Liverpool Banter Archive July 21 2017

21 Jul 2017 23:03:39
I don't think coutinho will go, he's young an could be persuaded to 1 more year, as for keita an vvd im big fans but don't see it happening, id like to keep sackho, as I think with abit of a chin wag from his partner he's very good, does the dirty work with Matip cleaning up, for me a big miss is a 20 goal a season striker, could have Sturridge solanke ings firminio original but not 1 of them proven to score this amount, how an agreement with athletico for costa on loan hasn't been agreed by any1 is a joke! Best life on the line striker in world football.

21 Jul 2017 23:11:42
H3 could be told to just stay for the 5 years he commited to and is getting paid 200k a week to see out.

That was easy.

22 Jul 2017 05:34:03
If a player wants out, there's not much we can do about it. Couts though has been a gentleman and very professional about the whole situation, so if he wants Barcelona the season after next, LFC will probably concede and let him move on for a significant fee. Keita seems to be the long term replacement, not an immediate one. Hopefully keeping Couts and signing Keita will help us win a major trophy next season until the eventual departure of Couts.

22 Jul 2017 06:22:19
Why does everyone rate Sahko so highly? Seriously poor in positioning and a few last ditch tackles made Him Look Good On highlight reels but Often the Result Of Him Being out Of Position In The First Place.

21 Jul 2017 22:06:31
Hi Eds,
First of all, love this site and all the work you do here. Top notch!

A few weeks ago someone posted an update on Keita/ VVD and, at the end of the post, left a cliff hanger saying that we should prepare for an additional name to appear and a name that you make us all go WOW.! This comment has me going insane.

If Keita/ VVD materializes and Coutinho leaves to Barcelona, when we should have extra funds for another star.

I personally hope that it is Diego Costa and Klopp has spoken very favorably about him on earlier occasions.

What is your take on 1) player name X and Costa?

Happy summer and again thanks for all you do for us.

Dk banter.

{Ed002's Note - I don't know who Mr X is and Liverpool has shown no interest at all in Costa.}

21 Jul 2017 22:35:09
Mr X is an invisible vigilante in a Bollywood film of the same name. As an 'enforcer of justice' I assume he would therefore be a defender? Being invisible it would be hard to tell whether he had fouled anyone! I think he would be our first Indian player? Whatever, it would be a truly remarkable signing and would likley increase shirt sales on the subcontinent, so good commercially too.

21 Jul 2017 23:04:01
Would anyone be happy with VVD, Keita and Alexis Sanchez if Coutinho goes? 😎.

21 Jul 2017 23:36:43
Yep absolutely.

21 Jul 2017 23:36:48
Rather have Coutinho.

22 Jul 2017 01:05:15
That would do it for me ron. or somehow griezmann or aguero. Anyway to the op try and forget about it, it would make sense to sign another star if we lose coutinho but whoever posted what you said was probably guessing. They wouldn't have known of these recent developments and after all the club would rather just keep coutunho.

22 Jul 2017 01:30:55
I don't want him to go no matter who comes in. He's only going to get better. He's barely played a full season and still young. Those three would be amazing additions. Throw in Seamus Coleman and it might soften the blow. I'm hard to please. Ask my Mrs.

22 Jul 2017 03:06:23
Would Mr. X play as a No.10?

Get it?

21 Jul 2017 20:20:08
If Keita hopefully signs the three midfield players sitting on the bench waiting for a game will be Can, Wijnaldum and Lallana is there a better reserve 3 anywhere in the World.

21 Jul 2017 22:45:56
No and that's exactly what Klopp wants.

21 Jul 2017 23:41:45
Honestly it does make one salivate thinking of the options. Sturridge, Karius, robertson, lovren to round off the lineup then 007? Honestly even without Keita or VVD we look very strong this season. Solanke and Grujic can play.

21 Jul 2017 19:59:38
Ed001/ 02. What are your thoughts on the EPL loan system? Personally not sure loans between PL clubs are a fair game but obviously lots of benefit for the player if properly managed.

{Ed002's Note - I think it is fine and Ed001 would like it gone.}

21 Jul 2017 23:32:00
Should be ................

{Ed002's Note - Is there no end to stuff you don't understand?}

22 Jul 2017 02:33:56
Loan deals in the same tournament should be gone. You are either a player for that team or not. Imagine Barcelona loaning out Messi type players to teams playing RM, but then severely weakend against themselves.
Not fair.

22 Jul 2017 06:24:06
I was basically repeating what David Pleat said..... *deleted the rest of the continuing moronic post*

{Ed001's Note - why do you continue to display your ignorance repeatedly? Pleat is an out of touch dinosaur and you are just an abusive turd who constantly hounds one of the editors because he does not agree with your biased and ignorant views. Go away. Don't bother us any more, you are nothing but a troll, get back under your bridge.

