out of the garage when he was visited by the press etc. for interviews, demanded the car was replaced a year later with the latest model in a different colour. He still couldn't drive - but it was image. It had a couple of hundred miles on the clock. (b) a northern-based Premier League player who had put clothes in a washing machine but had no idea how to turn it on repeatedly rang his agent in the South East for instructions on how to use it. This was eventually solved by the agent persuading someone at the Worsley Park Marriott to send a housekeeper (or similar member of staff) around to his house to do his washing and instruct him and his girlfriend in the use of the machine. I wills ay that both players involved are English.}

15 Jul 2015 22:46:53
Whose contracts were bought out totalling 8m ed? how long was left on each? Cheers

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{Ed002's Note - Brad "Brendaned" Jones and Manquillo.}

15 Jul 2015 19:08:58
The benteke saga looks like dragging on for at least a couple of weeks.expect borini to be in Italy in the coming days.could any of the eds confirm an enquiry over simon mignolet and last week?heard lallana may also make way to balance the books

Believable2 Unbelievable5

15 Jul 2015 18:54:29
Once again we have so failed to address the issues within our squad but have added some quality additions also. I am not going to criticize our players before they have been given a chance neither will I make any negative comments about our young players. We all know which players need to be moved on so they don't need mention those either. I think that we should focus on the loan returns of Andre Wisdom, Tiago Ilori, Joao Carlos & Divock Origi as all 4 are great additions to our squad and hopefully will feature prominently in the forth coming season.

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15 Jul 2015 19:26:20
All arrivals have been good so far we just need a few more additions in the right areas and sell a few strikers

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15 Jul 2015 20:36:40
We're 2 weeks into the transfer window.

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15 Jul 2015 18:51:36
If Benteke goes to United, I have no doubt that he will do well there, they play quite direct football which he will thrive off. On behalf of all those who have suggested we should not match his release clause, I would like to point out it has always been because he's not suited to our style of play and therefore anybody who gets on a high horse if he hits 20 for them, we never doubted his ability.

Believable6 Unbelievable0

15 Jul 2015 19:24:34
That's the problem though he's a threat to us whoever he plays for, but is he suited to our game? Whatever that may be. I think I saw enough of Origi to say spend the money elsewhere.

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16 Jul 2015 03:05:08
Origi needs to do more to show he's ready to make the big step up and playing against a Thai all star team proves nothing.

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15 Jul 2015 18:51:21
hey eds I was wondering when teams like Liverpool travel on Tours and in for european matches do they have their own "jet" for the team alone or do they just book tickets like everyone else ?

Believable3 Unbelievable0

{Ed002's Note - Liverpool will be travelling on an aircraft of one of their "partners", Garuda, on this trip. Typically for European games they will lease an aircraft or, depending on location, use a scheduled flight.}

15 Jul 2015 19:44:35
cheers eds

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16 Jul 2015 04:35:43
As an example, I flew to Melbourne from London with Qantas on Tuesday for work. Myself and my colleague were in the Dubai lounge and the whole AS Roma squad were there and got on our flight with us. The thing that shocked me most was that the majority (if not all) of the squad were flying business and not first.

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15 Jul 2015 18:45:03
Every man and his dog report that Benteke's release clause fee is £32.5 million. Yet Liverpool want to do a deal for less than that.no wonder Villa are playing hard ball like we did with Man City this year & Barca last year. We know the price, so either pay it or move on, villa would not want to sell for less than they have to, so unless Benteke puts in a request we need to stump up the cash now, waiting a few more weeks is not going to change the situation, unless they need to sell further players before they can make a move.
If we don't think he is worth that money fair enough. try elsewhere (if there's another target in mind)

Believable8 Unbelievable1

15 Jul 2015 18:54:54
Have you ever thought how much money the club has got with them to spend. We have spend close to 70 mill already and how much have we recouped from sales?
Every club apart from Liverpool has a decent money coming from sales.

The people behind the scene are doing all they could get the deal done.

To spend 35 mill on a player being outside CL with FFP on the head is one heck of a task.

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15 Jul 2015 17:28:39
I thought José Enrique made a good contribution to the game yesterday. "Jello, I'm José Enrique and you are watching LFC TV." Such talent! ;)

Believable18 Unbelievable1

15 Jul 2015 17:35:19
Haha, he showed plenty of character XD

Red Rum

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15 Jul 2015 18:00:16
Even funnier, if you type 'José Enrique' into google you get:
1-José Enrique instagram
2-José Enrique twitter
3-José Enrique san juan
4-José Enrique injury

No mention of Liverpool or even football.
Oh, and José Enrique-San Juan is a restaurant in Puerto Rico. Maybe he could go get a job there as a host. :D

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15 Jul 2015 19:55:03
5-Jose Enrique dubai

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15 Jul 2015 20:54:08
Oh yes please! That way we can get a squillion quid for him and he can earn 200 grand a week for posing for selfies. :)

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15 Jul 2015 21:03:43
Or maybe China? If Spurs can get £10 million for Paulinho then anything is possible!

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15 Jul 2015 22:02:33
Heard he's great at Fifa. No wonder he runs round like a headless chicken

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15 Jul 2015 17:15:44
i think there are other viable and cheaper striking options around than Benteke.

I would at least

Mitrovic.
Vela.

Are easily both cheaper options for me. You could even argue you could get both of these strikers for the cost of the Benteke fee (32.5 million)

I would also say that Higuain would be a better fit, even if the whole financial package could cost more.

Believable1 Unbelievable0

{Ed002's Note - Higuain is far from a viable option financially.}

15 Jul 2015 18:45:13
The players we already have are much more financially viable. Studge, Origi, Ings, Firmino, Sinclair. More than enough!! Why do we seem to want to collect players like those little figurines with the oversized heads everyone used to have?

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15 Jul 2015 16:58:25
Saw a post further down mentioning what we need is a passing midfielder and that is what Allen brings to the team. I think people really do underestimate lucas' abilites sometimes. I think he is by far the best passer we got in the team and his ability to break up play and dictate the tempo of a match is a great bonus. that's just my opinion though

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15 Jul 2015 17:42:27
The best passer was Gerrard and we scored close to 100 goals playing him at the base. We were sensational in the season.

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15 Jul 2015 18:04:33
Shipped a fair few as well euro.
We have some good passers of the ball in our team that can still run up and down a pitch. If only we had a young alonso in our team though.

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15 Jul 2015 18:15:05
And also shipped in 50 goals that season.

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15 Jul 2015 18:32:23
Mikey cue Mr kovacic. Certainly has the potential to reach xabis kevel

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15 Jul 2015 18:51:34
Very much agree mates. Gerrard is magnificent passer but equally poor when it comes defending. So the demand for Alonso or holding player comes into picture.
We are running behind a lot of player except the most important one.
Failure of Lucas and Allen to dictate the game was the reason Gerrard was deployed as the DLP.
We need someone in the middle who has an eye for that killer pass. We don't have one.

Regardless of where he ends up, Kovacic will be a better player than Vertatti just like the other Croatian at Madrid.

