Liverpool Rumours Archive December 31 2017

 

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31 Dec 2017 21:11:36
Dear Members and Ed's, What would be some alternatives to Goretska if indeed he as agreed to a move to Bayern. Happy New Year.

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{Ed002's Note - Perhaps. Dani Ceballos (CM) Has permission to talk to clubs - there has been an approach to Liverpool by his representatives but unclear if they are interested right now. And Barcelona may offer a player.}

31 Dec 2017 21:38:46
Do you think Rafinha might be involved in the Couts deal Ed2? I know nothing about him but read something earlier that he may end up been part of the deal?

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{Ed002's Note - He is one of the players Barcelona would include.}

31 Dec 2017 22:00:35
Who else might they offer ed please?

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{Ed002's Note - Certainly Arda.}

31 Dec 2017 22:34:38
Interesting, thanks Ed2. Appreciated.

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31 Dec 2017 22:49:56
Arda Turan lmao. Come on ed, I no your pulling my cracker now.

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{Ed002's Note - I am sorry I don’t understand.}

31 Dec 2017 23:00:52
Sergi roberto and im interested other than that. cash money 💰.

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31 Dec 2017 23:12:44
Ed’s is Ceballos any good never seen him play?

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{Ed002's Note - Well thought of.}

01 Jan 2018 00:11:25
Omg arda turan finally gets to Anfield. Its like sweetums at the end of the muppets.

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01 Jan 2018 02:31:47
Turan and Rafinha are woeful.

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{Ed002's Note - nobody is suggesting they are joining.}

01 Jan 2018 06:54:36
Haven’t seen Cabellos actually play, only YouTube highlights which I know is no way to judge a player, however you can get a sneak peek at what they are capable of from it, IMO anyway. I wouldn’t be devastated if we brought him in as potential, but would prefer someone a little more ready made to replace Couts, who that is though iv no idea.

Ed001 have you ever seen Cabellos play? Thoughts if so? Also still a lot of talk around Lemar, I’m under the impression he’s more of a winger than the deeper player I assume we would be looking for to replace Couts? Can/ does Lemar play a central role regularly?

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{Ed001's Note - I have not seen Ceballos play, but he is very highly rated amongst Madridistas who have and the other players there. It is only Zidane that doesn't like him apparently.

Lemar can play anywhere on the left side, including full back, and central midfield.}

01 Jan 2018 08:43:49
Ceballos has a lot of potential but he overdoes a lot of stuff on the ball instead of looking for his team mates or shooting on goal. And apparently he is a bit of a volatile character. Klopp will need at least a couple of seasons to get him in order football and personality wise.

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01 Jan 2018 10:39:17
Lemar is more of an attacking midfielder than Ceballos. Selling Coutinho and bringing in Ceballos is like trading in a Ferrari for a Ford Mondeo.

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01 Jan 2018 18:18:55
Why? Are Mondeos more defensive?

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01 Jan 2018 20:01:25
arda turan might not be one of the worlds best but he certainly isn't woeful. reel it in a bit.

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{Ed0333's Note - Turan is a mercenary and is a pitiful footballer, I wouldn’t want him any where near Everton FC let alone us. On second thoughts I hope Everton buy him.

02 Jan 2018 11:07:33
Arda Turan is pretty much finished as a top level footballer. Taking him as part of any deal would be as bad as it gets.

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{Ed002's Note - No one is suggesting that at all.}

31 Dec 2017 18:24:19
Hi Ed’s I heard a rumour a few days ago linking ward to Nottingham forest. I was wondering if their interest is legit? And if it is how will the sacking of their manager today have affected that interest?

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{Ed001's Note - McParland was the one trying to get a deal done, he has gone too, so I doubt there will be anything now.}

31 Dec 2017 18:53:31
Okay thank you Ed001 for the reply.

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{Ed001's Note - welcome.}

31 Dec 2017 18:29:18
Ed002, youve explained for most if the day the situation with regards to Coutinho possibly leaving in January. A replacement of the group of players that Liverpool have, can you say or are you aware who might be the prefered replacement please as there is lots of names branded about from Meyer Draxler Lemar Brandt etc etc.