I am sick of your repetitive idiotic crap that I constantly have to waste my time deleting.}

21 Jul 2017 20:54:20
Can I ask boys I don't understand why we would now sell Couts after him just signing a 5 year contract in January, but before signing he still had 2 or 3 years to go anyways. Klopps not just decided literally now he wants Keita and VVD so if he was going to sell Couts why bother increasing his money so much. We'd still get 70 mil for him with 2 or 3 years left. I'm thinking/ hoping/ preying he stays and VVD and Keita are being bought without the sale of Couts!

21 Jul 2017 21:16:46
Why did we offer Suarez a brand spanking new contract which can feed a country in poverty 5 months before the season ended when LFC knew he was going?

Lets not forget, Suarez caused a whole lot of trouble and we were lucky to get the fee we did for Suarez.

Coutinho signing a brand new deal was bound to happen especially with vultures circling and when he is one of our prized assets.

21 Jul 2017 22:45:12
To increase his value.

Bale and Suarez both did the loyal get 200k a week for 6 months and piss off.

You would of been told by the club to sign is we can get a good fee but we will sell. No way he's staying if we're getting keita and vvd.

21 Jul 2017 19:24:43
Hi guys, sorry to re-open old topics but I don't know a lot about the VVD tapping up scenario. I understand it was utterly embarrassing and Liverpool are completely in the wrong but what actually happened? (not trying to say that they didn't do anything wrong I just don't know) . It's obviously put Southampton in a very difficult situation especially with VVD now "striking", I feel we will sign him but it's unfair that we will potentially get the player we want after illegally approaching. Thoughts? Thanks for any replies.
Nathan :)

{Ed002's Note - I would avboid any use of the word "strike" given what was suggested by an ex-player still paid for work by LFC. Potential serious can of worms.}

21 Jul 2017 22:08:31
Of course. Thanks.

21 Jul 2017 22:11:29
Aldridge gets paid to open his mouth, seriously?

{Ed002's Note - He does not get paid to suggest a professional contracted to another club should go on strike to force a move to Liverpool. Or does he?}

21 Jul 2017 22:45:26
I would seriously hope not. 😝
I thought it was embarrassing and an unprofessional thing to say at the time. Things might have been different pre Bosman but I would have thought times would have moved on.

22 Jul 2017 00:25:43
So this is all Aldridges fault? 😂 VVD is a grown ass man, who wants a move away from Southampton to join liverpool, he made it clear that's what he wanted and then southampton go crying to the FA, therefore blocking his move! Sham of a club! I can't blame him wanting out! Respect works both ways!

22 Jul 2017 03:20:01
Does any body think that Aldridge was told to ay that?

21 Jul 2017 18:57:43
Hearing a lot that we can't afford Kieta/ VVD unless we sell Coutinho.

Is this actually true/ based on anything or just guess work?

I'm sure the owners and Klopp will be hoping to get rid of a couple of fringe players to balance out the wage bill anyway.

Dont seem to hear that other clubs need to sell their star players to fund incomings, but it seems that the consensus on hear is that tthese big signings will only happen of Couts goes.

21 Jul 2017 19:32:47
It is going to cost a massive amount upfront to bring both Keita and VVD to Anfield. We have already paid a massive amount upfront for Salah.

21 Jul 2017 22:45:43
39 + 70 + 50 + 10 + 3 = 172 mil

8.5 + 5 = 13.5 mil

See the difference.

That's without champions league btw as we have not qualified.

We have signed a lw and now looking towards a cm. Both positions cou plays.

Cou like bale and Suarez signed a nice new extra long and loyal 200k a week deal in January -they moved the following summer- without cl. When he had told international team mates he would be off in the summer if Liverpool didn't get champions league. Pretty sure like with Lovren and migs, the contract was done to make sure we could get a good fee and coutinho would of been reassured of this.

You can do the math yourself lad. Come to your own conclusions and that.

21 Jul 2017 18:34:46
If and I say if we get keita and vvd then we have a bloody good team.

I hope so much couts isn't going as we would be a massive force in all comps next year.

21 Jul 2017 18:59:14
Same man, there should be excuses for not challenging if we don't sell Phil. All we can do is hope!

21 Jul 2017 19:17:27
Jesus imagine a mid 3 of kieta, coutinho, hendo with salah, mane an studge (when for an firing) or firmino up top. Scary. Goals, pace and high intensity all round.

21 Jul 2017 18:10:59
It's all well and good for van dik to try and force it but we need to bid and unless I'm mistaken we haven't.

21 Jul 2017 18:13:52
Can I add to this eds, saints won't approach us to buy their best player will they lol.

21 Jul 2017 18:25:38
Liverpool are playing a waiting game, lots of time left in the window.

21 Jul 2017 18:33:56
Perhaps other clubs are interested.

21 Jul 2017 18:42:20
That's what I'm thinking Ron, he hasn't said move to Liverpool he's said just leave.

21 Jul 2017 18:54:26
Stay calm and breath gents what will be will be.

21 Jul 2017 19:18:44
But the Eds have told us he's very keen on a move to Liverpool, and has pushed away other clubs as a result, I still see us signing him this window. As Bobby said though, there's plenty of time left, so I wouldn't worry if it doesn't happen all at once.