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15 Jul 2015 20:45:09
What has Kovacic done to deserve such praises, personally every player these fans watch on youtube gets them excited and I for one don't see nothing extra special he has that the club lacks. If LFC do buy him it will be a waste of money just like we did with Markovic when we already had Ibe and Ojo and tons of youngsters who should be given chances instead of blowing money on players that add nothing extra while disrespecting and ignoring the youth system at the club which IMO should be scrapped if we keep buying young players and turning a blind eye to our youngsters. Must be hard in an academy that which gives no hope when it comes to promotion.

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15 Jul 2015 23:12:21
Joe Allen is useless and although I'm a fan of Lucas, he is not our best passer. That accolade must go to Jordan Henderson now or perhaps Cautinho.

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15 Jul 2015 15:58:24
Personally, I wouldn't go in for another striker unless somebody outstanding became available at a sensible price. We have so many forwards on our books already, a good couple of young centre forwards coming through in Sinclair & Yesil, buying Benteke makes little sense to me. I said this about Ings, not because he isn't a good player but because it halt the progress of the other players coming thorough. For me, ill throw the name out there (not just because its his birthday) but Burak Yilmaz is somebody I would look at. International experience, Champions League experience and can score you upwards 25 goals a season. 30 years of age, wouldn't halt the progression of the youngsters and available i'd imagine at a sensible price. To me that makes a hell of a lot more sense that pumping £30 plus million on Benteke but that's just my view.

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15 Jul 2015 16:21:39
Luiz Adriano and Gignac are two good names we should have looked into it.

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{Ed002's Note - All just fantasy football.}

15 Jul 2015 16:53:20
Gignac is not good enuff (i`m an OM fan and have watched him thru out his time there before joining valbuena at Dynamo Moscow) and is not better than Benteke.

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15 Jul 2015 17:24:36
I don't know where to begin with what's wrong with this post. Aside from the fact that Sinclair & Yesil are probably leaving, you assume Yilmaz will somehow score 25+ goals in the Premier League he has never played in? Aside from the fact that his age puts him at odds with our transfer policy, I think you've just picked a random name from a list of strikers on whoscored or FIFA or something. I'm actually surprised you didn't get a good thrashing from Ed002, it says a lot that your post didn't even warrant one.

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15 Jul 2015 17:26:49
Is there a fantasy football page? Or maybe just rename this one?

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15 Jul 2015 19:53:56
@redohio

gignac went to Mexico "Tigres" I think. Not Moscow.

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15 Jul 2015 23:19:18
I actually agree with the general gist of the post. I actually think we should give Origi a go.

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15 Jul 2015 15:53:21
Hey Eds, any idea when Coutinho, Firmino, Can and Illori are back from their hols and whether they'll be joining the tour?

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{Ed002's Note - No idea.}

15 Jul 2015 17:08:49
Thanks anyway

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15 Jul 2015 17:21:15
They aren't joining the tour from what they were saying during the first game, they'll be back for the Helsinki and Swindon games

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15 Jul 2015 15:02:18
Eds big question don't shoot me down?
Say if Rodgers doesn't achieve the top 4 or situation of the club looks bad come this winter,then if we go for Klopp would we have to change the entire coaching staff?

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15 Jul 2015 15:15:37
The best answer you can hope for there is "maybe".

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{Ed002's Note - I spent months explaining about Klopp - these is no point opening this up again.}

15 Jul 2015 14:31:00
Hi eds, not sure if this has been asked before and the answer may be quite simple. But I don't understand why we're considering getting close to Benteke's £32.5m buy out clause when for £28m or so we could get Lazacette?

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{Ed001's Note - because we wouldn't get Lacazette.}

15 Jul 2015 14:51:50
FIFA manager again? My gripe would be if we want Big Ben then get him, it's not going to be long before we miss out and end with llorente

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15 Jul 2015 14:51:03
Ed01, I don't want to throw random names and after reading Ed02 on the strikers we have looked at, We are after benteke. But 32 mill is one hell of a money for any striker. And its quite surprising we are only looking at him.

Ed01. Is he the only one Brendan wants bad? Every club would have couple of back up names and after much filtering, Llorente is the one which could look into if this deal fails, which is another compltely differnt player to Benteke in style and it terms of finances.

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{Ed001's Note - we were rejected in an attempt to secure Llorente, this has been dealt with. We failed in a move for Bacca. Again it has been dealt with. Benteke is where we are because he is the first choice of those available to us. Not my first choice, but there you go.}

15 Jul 2015 15:41:19
Who is your first choice ed1?. Thanks.

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{Ed001's Note - my first choice was to pay what it took to get Bacca.}

15 Jul 2015 16:04:29
Who's your top three choices then Ed001? Your first is higuain if I remember correctly?

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{Ed001's Note - no, he was first choice of those available. Other than that I would rather just save the money and spend it on a top class keeper, use the youth.}

15 Jul 2015 17:32:01
Ed001 had we signed a goalkeeper,do u think we would be title challengers.Also Ed what is your take on yesterday's performance
especially Marko,Tex,Ings,&Origi.

Thanks.

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{Ed002's Note - Liverpool has purchased a goalkeeper.}

15 Jul 2015 17:45:28
Out of the strikers that have been sold already I think bacca or mandzukic would of been quality signings and not hampered the youth. Guess we did not stand much of a chance in those deals

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15 Jul 2015 17:48:28
Using youth makes sense if we are confident that origi and Ings will get us the goals in sturridges absence it would be one hell of a gamble

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15 Jul 2015 17:48:45
Ed002 I meant if we signed GK like Cillessen instead of Bogdan to compete for the first team.

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{Ed002's Note - That was never on the cards - we need to move all of this stuff to the fantasy football pages.}

15 Jul 2015 13:37:52
Hey lfc fans.

Halfway into July. What do u think is going to happen

Will Lfc buy a forward instead of seemingly making a simple task into a long winded affair such as replacing suarez and not doing that

Or will they just leave it as it is and make do .

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15 Jul 2015 14:12:21
I think its obvious that Benteke is the target alternative would be Rondon maybe. Other than that i don't see anyone else coming in really.

Maybe a left back

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15 Jul 2015 14:12:25
We will waste money on another player who will be not suit the style of play and is then deemed a failure, before selling him on at a loss.

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15 Jul 2015 14:53:51
Style of play blah blah give it a rest! We didn't have s style last year and there is nothing wrong with mixing it up. Big Ben will score goals end of and last year we lacked goals. If he goes to utd and scores 20 goals you will only regret we didn't get him!

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15 Jul 2015 15:18:39
O G, I am sure your right , Benteke will score goals in our system, just like Carroll, Lambert, Balotelli, Michael Robinson, Sean Dundee,Eric Meijer did, oh wait a minute .

All classical target men who, between the six of them, scored 15 league goals for us in their entire careers.

Try comparing that to mobile strikers like Rush, Fowler, Owen, Torres, Suarez, Sturridge, it's not rocket science.

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15 Jul 2015 15:59:57
I think you forgot Heskey. The fact of the matter is we need to change our style of play as LFC have been found out and we have no plan B.

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15 Jul 2015 16:18:10
Conveniently forgot Heskey, Toshack, and Crouch there Ritters.

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15 Jul 2015 17:03:35
Forgot Mad Erik too!