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{Ed002's Note - I am not saying anything about when things will happen. I am explaining the situation as I understand it to be. Barcelona will look for an early solution as I have explained. I have no feeling if Liverpool will look to support this or whether they will seek an agreement for the summer, or if they will throw them the hell out. I am not aware of Liverpool having a preference but would strike Meyer off the list for now.}

31 Dec 2017 18:48:38
Draxler might be the most realistic option out of those if we need to replace Coutinho in January itself. Bayer won't let Brandt go mid- season (he will also want first team assurances) and I just don't see us spending 80 million or so on Lemar.
Draxler is available for a reasonable price and can play LW and LCM so makes sense as a like for like replacement for Coutinho.

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31 Dec 2017 18:56:44
If draxler came and applied himself in the right way we could have a quality player on our books. But he needs to show desire.

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31 Dec 2017 20:52:08
With the rotation and the fixture build up, Brandt will get games, either covering wide or as cam.

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31 Dec 2017 17:13:26
Am i missing something goretzka can't sign a pre contract with any german teams can he.

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{Ed002's Note - Not without the agreement of Schalke04.}

31 Dec 2017 17:47:05
It’s another vvd to city let’s just wait and see.

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31 Dec 2017 17:06:32
According to "Marca" and "Sport Bild" Barcelona and Madrid asked Schalke about Goretzka and were informed that he is off to Bayern München in summer 2018.

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31 Dec 2017 17:47:32
Both very shoddy for actual accurate information mate.

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31 Dec 2017 18:20:03
As is Bild.

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31 Dec 2017 19:01:40
Raphael Honigstein saying both club and player are confirming Goretska to Bayern.
Usually quite reliable re German football.

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01 Jan 2018 07:25:14
Yes, "Sport Bild" is not reliable. In this case the article did not say "may, might, could etc", but stated that an agreement was clear and confirmed. Hence I forwarded the information.

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31 Dec 2017 16:49:44
L G has signed for B M.

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{Ed025's Note - OK

31 Dec 2017 17:06:56
Has he.

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01 Jan 2018 11:43:35
He as only just done a solo tour.

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31 Dec 2017 13:45:56
Ed2 I love the way you casually drop a bombshell in one sentence, ever the tease although what you say is actually factual. Some of the LFC fans annoy you as we are aware but to what extent we will never know as you do the editing so get to see the good the bad and the ugly posts but you are loved here and just want you to know that. I often look at the other team pages and your one liners on many occasions have actually had me in stitches.

Btw for those fans here that are sensitive and have a go at Ed2 as he tells it like it is and have this delusional notion that he has it in for LFC, I urge you to look no further than the Chelsea forum as a reminder to how lucky we are here to have him.

The bombshell for lack of a better word was in reference to the VVD deal being negotiated and concluded by John Henry without telling Klopp or Edwards for those that missed it. All in all it was the man Klopp wanted so it worked out best for everyone I guess.

Anyways Ed2 thanks for another year of sharing your wisdom on the LFC forum and to many more.

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{Ed002's Note - Not negotiated per se. They asked for a price, were given one, and agreed to pay it.

And thansk.}

31 Dec 2017 13:58:42
Very well put Alonso.

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31 Dec 2017 13:54:32
1 minute your saying the deal was done without klopps knowledge but then you just said they asked for a price and we paid it. As if klopp doesn't know any of what is going on.

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{Ed002's Note - Clearly plain English is too complex for you.}

31 Dec 2017 14:37:15
Both Klopp and VVD's agent were excluded from the initial deal on the 21st of December. they were told post the agreement on Christmas Eve. Apparently (and very strangely for a transfer deal) there was no negotiation about the amount. SFC quoted the price and we simply accepted the amount.