21 Jul 2017 19:37:44
I'm loving the fact that one of the better cb's everybody is raving about and every top club in the league wants, is hell bent only to play for klopp.

21 Jul 2017 17:54:56
Pellegrino on Van Dijk: "The boy said that he is not available to play because he wants to leave. This is the decision. "

"I had to say 'if you don't want to be involved because you don't feel OK you have to train alone until this period happens. "

Come on LFC, get this done.

21 Jul 2017 18:06:38
That's basically going on strike. Got to feel a bit uneasy about that, we'd be livid if it was one of our players.

21 Jul 2017 18:08:07
Knowing us we will leave him stranded.

21 Jul 2017 18:15:16
Put a legit £25 Mil bid in.

21 Jul 2017 18:29:15
Why put in such a low bit?
Haven't we already pissed off Southampton enough?

21 Jul 2017 18:34:16
Virgil van Stryk.

22 Jul 2017 11:17:04
Pun of the year Forza mate😂.

21 Jul 2017 17:22:00
just read that Southampton are forcing VVD to train alone because he is unhappy and requesting to leave. any truth to that, and if so does that mean he could be close to a reds shirt?

21 Jul 2017 17:27:21
#freeVVD.

21 Jul 2017 17:29:39
Yes I think it is and maybe it will come true and he will be co. ing to Liverpool soon. looking good for us. Maybe? Lol.

21 Jul 2017 17:31:52
It is true Canada_red.

21 Jul 2017 17:36:12
I've just read that on Sky Sports, could be the start of him handing a transfer request in to force a move through. Hopefully we can sign him.

21 Jul 2017 17:46:35
Looks like its true.

Southampton manager has said it.

21 Jul 2017 17:50:06
their manager said he wants to leave in an interview. said if a player is not willing to give 100 percent to defend the team when he wants 1000 percent he doesn't want him. but to be honest with how poorly we have dealt with transfers i still don't see him at Liverpool, feel arsenal will get him as Southampton really have had enough of us.

21 Jul 2017 17:52:18
It's from their managers mouth. I'd guess it's true.

21 Jul 2017 17:52:23
Yes, direct quotes from the Saints boss.

21 Jul 2017 17:53:28
Yeah 100% true Pellegrino confirmed so.

21 Jul 2017 17:55:25
I've read the same but the Southampton boss has said they will not sell him! Do you think they will sell Eds and if they do will it likely be Liverpool he goes to?

{Ed001's Note - if their price is met he will be sold.}

21 Jul 2017 17:58:20
Player power is a joke these days. I would love vvd at LFC but let's be honest if coutinho does what he is doing now everyone would be outraged. Clubs don't have the power anymore. 😡.

21 Jul 2017 18:04:37
thanks for all the input, we don't get as much epl news here in Canada so it takes a bit of digging around. found this site the other day, you guys and the eds do an awesome job on here!

21 Jul 2017 18:09:09
CanManeKarius

A little bit of positivity goes a long way mate.

21 Jul 2017 18:02:48
As part of me feels we should stay away from VVD, another part of me say we should sign him cos we are responsible for him being in limbo by tapping him up. I may be wrong for having this feeling but that's what it is right now.

21 Jul 2017 19:27:41
What is the price eds1?
Oh come on it was worth I try! 😉.

{Ed001's Note - about one Lallana, one Clyne plus one Lovren....}

21 Jul 2017 20:49:19
Players should rightly have the power, they are humans not pieces of meat or slaves. He was promised that he would be sold and they have gone back on their word. Now before the eds jump down my throat, it does not excuse the tapping up one iota and southampton are right to play hardball in respect to liverpool if they so wish. But they have a track record of not honouring agreements with players regarding selling them after staying for an extra yr.

Would i buy vvd at any price, no, but if we can get him for a reasonable fee we are duty bound having put him in this position in the first place by tapping him up very publicly.

21 Jul 2017 16:37:24
So I am really burning to know what Klopp is going to do at RB. It seems clear we ain't making any signings for that position.

For me, Milner will get the nod at RB this season. Roberston for sure has not left first team football to join Liverpool and sit on the bench when he had many other offers on the table.

Milner is vice captain and captain when Hendo is not available. Milner will be far more useful on his right foot. He did a reasonably good job on the left last season considering LB was an unknown quantity for him. Plus he is a penalty mean machine.

So Milner at RB and Robertson at LB. Will give us proper balance down both sides.

21 Jul 2017 17:12:06
If I was eating my breakfast reading that, it would have ended up on the kids heads.

What is wrong with Arnold and Clyne competing?

Right back is the last of our problems at the moment.