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15 Jul 2015 17:27:50
Toshack! That is digging one out!

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15 Jul 2015 17:35:12
Ritters

I think you can place benteke a couple of levels above them lot.

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15 Jul 2015 18:48:56
Exactly lavers! Big Ben is a good goal scorer, will score against run of play, as well as with it. Will be a threat from corners and will bring other players into play! If we go with 2 up top he should complement the pacy strikers we have.

Besides I'd stop moaning as out of the options left you want to hope we get him lol

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15 Jul 2015 18:48:56
Exactly lavers! Big Ben is a good goal scorer, will score against run of play, as well as with it. Will be a threat from corners and will bring other players into play! If we go with 2 up top he should complement the pacy strikers we have.

Besides I'd stop moaning as out of the options left you want to hope we get him lol

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15 Jul 2015 13:03:52
All this talk of bringing in more attacking midfielders is ridiculous. What we really need is a PASSING midfielder. Surprisingly, Harry is one of the only ones that recognises this.

Regardless of ability, Allen is the only PASSING central midfielder we have. Henderson throughout his career has always been an attacking midfielder, but does a decent job in central midfield and Lucas specialises in breaking up opposition attacks.

One glaring problem last season was the lack of options in midfield when our defenders were looking for the pass. Quite often there was no one dropping deep to collect the ball and start the passing. That became even more apparent when Lucas was injured.

Remember when we played City and Allen bossed the midfield? He dropped deep for the ball and ran the show in midfield. Remember against United when Gerrard came on and in the 30 seconds he was on (before being sent off) he was the best player on the pitch, trying to get the play going in midfield? Allen only performs like he did once in a blue moon (no pun intended) and Gerrard is gone. He was only shoe horned in central midfield anyway.

It is glaringly obvious that we need a specialist central midfielder. It has been an issue since the 5th August 2009. Almost 6 years! I'm sick of reading about how we are going to replace Sterling. How about we replace Alonso!

Red Rum

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15 Jul 2015 13:17:37
That is why we placed an offer for Kovacic.

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15 Jul 2015 13:26:37
People often slate Allen for sideways and backways. Yet they wouldn't want a CM at all.
All they fear of loosing lucas if Kovacic comes in.
I could assure you, Kovacic in all honesty would replace Allen. They are comparinng scholes to Lallana.

The reason we went 3 at the back was to stop conceeding goals, Our midfield has been poor from ages, except Milner we had a full squad last year and Milner is a static midfielder a programmed professional who is good off the ball and high pressing, Ask him to pick a player and he would just stand still.

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15 Jul 2015 13:32:39
Exactly Indianscouser, Kovacic is exactly the type of player we need. Reus, Pedro, etc, as good as they are, we don't NEED them.

Red Rum

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15 Jul 2015 13:37:46
You don't half talk some rubbish Harry

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15 Jul 2015 13:47:05
My only issue with Allen is his confidence, character and self belief. He has the ability to be a top passing midfielder, but as a playmaker you need to be a leader. You need to show that you always want the ball. Sometimes Allen looks like he's scared of the ball. He'll pass and run as if to say, 'I don't want the ball back'. He needs to be the one the players look to, to dictate the pace of the game. He needs to pass the ball and demand it back. If he is to succeed he needs to come out of his shell. Maybe with Gerrard gone he might be able to finally do that.

Red Rum

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15 Jul 2015 13:56:39
Red Rum

I loved Verratti when he was running the show against the whole Chelsea squad at Bridge. The kid was top class. I am not sure what's his goal scoring to assist ratio, But would it matter?

Kovacic as much I have seen at inter drop back and collects the ball from the defender and then move forward, pick the gaps and at times goes long forard. He is really good defensively and his passing ratio is the best in Italy.

We have seen whole last season Countinho dropping as deep in our own half to pick the ball.

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15 Jul 2015 14:03:54
I'd like to also add that Allen is 25 now and is one of the senior members of the squad. This season is make or break for him. I have a strong feeling that with Gerrard gone, he will step it up and prove he has what it takes. I really hope he does succeed as he's a top professional and a nice lad.

Red Rum

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15 Jul 2015 14:14:37
Since day one it has looked like Allen is just trying to hard and is constantly nervous.

I like Allen and think he is a intelligent, professional footballer who is a valuable member of the squad.

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{Ed001's Note - he is just not being used correctly. He needs to go for the sake of his career, he will never fit in with us. Allen could go somewhere else and be a central figure instead.}

15 Jul 2015 14:19:54
I think with Rodgers situation being in a fix he would definitely give priority to a striker.Allen is really a curious case.If people don't pressure him he does really well,but when he has to come across more physical midfielders like Fellaini he goes missing.Also he didn't come regularly to collect the ball from defence.Especially Sakho was struggling to find a passing option because of this opposition started pressing our centre backs and caused problems which lead to most goals in the last part of the season.I didn't watch Serie A regularly but If what EG says is true than Kovacic will be a good signing.

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15 Jul 2015 14:32:51
The thing is Harry, Kovacic wouldn't have to play cdm. He could play alongside Lucas as Alonso did with Mascherano.

A midfield diamond of Lucas, Kovacic, Henderson, and Coutinho would be a very good passing midfield. Or Lucas, Illarramendi, Henderson and Coutinho.

Look at Barcelona. They have/had Busquets, Xavi, Rakitic and Iniesta. All very good passers with different traits. Busquets sits in front of defence breaking up play and picking out simple passes, as does Lucas. Xavi excels at passing and linking up with his team mates, as does Coutinho (albeit in a more advanced role). Rakitic is a hard working box to box player like Henderson and Iniesta plays everywhere getting on the ball and running the show, as does Kovacic.

That is the kind of midfield we should be hoping for.

Red Rum

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15 Jul 2015 14:44:08
Dont shoot me down, But we should have gone for a top class CM earlier in the window than Milner. Apart from Pressing off the ball, What eles could Milner offer us is something I couldn't unerstand.

Ed01, Could you elighten

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{Ed001's Note - experience, quality delivery, good attitude, high workrate, ability to cover multiple positions. I can understand the Milner signing, it was just that it was not the best use of our resources when he had Henderson already.}

15 Jul 2015 15:02:06
Milner doesn't improve the team in the way we need to improve. He's a very good attacking midfielder with all the qualities Ed1 just mentioned, but where is he going to play? We have Coutinho, Firmino, Markovic, Lallana, Ibe and Teixeira who are all attacking midfielders.

And why shoehorn him into central midfield when what we need is a specialist? Good player but an unnecessary signing in my opinion.

Red Rum

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15 Jul 2015 16:03:52
Milner is a specialist central midfielder. He was shoehorned into a wide role. He started his career as a central player and he was bloody good there. Don't you remember the Villa midfield of Barry and Milner with Young and Downing on the flanks? They consistently finished in the top 7 for about 3 years.

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15 Jul 2015 16:23:52
For me Allen just doesn't dominate. Unfortunately he is a fish out of water at Liverpool. For the position he plays he doesn't demand the ball enough for me. Seems a nice bloke, quite unassuming. Maybe that's part of the problem.

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15 Jul 2015 14:58:04
Thanks Ed01, But it would block Can the player we all want to see.

Redrum

Spot on, People want their fav names on the sheet than a compelete team. Look at chelsea, they have one specialist player for each position. If Matic gets inured Mikel gets the spot.

We buy shell loads of players, majority on the same position over and over again, then try experimenting.

A midfeield should consist of three players, One to break up the play, One to control the game, the other to contribute as an ACM.

Lucas would break up the play, We have no good CM, instead we buy 10 b2b players and 20 Attacking players.

Man UTD would look like a complete team with Carrick and Shniderlin in their midfield.

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15 Jul 2015 16:55:55
why are we still talking about kovacic? It's not going to happen!

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15 Jul 2015 16:28:36
Adam, he's an attacking midfielder. Whether he plays better centrally or wide is a different topic. My point is he shouldn't be shoehorned into a TYPE of player that he isn't. We saw that with Gerrard over the past couple of seasons. As Harry said earlier, there is a massive difference between a technically gifted playmaker and an attacking midfielder.

Red Rum

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15 Jul 2015 17:17:45
Downing and Barry never played in the same villa team

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15 Jul 2015 17:44:45
Its true what EMS said about Milner.He was really good in the CM position,but a midfield can have any mix of players.And a team can have any no. of midfielders.We exactly don't know the plans for Milner but surely he is a good addition.We have 7 midfielders with many games to play next season Can and Teixeira will get a good chance.Thing we can do is swap Allen with Kovacic,In that way we have 3 really talented players,without any pressure they can develop into good players.

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{Ed002's Note - You are living in an absolute fantasy world.}

15 Jul 2015 18:22:14
Ed002 do u think we need anymore midfielders and how do our midfield compare to other top 5 teams?

Thanks.

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{Ed002's Note - Taking Firmino, as a forward the club currently has (off the top of my head) Henderson, Coutinho, Milner, Leiva, Can, Lallana, Allen, Ibe and Markovic contesting probably three places. I think they are pretty well set unless some leave. If you are looking for numerical comparisons, Chelsea has more midfield players and will one or two more but has already plans for a number to go on loan and three, perhaps even four, will be sold. Arsenal have less senior players but need to make a decision whether or not the add another DM player or wait for the one they want. I suspect they will wait. Spurs are in the midst of ins and outs so it is hard to say. Stoke may cause a surprise or two this season. Manchester City are still looking to add two or, perhaps, three midfield players/wingers/wide forwards.}

15 Jul 2015 19:32:01
Ed 2, I think you are right about Stoke there

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15 Jul 2015 12:47:25
So eds looks like chelsea are the front runners
for pedro! I know ed001 doesn't rate him, what
about you ed002 being a chelsea fan! Is it true and if not are liverpool interested?

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{Ed002's Note - I don't want to get in to "rating" players.}

15 Jul 2015 13:06:09
Pedro is a great player. If you dig into the archives you'll see that Ed002 frequently recommended Pedro last summer as a good buy for us. You don't survive for 7 years in Barcelona's team unless you've got something going for you. Pace, skill and a good end product. He'll be a great signing for Chelsea.

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{Ed001's Note - he was never in Barca's team to survive it and he was there purely because he was happy to sit on the bench for cheap, unlike the replacements.}

15 Jul 2015 13:11:58
Does it matter? We don't need him, we're not interested. We have at least 5 attacking midfielders. We want benteke.

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15 Jul 2015 13:31:01
I am pretty sure, given only one player to buy Ed01 would pick Kovacic or any other CM over a striker.

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15 Jul 2015 14:17:40
Don't see what kovacic does that Lallana can't do for the next season or two. Our midfield is fine, but if Lucas is to leave I'd prefer a more robust midfielder than someone like Kovacic or Illaramendi. (Medel is getting to the stage of no brainer)

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15 Jul 2015 14:25:40
Ed desperately wants a new keeper EG

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{Ed001's Note - very true boba, keeper is the number one priority for me. I can't believe we didn't go for Begovic.}

15 Jul 2015 14:43:33
That move absolutely stunned me. You said previously he rejected us too, I believe. I can't see him getting near the 1st team ever at Chelsea.(Not in any critical games any way) I just don't get the reasoning.

regarding pedro,ed002 may have said he could be a good purchase EMS but different factors may have swayed that advice,IE a cheaper alternative than lallana and markovic (I wouldn't want to speak for 002 though). I personally don't rate the lad. Fabregas somehow replaced him in the forward role (If I remember correctly)

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{Ed001's Note - you do remember correctly about Fabregas, which says it all.}

15 Jul 2015 17:15:53
Hendo offers everything that Milner offers so I have never understand why he was bought, really. If Kova is better/an upgrade on both Milner and Hendo then we should have gotten him instead.

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15 Jul 2015 11:27:09
Hi eds is there a chance we could swoop for lewandowski, surely at only a bit more than benteke and twice the player we should go for it?

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{Ed002's Note - But how would he fit in with Lacazette and Reus?}

15 Jul 2015 11:49:08
Yeah lewandowski will give up wining cups, leagues and competing in CL in one of the best teams in the world working under one of those most esteemed coaches to play in Europa cup as a wing back for Rodgers.

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15 Jul 2015 12:01:55
Yeah let's go for it! With him & Benzema up front, Reus & Messi on the wings and Carvalho & Pogba in the middle we'll be a shoe in for the Europa League.

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15 Jul 2015 12:05:37
He got you there big mick ☝and rightfully so

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15 Jul 2015 12:28:36
Well he doesn't play for bayern and seems to be interested in a move to United so I don't see why we couldn't

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15 Jul 2015 12:47:53
We don't have Champions League, nor can we pay the wages he'd want, especially after the signings we've made already. United would totally blow us out the water if it was between us and them for his signature.

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15 Jul 2015 12:58:50
We are certainly paying a hefty wage for Milner. I would have kept it myself for a star forward.

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15 Jul 2015 13:16:37
We didn't pay 35 mil for Milner which I reckon would be the bare minimum he would leave for. Not that bayern would sell or that he would be interested in giving up competing for every available club trophy on the planet ( and winning many) so he could take a wage cut struggle against stoke away.

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{Ed001's Note - Bayern would sell Lewandowski. He is not first choice for them and so is available.}

15 Jul 2015 13:31:56
Swish

We are about to pay 35 mill for Benteke anyways, how does it matter?

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15 Jul 2015 14:58:12
There is no chance we could sign a player like that he is in the fantasy football realms along with reus and lacazette that have been mentioned on here. I didn't realise he wasn't first choice at bayern though I thought he played 40+ games last season and scored 24/25 goals. I'd hate to see him at unt with him and a top centre back they will be challenging for the league rather than competing for top 4

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15 Jul 2015 15:10:44
Lol Euro, okay under the tiny chance that he would be interested in leaving the german champions he would be a good aquisition.

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15 Jul 2015 17:39:43
Euro, Benteke wants to come here while Lewandowski (who is much better)more than likely, doesn`t.

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15 Jul 2015 18:16:35
I don't see that United are that much more of an attractive proposition than LFC in recent times.

I know that Utd have Champs league - currently - but they are going through a period of evolution just as we are.