21 Jul 2017 18:08:57
Spot on, Davey. Clyne is as poor a RB as I have ever seen. TAA is breathing down his neck and rightfully so cos the kid has put in more quality crosses this preseason than Clyne has put in since he signed here. What's wrong with a little competition for places? If Clyne can't take a bit of competition then he can always go play at a midtable club where no one will bother him. Klopp is not joking this season as competition for places will be fierce and if you can't take the heat, I suggest you exit the kitchen, ASAP.

21 Jul 2017 16:10:44
Welcome Andrew Robertson.

It has always been a case where we have achieved success with Scottish players.

Hope the lad settles in well and turns out to be the solution we have been looking for at LB!

21 Jul 2017 16:30:05
Except Charlie Adam 😁.

21 Jul 2017 16:43:26
Sorry Ron, what? Charlie Adam won the League Cup with us in 2011–12.

21 Jul 2017 16:49:43
And let's not mention Danny Wilson :)

21 Jul 2017 17:14:18
Max, Traore won a few medals too.

Behave yourself.

21 Jul 2017 16:05:14
A question for Ed's. I often see many fans saying that we were lacking depth and bench strength last season and as a result we struggled.

I believe we had a better bench strength than Spurs and they were dominant. The only thing that did not go our way is the constant injuries. Otherwise I think our current team is good enough to pose a challenge coming season.

Any comments Ed's?

{Ed001's Note - our first team was more of an issue than our bench, though there were times that the bench was just kids, that should be seen as an opportunity to introduce them, rather than a problem. No point having a strong bench if your first team is not strong enough to win games. We have improved the first team, with the addition of Salah and now Robertson, that is what matters. The bench improves anyway, as players that were first choice drop down, so I fail to see the point of worrying about the bench.}

21 Jul 2017 16:29:53
That's the problem we had under Hodgson and to a certain extent Rafa, we looked at improving the bench, but they weren't challenging the first team. No competition = complacency. Also on Ed's point if you don't bleed in youngsters then the bench will always be weak, Spurs are reaping the benefits from giving youth a go!

21 Jul 2017 18:13:26
Our first team and bench have been improved this summer so even tho, there will be some kids on the bench, they are now a year older now and should be getting chances as well this season but only time will tell if Klopp will be using them.

21 Jul 2017 15:50:20
I feel coutinho will stay and we will get Keita.

Our main flaw last season was our poor depth. Without mane and coutinho we struggled, adding Salah is for depth, we have Europe as well this season.

We would not let two CMs go without having Keita lined up, it doesn't make any sense.

We used Lucas a lot with the injuries last season, so he will need to be replaced, Stewart again played cup games.

Coutinho will end up at Barcelona but I feel next summer though not now.

21 Jul 2017 16:20:54
Some positivity well done sir!

21 Jul 2017 16:59:27
I agree with this post 100%.

21 Jul 2017 17:02:45
Positivity and having a glass half full? I think i've clicked on the wrong site.

21 Jul 2017 17:19:22
Can't see Keita happening and to honest I'm not too bothered. Not being negative but I think full back and CB's are more important.

21 Jul 2017 17:48:01
Neither Stewart or Lucas need replacing. I reckon we may get Keith and keep Couts but we won't get Keita and Vvd and keep Couts.

21 Jul 2017 18:16:02
Couts stays, regardless of whatever else happens in the TW. Him leaving should be a non-starter whether we get Keita or not. There is no either/ or on this topic, IMO.

21 Jul 2017 18:32:39
Putney did you read Maccas last post? Suggestion as we ould get both players and this is pre coutinho interest!

21 Jul 2017 15:14:13
Just when you thought you were safe on this board. OZONE returns!

Don't panic Mr. Mannering. Don't panic!


vrcomp
Y. N. W. A.

21 Jul 2017 16:49:04
It's been quiet without waro too. Who's going to light the first fuse? I'm away to stock up on the popcorn.

21 Jul 2017 17:20:16
Is popcorn a euphemism for hard drugs?

21 Jul 2017 15:11:13
A question for the eds, if we really decide to sell Couts, will we look to replace him?

Cheers and have a good day.

{Ed002's Note - Yes, I would think so.}

21 Jul 2017 15:21:10
Thanks for the quick response, Ed002. Just another question, any ideas as to who we would look to/ have been looking at? Perhaps Julian Brandt (again) or Max Meyer?

{Ed002's Note - I said previously that Max Meyer fits the bill of a young attacking midfield player which prompted previous bids from Chelsea (who would have sent him on loan for one season before integrating him in to the squad) and Fiorentina in 2014. Schalke 04 do not want to sell the player and made it clear to Spurs and Milan who were showing an interest this past summer that any move was unlikely - going as far as turning down an offer of €47M. The player has shared his desire to play in Spain with Real Madrid or Barcelona or to play in England. Other sides such as Bayern Munich, Liverpool and Arsenal watched him last season but had no real interest. If Liverpool were to lose Coutinho and/or Firmino he could be a player they may look to but right now they haven't. Spurs remain very interested and he is refusing to extend his contract making a move possible this summer.}

21 Jul 2017 15:23:58
Ed do you feel we may have known about the possibility of Phil leaving and Keita was his replacement the whole time? Or was the idea to keep Phil and have them both in the same team?