If Lewandowski is considering Utd, I don't think it's so far fetched that he might (MIGHT) consider LFC.

We had a saying in my sporting days "you are only as good as your next game". Looking to the coming season, which club is looking like having the momentum? I suppose the answer to that is subjective, but there is a buzz about LFC right now - that things are moving in the right direction with the back room staff & signing the likes of Firmino - & Rodgers not using the word "character" since May.

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{Ed002's Note - But Liverpool have no interest in him?}

15 Jul 2015 21:07:36
Merely chipping in my tuppence in response to hsf & Den82, Ed2.

- bigmick17 there is your answer.

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15 Jul 2015 10:27:40
Ed2 if we find the loose change down the sofa and pay up for Benteke, i take it that's it for incomings.

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15 Jul 2015 12:07:12
Illarramendi & Augustinsson

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15 Jul 2015 09:49:30
{Ed's Note - We have posted a new player profile about, Sebastian Coates

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15 Jul 2015 09:29:49
To Summarise our likely outs now that Pound has departed:

Balotelli - likely loan to Fiorentina

Lambert - Either part of Beteke deal to Villa or to WBA - straight sale

Borini - Lazio or West Ham - straight sale

Enrique - Loan to Conde Naste for the season - us covering all wages

Gomez - I'd expect a loan, tbh, With Ilori being 3/4 choice behind Sakho/Skrtel and Toure

Lovren - he's the bigger name I would expect to depart. Would prefer it to be Skerts, but think it will be Lovren, with second shout out being to Sakho (which would be a major error, imo).

Allen - I expect him to end up back at Swansea for about half of what we paid for him.

Sinclair - I expect him to be sold.

Lallana - this is my other call for the big name to leave. Will be a shame as I really rate him, but there's so many others around in the pecking order. Maybe even a return to Southampton?

Probably a number of other loans for the recent younger joiners in the first team squad.

Thoughts? Well off the mark, or not too far away?

Eds, if you know of any interest other than stated above, would be great to hear.

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15 Jul 2015 09:58:57
Not to far off although i'd expect lallana to be given another season to show what he can do.

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15 Jul 2015 10:03:23
Given llori Impress, Lovern has every chance to move. Sitting on the bench for another year. Another massive loss on transfer.

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15 Jul 2015 10:13:07
I doubt Lallana or Lovren are going anywhere this summer, I also think it's highly unlikely we'll be able to get anyone to take Balo from us and finally, Joe Allen won't leave with Rodgers in charge, surely.

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15 Jul 2015 10:20:59
Utter craziness to sell Sinclair.

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15 Jul 2015 12:18:38
Brisbane, agree with you, but it unfortunately looks likely. Not one I like to see.

See rumour from Adam/EMS, looks like my guess on Lallana may not be as out there as originally thought!!

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15 Jul 2015 17:59:03
Disagree with Lallana and Lovren. i think they can still have a good season with us. Their talen is not in doubt especially lallana`s who was injuy-hit last season but wheh he played, he was awesome in many games and his natural skill is unrivaled in the PL by any other Englishman. As for Lovren his confidence is shot but can be helped if played in the right system as well s improvement on his game. The rest? I`m good with them leaving

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15 Jul 2015 08:57:36
Can I be the first to start the rumour Liverpool to resign unsettled star raheem sterling

Believable7 Unbelievable4

15 Jul 2015 09:17:29
For £15m, of which £5m comes back to us based on our 33% sell on clause! lol!

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15 Jul 2015 09:28:50
He probably has another 14 years left as well so 14 years of "any chance?"

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15 Jul 2015 09:35:39
I'm sticking my neck out here but I'm guessing you're just joshing?
Personally, I wouldn't have him back even on those terms. I prefer players with a bit more class.

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15 Jul 2015 09:40:30
I look forward to finally putting the Sterling rumours to rest sometime around 2030. We'll still be linked to Torres at that time, tho.

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15 Jul 2015 11:24:35
Funniest post this week! LOL

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15 Jul 2015 08:57:36
Apparently in an Italian newspaper interview yesterday with Kovacic, he states that the club have never mentioned selling him and that he is happy were he is and see's a long relationship with Inter. I hope this is the case as I'd rather keep Lucas and give young Rossiter future opportunities. Would be nice if we can get Benteke this week and then focus on the player's leaving the club.

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15 Jul 2015 09:13:30
Good for Kovacic. The last thing we would want is for a player to be trying to use the press to weasel a move. If he joined like that then you can expect he'd leave like that too.

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15 Jul 2015 10:00:56
User013

Terrible if you think the player is using press to force a move. The player has never expressed his desire to move and its club who need to balance the book.

Had us shown the same attitude, Both Lovern and Lallana would have been at Southampton.

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15 Jul 2015 11:26:47
Well done EG. That's the most blatant miss since Ronnie Rosenthal.

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15 Jul 2015 11:28:12
Both Kovacic and his agent were always unhappy with an attempt to move him on. He is happy where he is and they felt we out-of-order to seek a deal on him by by-passing his agent and him and going to the club. I like the lad and I like his loyalty but again it show what a fickle mistress this football business is.

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15 Jul 2015 11:32:06
Well that confirms my suspicion that you fail to understand what people are saying quite often European glory. he was saying that it's a good trait in a footballer in contrast I assume to sterling

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15 Jul 2015 11:33:12
Harry I believe you misunderstood

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15 Jul 2015 11:36:56
I think you missed the point of that post European glory.

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15 Jul 2015 12:27:31
I read exactly what he meant, Another good excuse to stay away from the player. There is absolutely nothing else to blast the player, let's bring up his interviews and attitude.
Be happy he is not coming to liverpool.

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15 Jul 2015 12:40:19
There's none so blind as those that refuse to see.

Ok now I need help. I can't think of another miss to use as an example. Beardsley v Watford springs to mind but that's a bit obscure. Cost us the title though. In a way.

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15 Jul 2015 12:52:30
EG, he's stating that he HAS NOT used the media to force a move. Jesus did you even bother to read his post? Or just feel like attacking him because you woke up on the wrong side of the bed?

Stupid.

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15 Jul 2015 13:01:19
Looks like I missed it alltogether.

Apologies to all the above posters and Eds. My bad.

I somehow want that player. :)

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15 Jul 2015 13:11:23
No worries mate. It's all just banter after all.

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15 Jul 2015 08:46:25
eds are you aware of us holding interest in any other strikers apart from benteke. as much as he's a good player I just get the feeling he isn't the right player for us.

Believable0 Unbelievable1

{Ed002's Note - I have explained which strikers Liverpool have shown an interest in this summer - but Benteke remains the one they want. They know what they have to pay - if they have the money.}

15 Jul 2015 08:48:55
Lfc need real quality in the team. Lallana is terrible along with Markovic. Money wasted by BR. Benteke will be another waste of cash.

Believable2 Unbelievable26

15 Jul 2015 09:00:16
Thanks for that pete.

You better hurry or you'll be late for school, or are you on hols already? :)

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15 Jul 2015 09:04:58
Lallana has only had one injury hit season with us and when he did play showed the quality he possesses. As for Markovic, he is a young lad with great potential (Remember Man City have just forked out £49M for great potential). He has been at the club one season in which he had to settle and did not gain many opportunities. Give the lads a chance before writing them off as terrible. In terms of Benteke i think he will be an excellent signing and give our forward line a completely new outlook.

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{Ed002's Note - I am not sure if Markovic will get too many opportunities this season either.}

15 Jul 2015 09:11:09
Hahaha exactly my thoughts Zeddicus.

What a pointless post Pete.

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15 Jul 2015 09:12:03
That would be a real shame, Markovic is such a wonderful talent. would be gutted if the club sell him ( unexpected player to leave )

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15 Jul 2015 09:25:16
Cant look at yesterdays game too much but Markovic looked really decent in the number 10 role where he likes to play - Done a job last season playing wingback when needed - Sterling also played at Wing Back and was really poor there as it probably the most horrible position in football and we just sold him for 49 million so don't write Markovic off just yet

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15 Jul 2015 09:38:56
By the looks of the line-up yesterday maybe Rodgers will finally use Markovic in a more natural position. I have high hopes for Markovic.

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15 Jul 2015 09:57:47
Rodgers praised Markovic after the game yesterday and backed him to make his breakthrough this season. Sounds to me like Markovic is very much in the plans from next season

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15 Jul 2015 10:08:43
EG I agree totally. Also apologies I prematurely slated your posts the other day regarding how many disagrees they must all get. Ever since then I have paid closer attention to what you say only to find what you post makes sense more often than not I agree ha ha. Obviously we're not all here to be sheep still. Fingers crossed LM gets a few opportunities to prove himself.

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15 Jul 2015 11:29:45
You welcome Higgins :)

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15 Jul 2015 08:12:18
Hi eds,

Which of the new players signed along with current crop will end in first team.

To me hendo, mignolet, clyne, firmino, coutinho and milner seems starters.

Firmino and clyne just because we have paid good enough money although we had players at that position.

Who else would you add and chop. Also does preseason performance of players make any impact, personally i think origi may come handy, pace link up play and strong in air.

Your thoughts

Thank you.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed001's Note - preseason can affect decisions, if a player really stands out they will often get a chance to prove themselves, but it is very rare that happens when a manager has signed almost a new team like we have. With the likes of Skrtel, Hendo and Migs certain starters under Rodgers, Clyne, Firmino, Coutinho, Milner also pretty much certain, it does not leave many places to fight over.}

15 Jul 2015 09:13:55
I have no idea, How would BR play all three Milner, Henderosn, Can in a midfield with none a true hilding player at all. BR has been assuring everyone on their fav positions.

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15 Jul 2015 09:35:24
I imagine Moreno will be starting as we seem to have shifted to a back 4 again. Unless Enrique can be found? Lol

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15 Jul 2015 09:40:13
Can plays a holding role in germany u21s right?

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15 Jul 2015 12:55:05
Not so much a holding role, but he does play a deeper midfield position yes. He's not the same as Lucas, he's more like a Toure type player, just not anywhere near Toure's level yet. It's possible he'll be a very good player though.

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15 Jul 2015 08:04:04
Hi Ed's

Looks like Bayern Leverkusen are linked with M Kovacic.

Does it mean that we that we are looking elsewhere?

Thanks

Believable0 Unbelievable1

{Ed023's Note - No it just means there is another offer on the table}

15 Jul 2015 08:52:15
He's come out and said he intends to have a long relationship with inter . Bizarre situation with him

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15 Jul 2015 08:53:36
Adding to the fact, Bayer are in a much better shape than most of the Pl clubs. As Ed02, said the other day, we had the chance to seal the deal long back. Fingers crossed for this deal.

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15 Jul 2015 08:01:34
We apparently sniffing round rondon, first thing I've heard since hernanes, which didn't come to fruition

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15 Jul 2015 07:51:02
I listened to Tim Sherwood yesterday in an interview whilst on his pre season tour. He absolutely said he wanted and expected Benteke to stay. Then went on to say how he would love Adebayour but the club cannot afford him at this time?

This says to me as most interviews by managers do at a point in time where a top player is on the verge of a big offer that Benteke is definitely going, but he has to show to the media that he is staying and that the money he gets will pay for Adebayour.

Villa will except £26-£28 million because they need the money!!

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15 Jul 2015 10:03:28
Sherwood has an over inflated view of his ability. I will be surprised he lasts the season.

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15 Jul 2015 11:55:14
Adebayour will cost about 5 mil at most. Spurs can't wait to get them off their books. It's his wages that are the issue.

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15 Jul 2015 11:55:23
Gone by november ? Someone here will get the reference ;)

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15 Jul 2015 12:32:11
Maybe January, February, March, April, May hey Brendan

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15 Jul 2015 07:18:26
Just found out that my son and I will be meeting the players after their training session here in Brisbane on Thursday night. He entered a competition a while back and found out this morning that he was one of the four winners. Stoked and excited to be meeting them. can't wait.

Believable18 Unbelievable0

15 Jul 2015 08:54:42
Convery our Huggs and Love from the site to the players.

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15 Jul 2015 09:02:13
Fantastic! Really pleased for him (and you I presume as he can't go on his own!!).

Ask him to ask Lucas to wear the famous wig during a game next season, lol!

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15 Jul 2015 10:16:24
Don't mention stoke here

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15 Jul 2015 10:23:25
My boy can go on his own, he's 19. Made sure I was his plus one over his friends. Hahaha. After all, its my doing he is a Liverpool fan.

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15 Jul 2015 06:18:30
Hai Eds warm Mng and great day ahead

EMS

This is with reference to the discussion we had below on the central midfield position.

You have claimed below that only three sides have better midfield pair than us

1. Matic - Fabrigas
2. Carrick - Morgan
3. Coquelin - Carzola

Since city are not done with their business, I expect them to retain any one of the above position which makes us 5th and exactly where we finished last season.

You should check the stats of Kovacic and come back with your post. The kid is super excellent and how often you find all the Eds on this page thumbs up on one player?
From Ed01 to ed023.

Kovacic is a special breed of its own. Defensively good and carry the attack by himself from the back.

He is more important than Benteke to me.

People are throwing random names to play that role. Can positional discipline was found out when he was deployed at CB and FB.

Cheers guys.

Believable2 Unbelievable5

15 Jul 2015 08:34:52
I think the only thing we learned about Can from seeing him at RB was that he isn't much of a right back. I don't think it tells us anything about anything else.

He will develop into a regular in the German national team in my view.

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15 Jul 2015 08:43:06
Kovacic is a good young player bit I think yourself and many others have built him up as some kind of saviour.

Last season he played left wing and attacking midfield and scored and assisted less than Henderson or Milner. He is no doubt a good playmaker, but there is no evidence he can dictate a premier leagie game from deep. He's onlyreally played holding midfield at youth and international level.

He isn't better than Lucas. He isn't better than Henderson. And he isn't better than Milner.

And for the record, I said midfield trio. I genuinely believe we have the second strongest midfield in the league if Rodgers plays Lucas.

We've addressed our main weaknesses and replaced people who've left with better players (for once). Even if we don't sign Benteke we have Sturridge, Ings and Origi. Sinclair might even stay in that scenario.