{Ed002's Note - The two are unrelated. I have explained throughout this past season that Liverpool can expect interest from PSG and Barcelona in Coutinho this summer.}

21 Jul 2017 15:29:12
Thanks ed002, you're the best (along with Ed001 and Ed025).

{Ed002's Note - You are welcome.}

21 Jul 2017 15:48:15
If coutinho does go (don't think he will) I really hope they do all they can to get asensio, but again, don't think there's is even a 1% chance we could pull him away from real.

Anyway, phil ain't going anywhere! Chill.

21 Jul 2017 13:45:30
It's times like this I wish the player would just come out and say 'I'm flattered but I'm staying'. I'm sure he's told by the club to keep quiet but it would be nice.

21 Jul 2017 14:03:58
Silence is often the biggest giveaway.

21 Jul 2017 14:05:02
Do you mean Keita ou Coutinho?

21 Jul 2017 14:13:02
Couts hasn't been silent. He has reassured fans twice that I can remember.

Haven't heard a peep from the little African.

21 Jul 2017 14:10:28
He did rule out a move earlier! But this bloody Barcelona has the habit of getting what they want! They are such crap! I hate them now! 😫😫😫😫.

21 Jul 2017 14:50:15
Not sure what plebs are disagreeing.

21 Jul 2017 12:39:16
Would it be a good summer if we go in without Couts but have VVD, Keita, Robertson and Salah? Allowing for other sales of course e. g. Lucas, Stewart etc.

21 Jul 2017 12:57:31
If he goes it wouldn't be a good summer. I think we forget how he makes us tick at times. But it is only a matter of time before he goes to barca, he's obviously wanting the move eventually.

Hopefully players like Lallana and Firmino will step up.

Question for the Eds. Can Barcelona afford the 100mil quoted without selling?

{Ed001's Note - they would just take on more debt.}

21 Jul 2017 13:06:54
Would coutinho be influenced by whether or not neymar leaves?

21 Jul 2017 13:17:15
How can anyone be happy if Couts left, he's our best player by a country mile. Look at all the other top clubs, are they selling their best players? No because they're not selling clubs and are looking to build on what they have. Regardless of who we sign, selling Coutinho would make this summer a disaster.

21 Jul 2017 13:27:40
All clubs sell great players and get on with on. Bonucci has just gone from Juve, Pogba left Juve, Everton aren't complaining that they've lost their best player. I guess what I'm trying to say is if we well Coutinho provided we don't do a Brenden with the money we'll still be fighting next season.

21 Jul 2017 13:53:40
I simply don't know Keita, outside of YouTube, enough to say whether i would swap him and Salah for Countinho give of take 10 millionsish.

21 Jul 2017 13:54:35
My two

Not really, Juventus suffered in the league and was not a one man show last season! They are looking for major reboost this summer.
Everton will suffer! You ll hear them moan by mid September when the goals dries up!
Chelsea and City doesn't sell great players, Explain How!

21 Jul 2017 14:00:08
I wouldn't swap a man who has played one good season in Germany for someone who is settled in England and has been getting better and better.

21 Jul 2017 14:05:20
Yeah let's lose our best player 🤔

Ffs.

21 Jul 2017 14:08:02
So, the consensus is we would rather have Coutinho and no Keita than Keita and no Coutinho?

21 Jul 2017 14:18:10
NKDD

Juve suffered in the league? Pretty sure they finished 1st. Everton may well suffer this season however at the moment they have lost their best player, made replacements and are moving on. I would go as far as to say that a lot of Everton fans expect a better finish this season than last, even without their best player.
Is Costa not a great player? Chelsea are more than happy to sell him and replace him. Matic? I would suggest that if City received an offer they felt acceptable for Aguero they'd certainly consider it.

21 Jul 2017 14:27:23
My two cents,

Juventus scrapped in the end without a doubt and I watch the league. Moreover you cannot compare Italian league to Pl. different ball game all together with Juventus a one man army there while we have 6 teams fighting for the title year in and year out!

Chelsea has replaced Costa with someone better named Moratta and they are not done yet, looking for another striker. They have replaced Matic with a guy called Bokayako who is excellent.

Absolutely no comparison!

City will only sell Aguero if they find a better player than him.

We sell out premium players for Lambert and Balotelli. That's the difference mate!

21 Jul 2017 14:33:21
Couts isn't our best player, he can be world class at times but we have plenty of cover for him he wants to go as sometime as ed2 has said do we want a player that doesn't want to be here?