I just don't get all this negativity on here lately. Okay so Bogdan wasn't the best option, and Ings and Gomez are relatively unproven. Milner, Firmino and Clyne are both instant improvements to the side. Is 3 new starters not enough for you people?!

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15 Jul 2015 08:47:02
We finished 6th

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15 Jul 2015 08:47:23
Your post lost credibility when you said we finished 5th?? U need to look at the final league table again.

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15 Jul 2015 08:53:06
Kovacic is a great young player but defensively he is still working on. I wouldn't call him even good yet. For me its a weakness in his game if he is going to play DM. His passing and dribbling is great.

I really like Kovacic but I'm with Ed001 on this one. Medel will give us a more powerful balanced side and certainly short term is the better option.

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15 Jul 2015 09:00:43
EMS

Apart from hednerson I don't see anyone making a defense plsiting pass of finding the gaps from the centerof midfield. We had all the burden last season on Countinho.

Disagree to the fact where he played at inter, he played at the base and I have watched him a lot last season. The kid recieves the ball from the defenders and then carry the ball well, A better version of Verratti and Wilshere.
His defensive qualitiies is superb.

Scoring goals, How many did Alonso managed in his whole career?

Regardless of where he ends up, He is a cracking player. A perfect Passing Midfielder.

Cheers man

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15 Jul 2015 09:01:48
I agree with EMS. I think Kovacic is a very good player. We'd be a better and deeper squad with him in it but we should first look at fixing our problem positions.

I would include keeper and left back in our problem positions. Before anybody says it, yes, I know that we won't be getting another keeper this summer. I'm not saying why will happen, just what I'd prefer.

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15 Jul 2015 09:07:03
Defensive midfielder and centreback are 2 completely different positions,Basing your judgement on Can from his days at centreback next to skittles is extremely naive EG

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15 Jul 2015 09:33:54
Kovacic is a special talent,stats are bit misleading,he can do what Wilshere did for Arsenal.Being said that i don't think he is the most important signing,presently for Brenda his most important signing would be a striker.

And we didn't actually address our weak areas as User013 pointed we need a GK,which we won't be signing this season.
Also our midfield trio mentioned by EMS are equally capable because of their industry and experience.

Personally I would be really happy if we can get Kovacic.I fear that under Rodgers we will have another kid losing confidence like with Markovic and Can.Can played well given the chance,it would be foolish to expect him to perform well in defence and Rodgers tactics hung him out to dry.

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15 Jul 2015 09:41:45
My Italian mate thinks kovacic isn't ready for first team football at Liverpool. Very much a rough diamond who looks good in YouTube clips but makes too many mistakes and goes missing all the time. I was getting reminded of Ryan babbel when I wrote that out then lol.
I would much rather have Lucas and use Can as back up/competition for him until he's ready to take over from Lucas full time.

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15 Jul 2015 09:49:57
bob

Unlike the other positions in midfield and attack, DM and CB are closely related and so does Madcherano has been top class at Barca.
Both needs positional discipline. You could often see a CB playing the DM role in necessity.
Zouma for Chelsea
Toure for Arsenal.

Skrtels presence had nothing to do with Can being bullied by attackers when we was deployed at the back.

Can is decent going forward and he himself has stressed to play as an advance midfielder.

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15 Jul 2015 09:50:20
I think Kovacic is a very exciting talent, but I would much rather see Chirivella given a chance in a DLP role as he is more accomplished In that role despite being younger than Kovacic. Chirivellas passing is on point and he reads the game exceptionally well for a young player

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15 Jul 2015 10:01:19
Glory I think you're forgetting Coutinho and Firmino mate. Those 2 combined with Henderson and Milner is plenty of creativity. Not to mention Teixeira, Ibe, Lallana, Markovic etc.

How much more creativity do you want? Even Can is pretty good at picking a pass.

Kovacic is a great young player but is he really any better than Can or Teixeira? I don't think so personally. As someone else said. He adds depth. Nothing more.

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15 Jul 2015 10:20:06
Mascherano has been top class at Barcelona . MY WORD! European Glory,you just threw that statement out there didn't you. Mascherano has been terrible at centreback.

The positions are nothing alike.otherwise we'd have never had a need to buy another DM when we had several centrback at the club,we could have just slotted on of out 10 centrbacks there.

Can was asked to be able to keep pace with wingers, whilst also stepping forward out of the line,without cover. Teams drew fouls from him because they outnumbered us on the right.
As I said in another thread when Can played midfield he was composed and linked well with the mids. He read the play infront of him without having to worry about some 1 getting in behind him on the wing with apce because he knew he also had 2 centrebacks to cover which allowed him the freedom to close down.

Right sided centreback of 3 is completely different to Defensive midfield.

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15 Jul 2015 10:58:53
Agree with Bobatron here. Sorry EG.

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15 Jul 2015 11:05:45
Most centre backs who can also play holding midfield are actually just holding midfielders who weren't good enough technically to play in midfield for their respective teams:

Mascherano, Kompany, K.Toure, Kouyate, J.Martinez etc.

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15 Jul 2015 11:50:18
EMS

Allen is the only CM in our side, Like it or not, You could shorn the whole first team to the postion,But the fact remains fact.

Do you find any difference between Scholes and Lallana?. Xavi and Iniesta?, If yes, then there is your answer

Bob

Could you elighten me how is Mascherano the worst CB for barca who has decided not to replace him with any other player in 5 good years, given they spend more than 75 mill every year?. they bought one from Valnecia and Arsenal yet couldn't make the bench ahead of Mascherano?

Are you saying Barca couldn't buy a CB?

Mascherano is a top class tackler, like it nor not and has been from years. His positional sense is magnificent.

Emre Can at time reminds me of David Luiz at Chelsea. He doesn't got much idea what's ahead of him and behind.

If lucas gets injured during the season, we are doomed.

We will regret not buying one on that position.

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15 Jul 2015 12:44:18
I do believe Barca have been restricted in their transfers.

They also bought jeremy matheiu and thomas vermaelen to play centreback.
Pique was injured for about 10/12 game,
Mathiaeu had a terrible start and was also injured inparts
Vermaelen was out for practically the whole season

When barca had 2 centrebacks available they would more often play themEG Bartra and pique,Vermaelen when he was fit. Mascherano would often be on the bench behind busquets.

For the record I don't think Barca bought decent centrebacks in the window they were afforded.

Mascherano dives in,is reckless,and his positional sense for a centreback is poor. He often drops too deep,or steps out far too quickly,he isn't composed on the ball,and wants rid of it asap. He constantly gives away fouls when it's not necessary and is too square on against the attacker. He is an awful centreback

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15 Jul 2015 13:00:06
I think it's quite funny, EMS makes 1 little mistake in his post and you guys say he loses all credibility because of it? Perhaps it was a typo?

God damn it, some of you are so bloody stupid and naive, you really are.

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15 Jul 2015 13:29:42
EG you are completely wrong about Masch,he looks good because of Sergio Busquets.And Barcelona not buying is their foolishness in
transfer window.Problem is if we sign Kovacic then wat about Pedro Chirivella who is actually a specialist in that position?