21 Jul 2017 15:03:56
Nkdd you were the one that brought up the juve comparison in the first place. And also you can't say moratta is better then Costa when he's yet to play a pl game, I mean I've heard of people pick and chosing their arguments but you're literally picking and choosing things that completely contradict what you're saying.

21 Jul 2017 15:26:42
NKDD

I said 'provided we don't do a Brenden with the money we'll still be fighting next season' you then draw comparison to Lambert and Balotelli?

21 Jul 2017 08:56:22
Come on ed025. Coutinho is more than a 10 a penny midfielder. You guys got a good price for Lukaku who I am sure will prove his worth to Utd. But Coutinho in the current market is worth £80-90m at his age.

{Ed025's Note - i will give you £80-90 jords..

21 Jul 2017 11:28:51
I’ve been suspicious of our transfer plans all summer, I don’t think the numbers we were hearing added up and I didn’t see what was the point in making a midfielder our priority. As has been suggested by a number of other posters I’m now afraid the actual plan is revealing itself, Keita is being courted as the replacement for Coutinho.

Over the last few weeks this idea has been rubbished with people pointing out that they’re very different players and play in different positions, that is largely true but Salah means we don’t need left wing Couts and Keita, if he’s as good as some people say, is a suitable replacement for the midfield role everyone expected Couts to take this season.

People saying that Couts would rather make his legend at Liverpool rather than be a squad member at Barcelona are in denial. For a Brazilian the dream is to play for Barcelona or Real Madrid, no other European club comes close to holding the same appeal. Liverpool, right now, aren’t even in the second tier of desirable clubs. At Barcelona he would earn more money, play in front of bigger crowds, have a higher profile and, almost certainly, win more trophies. Not only is it in his interests to move he will be worried that the opportunity may not come again and that Liverpool will never match his ambitions.

There are four ways this transfer saga will play out. Both players will move, neither will or one or the other will. The worst scenario is that Coutinho leaves and Keita (nor any suitable alternative) doesn’t come in. I hope that Liverpool are in a strong enough position that they will not sell Coutinho without securing a replacement.

I haven’t given up on Couts staying this season, I think he feels affection and loyalty to Liverpool and we do appear to be on an upward curve so he may be prepared to give us another year or two but make no mistake, Couts wants to play at the highest echelons of the game and, right now, that’s not Liverpool.

21 Jul 2017 13:42:32
Not all Brazilians end up at Barcelona or Real! Willian is at Chelsea and from years!
It's all about winning trophies. If you win nothing you could even lose your academy!

21 Jul 2017 16:04:06
The difference is that willian isn't anywhere near good enough to attract the attention of Barcelona or real.

If they come calling, hazard wouldn't resist I'll bet.

21 Jul 2017 09:54:46
Hey eds n reds. i've had a thought about the Coutinho to Barcelona thing. what if the idea is Firmino is pushed into the attacking midfield position that we or i assumed Coutinho would be playing this coming season.? Which leaves us with Sturridge, Origi, Ings, Solanke as our strikers going into the season.? I don't want him to go but i personally think Firmino would be better as an attacking mid. and honestly we have 3 quality players in Coutinho, Firmino and Lallana that are all similar in the way that they're all best suited to the attacking mid position. i would be more then happy to keep the little superstar, but it makes sense that if the club was or is willing to lash out around £200m on players they are probably expecting a decent sum of money back in sales. thoughts.?

21 Jul 2017 10:43:53
Selling Coutinho should be the furthest thing from anyone related to LFC's mind. A settled, comfortable, ready to go, premiership experienced, world class number 10 who has grown in a red shirt, is literally irreplaceable going in to this season. No one could replace him, it should be unthinkable to all LFC fans to sell Coutinho to anyone for any price this summer. The gap would not be filled with an equal or better player, the team would be weakened. All things considered, selling Coutinho this transfer window would be a complete disaster for Liverpool Football Club's 2017/ 18 Premier League and Champions League campaign.

21 Jul 2017 10:50:06
I know it will seem a silly suggestion, but Firmino might really struggle next season. We are looking very likely to lose Moreno, Lucas and Coutinho. They are all Firmino's best mates at the club gone in one hit. I know people look at footballers as if they are robots with no emotion, but I think he may have a tough time dealing with it. It's easy to sit here and say 'make new friends' but within a squad there will always be cliques and it's not as simple as just joining a different group.

21 Jul 2017 11:28:47
But on the other hand MK Coutinho is still here and will probably still be here by September 1st so Firmino still has a friends. Although it will be hard for both Brazilians with Moreno (not likely to be there) and Lucas leaving.

21 Jul 2017 11:42:13
Zag noone's irreplaceable. I think IF he's goes and I hope he doesn't, we should go all out for Mahrez. Very able replacement in my view.

21 Jul 2017 11:46:14
Mk, you are correct. Bobbie and Couts apart from being best mates off the pitch, they are best mates on it as they feed off each other to great effect. They are two of our best players and selling Couts this summer, should be a hard non-starter, end of story. We cannot compete in the CL or PL if we sell our best player. That simply cannot happen and must not happen.

21 Jul 2017 12:42:11
BScouse

What is a rumour?

What is an accurate rumour?

Cheers.

21 Jul 2017 09:36:41
Thanks for the reply. Although I thought keita would e an addition not a replacement. Be interesting to see what way it all unfolds.

21 Jul 2017 08:35:04
Hi eds. if Liverpool were to let coutinho go to Barcelona, who realistically in your opinion would be the ideal replacement?

{Ed025's Note - keita?..

21 Jul 2017 09:02:06
Ed01 has said that he is worried that Keita is the the replacement for Couts hence, he could be sold. I'm just as worried as he is.

21 Jul 2017 09:22:03
Keita replacing Coutinho is one thing, but there's a real possibility of not getting Keita AND losing Coutinho! That would be disastrous, and I think there's a decent chance of that happening.

21 Jul 2017 09:33:57
Hendo, Can, Wini, "Grujic! " Etc.

21 Jul 2017 10:26:45
Lallana, Woodburn, Firmino.

21 Jul 2017 11:48:55
None of them can do what Couts can do for us nor have the type of influence he has on our team. Don't believe me? See Stoke game last season where he and Bobbie smashed Stoke on their own while both were either sick or unfit, coming off the bench. Couts is not for sale at any price, should be the mantra.

21 Jul 2017 13:34:03
Cardiff Red don't jinx it. Disastrous is an understatement should that happen.

21 Jul 2017 07:08:27
Hi EDs
Doing a great job as usual.
I read somewhere recently that a new rule was bought in this year to try to keep wages down that clubs cannot go more than 9 million over their wage budget from last season.
Could this be clarified in any way please?
Thanks in advance.

{Ed002's Note - I don't want to go in to detail but the limit, for clubs with an Annual wage bill of £67M or more, they are limited to a £7M increase unless that money come form other sources of income (excluding media) - e.g. player sales, gate money, commercial income. There are complexities for clubs who decide to use an earlier baseline year (13/14 rather than 14/15) and so minor odds and ends.}

21 Jul 2017 09:02:13
Thanks for swift reply Ed002 and interesting to see how it works.
Ever thought of becoming an agent or a job in media?
Only kidding of course.

21 Jul 2017 08:16:37
I would hate to see Coutinho leave, although I do not think he is quite as good as people say. The potential is of course there but he needs to expand beyond cutting in an shooting.
Quick question though- even if he went for £200m, who would we replace him with? Keita isn't happening, so even with fantasy money its difficult.

{Ed025's Note - £200m PF????...your having a giraffe mate..

21 Jul 2017 08:43:20
I wouldn't sell him at any price. I can't think of a player of similar quality who would be attainable.

21 Jul 2017 08:43:25
Couts or Barcelona ain't happening.

21 Jul 2017 13:30:18
You say that you don't think he's that good. Then you go on to say that he is almost irreplaceable.

21 Jul 2017 07:39:33
I could be putting two and two together and getting 5 but here me out.

Ed002 has said a deal could be brokered with RBL (possibly) but it may come down to payment structure. I can imagine selling couts would be a long way to helping that.

I'd be sad to see him go, but I've seen the club lose fowler, Owen, Torres and Suarez. Each and everyone we were gutted to see them go but they were replaced and the club moved on. If the kid wants Barca, which we knew he would one day get as much cash as possible and move on.


Starting line up next year something like
Migs, Milner/ TAA matip Lovren/ new CB (not VVD that deals dead) Robertson. Hendo, Lallana and Keita. Mane Fiminho Salah.

21 Jul 2017 06:35:41
Just on opinion who thinks Courts will go and who thinks he will stay?

Eds, how about yourselves, are of the opinion he will stay or go?

21 Jul 2017 07:13:00
I think he might go if the Barcelona bid increases.
I wouldn't have a problem with him going, he's been a great servant.
Hope he stays though.

21 Jul 2017 07:33:00
You wouldn't have a problem with him leaving? Shows your stance of mediocrity for the club. Yes you'll probably say 'when Barca/ Madrid come calling you can't say no'. but at the end of the day with Coutinho's quality they'd come calling every window he's that good, as we're back in the champions league I want him to stay to really push on this season in both the Prem and champions league then see how we fair. We can't keep selling our most influential players if we want to push on in world football which we haven't done in many years because of simply that selling our best and not replacing.

21 Jul 2017 07:41:36
Keep him regardless of what's offered.

21 Jul 2017 08:23:00
Well said Ron 👍.

21 Jul 2017 08:08:59
Even if he really wants to go?

21 Jul 2017 08:16:46
I think what Ron is trying to say is that he would not begrudge coutinho if he wanted to go and not that it's good to sell him. Much as it hurts to say, liverpool are mediocre when you compare to the likes of Barcelona and Madrid. Those teams have competed consistently at the highest level for years and are very capable of bulling liverpool into selling them a player they want just as liverpool is capable of bulling the likes of Southampton and RBL. If we learn to appreciate the realities of life then we can always be happy.