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15 Jul 2015 05:51:30
I'm glad sterling has moved on but when a club can £50m for potential it's ridiculous. Then you have the fact they will give him £200k a week, it's madness.

How can we ever expect our club to compete, we have become a selling club without wanting to be. The clubs above us can offer more wages, more transfer fees and regular CL football. We are always playing catchup, when we have a good season and flirt with CL football richer clubs come in and buy our better players. One step forward two back. If we have a good season we lose the players who got us their.

Our support around the world is clearly starting to seep away. We no longer have any famous standout stars in our side as we cannot attract them. It must be a worry for FSG thinking how they can get a return on their money when they keep trying to invest into the squad only to be blown out of the water by others.

This is not a moan or rant but it's going to be difficult for us to break into the CL on a regular basis. The reality is if we find the next Suarez he will just get bought by a bigger club.

Believable3 Unbelievable2

15 Jul 2015 08:37:30
I'm not sure. I think any club in the world would have been willing to sell Pound for 50 million.

Our club won't be defined by the players we sell.

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15 Jul 2015 05:01:03
We don't need to replace Sterling. Milner, Lallana, Coutinho, Firmino, Markovic, Teixeira and Ibe are all attacking midfielders. Therefore, don't expect Reus, Pedro or any other attacking midfielder to be joining this summer.

We also won't be signing a defensive midfielder. We already have Lucas who is one of the best in the premier league at what he does. So don't expect Medel, Carvalho or any other of that kind unless Lucas leaves (which would be a poor decision in my opinion). Emre Can will likely share that position with Lucas next season.

A passing central midfielder is a possibility, as we only have Henderson and Allen of that mould, but a specialist playmaker is what we really need to improve our current midfield. Recent interest in Kovacic shows that the club acknowledge the need for that kind of player.

We won't be signing any centre backs. We have Sakho, Lovren, Skrtel, Toure, Ilori, and also Wisdom and Gomez who can play there.

We won't be signing a right back as we have just bought Clyne. We also have Wisdom and Flanagan who can play there. Left back is a possibility but not a priority. We do have several left backs in the academy who could do a decent job there for us.

A top striker is still a possibility. Ings and Origi offer 2 different options, and I expect them to get a fair bit of game time next season. Sturridge will be first choice when he returns, but with his injury problems it's clear that the club feel a top striker is still needed if we want to improve upon last season. It seems Benteke is the main target, but for me, it's too much of a gamble as to whether he will fit in with how we play. Lacazette would be more suited in my opinion.

Don't expect any more goalkeepers,

In summary:
1) No attacking midfielders will be signed.
2) No centre backs will be signed.
3) No right backs will be signed.
4) No goalkeepers will be signed.
--------
5) A new striker is very likely.
6) A new central midfielder is possible.
7) A slight chance that a left back will be signed.

If I were to choose the 3 possible signings. I would choose Lacazette, Kovacic and promote Maguire.

Red Rum

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15 Jul 2015 08:29:53
With the exception of Ibe . The rest are nothing like sterling . They can square peg a few of them .

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15 Jul 2015 08:30:28
Lacazette is absolutely not happening and I assume the club would have tried earlier and knocked back by Lyon/player.

Kovacic is a must and am really happy someone here actually understand the need of the player and TBH this is the first time I have been actually impressed with some of our targets.

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15 Jul 2015 08:44:07
They don't need to be like sterling, they need to be themselves but effective at what they do.

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15 Jul 2015 09:05:26
5ive.

The love affair with Ibe is refreshing to see, But I am afraid Sterling and Ibe are different players.
The closest of sterling is Markovic and he showed it yesterday with his goal ( second striker for the club and country )
Ibe is more a direct winger, Beat a man with pace, Either cut inside, or reach the byline and cut the ball to the six yard box,
How often you have seen sterling doing this?
Sterling Plays through the middle.

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15 Jul 2015 10:09:27
European glory

You keep saying that sterling plays through the middle, yet most times he is used on the wings why is this?

Also i'd imagine city have bought him to play on the wings.

In answer to your question you haven't seen sterling do that much because he is all about speed and that gifted in the footwork department.

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15 Jul 2015 05:00:04
Just when i thought Rodgers learnt his lessons on post match interview,alas he came back to his old self.
I don't mind him lavishly praising Milner,
Origi,Clyne.But atleast he should have shown some consistency when asked about Texeira.The lad is working very hard,got 2 assists and has good attitude.Least he can do is motivate him.Maybe I am reading to much into this .But I hope he doesn't make illogical selections and use naive tactics,when the season starts.

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15 Jul 2015 08:47:19
Sometimes you praise players that have done worse than others that have done better. He would want the lad to keep doing what he's doing, praise too early is not good.

Now I'm not saying this is what Rodgers has done but it's basic psychology.

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15 Jul 2015 09:42:36
Come on really??

The guy can't literally do anything without ripping him for something,

I was very impressed with Ings and i don't recall him mentioning him but I'm not going to sit here and slate him for it

Lets get behind him and see what we can do this season

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15 Jul 2015 03:21:22
I think ings should start, the guys very good, and a lot quicker than I remember.
I know we played a poor team but I was very impressed.
I'd like to see ings in the second half team for Ibe. Changing the formation to the 442 diamond.

Believable1 Unbelievable3

15 Jul 2015 09:44:32
Thought Ings was great!!

Good pressing, Love his attitude ending his holiday early to go on tour, Taking a different shirt to prove his worth,

Did you also notice how he got frustrated towards the end of 1st half when we slowed the ball down as he wants to play quick football,

Before I say this I am in no way comparing the guy to Suarez but that is what Suarez used to do and demand quicker ball which made us look dangerous regardless of the player - Ings and Sturridge in a diamond for me

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15 Jul 2015 02:03:05
Origi looked sharp like he was in wc 2014k

Believable1 Unbelievable0

15 Jul 2015 00:01:28
Does anyone have any thoughts on who's going to be our regular free/penalty taker?

Believable1 Unbelievable0

15 Jul 2015 07:42:55
Free - Milner

Penalty - Benteke

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15 Jul 2015 07:54:24
Milner/Henderson/coutinho free kicks and I think Henderson has the confidence to take pens, can't say I've ever seen him take a pen to comment on his penalty taking ability mind, but with also being captain just fancy him to step up

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15 Jul 2015 07:57:28
Henderson for penalties. Henderson/Milner for free kicks?

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15 Jul 2015 08:11:04
Milner for penalties, depending on where the free kicks are I'd expect Henderson, Milner, Coutinho and Firmino to be around them.

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15 Jul 2015 08:27:06
penalty would be henderson i believe . free kicks is tough. i don't think there will be a regular free kick taker. it will depend more on situations and position and i think will be between hendo/milner/lallana/sturridge
corners will be hendo and coutinho.

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15 Jul 2015 08:30:43
I imagine it will be Henderson unless Balo is playing.

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15 Jul 2015 08:41:14
Good to have a few options and mix it up.

When Stevie and Bitey were standing over the ball a couple of years back keepers didn't know what to expect.

I addition to the above I bet Firmino could do a job too.

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15 Jul 2015 09:45:17
Henderson until ballo snatches the ball and takes it himself.

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