21 Jul 2017 08:29:09
He will probably be the first 100 million player in the world.

21 Jul 2017 08:52:32
I understand Ron's view as well as Liverpool4ever's. But I stand by the opinion that we have a really good chance of being competitive in the PL and CL in the coming seasons and should not screw that up by selling arguably our best player just cos "well, Barcelona is a big pull or who would refuse Barca". Ervinso Sanchez of Ajax rejected Barcelona a couple of seasons ago so clearly, players like that exist.

We must keep our best player at any price, end of story. People should stop just giving up and saying"Well, he will leave anyway so might as well be now". No freaking way. Klopp refused to sell Lewandowski to Bayern and only left to go there on a free. I expect him to veto any bids for Couts this summer and I hope he does that.

21 Jul 2017 09:32:41
If we promised Coutinho he could go we should honout that promise at the tight price. If not we should stand firm!

21 Jul 2017 10:34:04
Movement is constant in football.

Keegan left - we got Kenny
Souness left.
Rush left - we got Barnes, Beardsley and Aldo
Owen left - we won the champions league
Torres left - we got Suarez

I don't want LFC to sell their best players but it has happened before and it will happen again. Coutinho has been a model servant to the club and if he wants to go and the price is right I think it would be appalling of LFC to stand in his way.

21 Jul 2017 11:55:53
Ron is an old school suppprter who has seen the good days and obviously wouldn't mind even if we enter relegation. This is called Mediocrity!

21 Jul 2017 11:55:55
I think he will go.

21 Jul 2017 11:52:31
Ron, our best players should not be sold until we think it is the right time for them to be sold. That is what we must do. Klopp refused to sell Lewandowski to Bayern for any price and Lewa only went to Bayern on a free. Not saying that should happen with Couts BUT we must convince our players to stay here as long as possible.

21 Jul 2017 12:36:15
Is it Klopp's decision? Ultimately, I doubt it.

Players leave, fans moan, the club keeps going etc etc.

21 Jul 2017 13:47:39
I agree with Ron. I sincerely hope he stays but who could blame him if he asked to go? Barcelona, with some of the worlds top players, a couple of whom are all time greats. The same people who don't believe he should be allowed to leave would probably be the same people saying VVD should be allowed to join us. Hopefully, he doesn't want to leave right now and is happy to stay for another year,
That way everyone is happy!

21 Jul 2017 01:25:06
I find it laughable and hypocritical that people on the site expect RBJ to sell keita just because we offered a lot of money but then scoff at the idea of selling coutinho when we're offered a lot of money. End of the day, it's business. If we think it's a great deal for coutinho and we think he can be replaced then a deal could happen. If not then it won't. Same with keita. If they don't want to sell at any cost, they don't have to. It's their right to say no even if we offer them the moon. Just like it's Liverpooslls right to say no, or yes, to selling coutinho. I don't get the double standard.

21 Jul 2017 07:08:46
All players are for sale.

As for Coutinho, he is also for sale, but not at such an offensive fee.

21 Jul 2017 08:13:53
£100m and we can get round the negotiation table, the keita pursuit makes sense now and why we have not backed off. I can see couts going and getting keita for a silly fee off the back of it.

£72M while not to be sniffed at is not the rate for his ability in the current market in my opinion.

21 Jul 2017 09:00:46
Spot on, lfcohio. I have no problem with RBL sticking to their guns on Keita cos he is their player and asset and they can stop any offer coming in, just like we can tell Barcelona to go fly a kite as we will not be selling Couts at any price. We should never sell our best players at any price if we wanna compete in the CL and PL, something we have a really good chance of doing right now. If we sell Couts this summer, then we might as well forget about not being called a selling club and we will be sending a signal to other rivals that we are weak, lack the bottle or resolve to keep our best players and all we care about is money. Arsenal have been selling their best players for years. What PL or CL have they won since then?

21 Jul 2017 10:52:42
Liverpool to Real and Barcelona is what Southampton to us! A feeder club!
FYI, We simply cannot replace Coutinho! If so then Barcelona could buy that player and leave Coutinho wit us! There are only very few like to like players of Iniesta ( The generations best midfielder ) and Coutinho is one of them.
Selling him will repeat the same old story carried out at Liverpool, Your best player gets sold and you succumb to a transition.

What did you learn by selling Alonso, Suarez, Torres etc!

21 Jul 2017 11:47:22
I think 72 million to us is not a lot. But 72 million to bundesliga club is a lot.

21 Jul 2017 11:56:02
How is Hazard not for sale then Davey! Or David Silva?
Quite simple big clans don't sell their star players unless they intend to do so!