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31 Dec 2017 14:45:45
Let's be honest, no negotiation was going to take place after the debacle in the summer. Either pay the asking price or don't bother signing him at all. After the tapping up and complaint filed there was no messing around. Hence why Henry stepped in and took care of it.

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31 Dec 2017 14:59:14
Ed002. please don't shoot.

Do you know that Edwards was unaware, or do you know that Henry made the contact personally? They are two very different things of course.

If I were Edwards I would be more than a little pissed if the owner made a decision about something clearly in my remit, without discussing it. That in most circles would be considered poor management (I am not saying it doesn't happen, but it would likely erode trust with Edwards) .

On the other hand, if Henry and Edwards discussed it, and agreed that the only way to get it done without risk of it blowing up, was for Henry to handle it directly with Southampton ownership, then that would be quite understandable. It is not uncommon for contacts to be made directly between principals to "get things done", but if it were done without synchronising with Edwards first that would be interesting, and may give Edwards cause for concern.

Genuinely interested to understand whether we know whether it is one or the other (retreating to bomb shelter. )

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{Ed002's Note - FSG dealt with the transfer from Boston and those in London did not. It is simple, try not to make a big deal of it.}

31 Dec 2017 15:18:37
I wonder if the Eds have any hair left.

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31 Dec 2017 17:11:10
Well said alonso.

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31 Dec 2017 19:52:50
Having been on this site for a fairly long time now. i can honestly say that although at times ED02 gets a bit angry with the supporters at time. he has every right. His judgement is first class along with his incredible knowledge within the game. ps I should know cos I knew him when he was a lady. best wishes Eds from one of your biggest supporters. great site!

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{Ed002's Note - Thanks and have a great evening Tel.}

31 Dec 2017 12:25:39
I think pipco will go in summer. The only reason I say this is that I can not see why we would play him just before a transfer, if he is worth £125m you wrap him in cotton wool and put him on the bench.

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{Ed002's Note - Or perhaps the transfer has already been agreed without the knowledge of Klopp or Edwards? Could that ever happen?}

31 Dec 2017 12:34:56
I think that's possible ed.

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31 Dec 2017 12:44:33
I suppose ed.
But I hope klopp would be involved as he has to plan ahead.

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{Ed002's Note - Klopp needs to plan ahead without Coutinho and has known that since pretty much when he arrived.}

31 Dec 2017 12:42:10
ooh ed you do like to stir it up a bit . love it.

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31 Dec 2017 13:05:10
So if Edwards or Klopp haven't sold him who has? John Henry, Gordon?

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{Ed002's Note - Of course. It was them who purchased VVD without negotiation without telling Edwards and Klopp.}

31 Dec 2017 13:21:56
Thanks for your reply Ed002 and please forgive my ignorance but that doesn't seem like the ideal situation that the owners are now buying and selling players when there are people at the club employed to do that.

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{Ed002's Note - Well after the last 18 months where Liverpool has managed to get themselves two warning letters about illegal approaches, a complaint about illegal approaches left on file with the Premier League, an 18 month transfer ban and some very significant and embarrassing costs related to a 12 year old boy - then perhaps it is a good thing that the owners have stepped in.}

31 Dec 2017 13:37:16
Ed002 when you put it like that it makes perfect sense.

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31 Dec 2017 14:02:30
I whole heartedly agree Ed! Glad Henry stepped in. Next move is to sort things out and get professional people in to conduct business accordingly, properly on their behalf.

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31 Dec 2017 14:18:38
Thanks again Ed it does seem to be one mess after another at the club. Hopefully the club can start being more professional going forward but I think I have said that before so I won't hold my breath.

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{Ed002's Note - I don’t think there is any mess at this time}

31 Dec 2017 14:20:59
Campbell you do realise Klopp wanted VVD tho of course he would of known something was going on but probably told to keep his nose out after he fooked it up last time.

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31 Dec 2017 14:38:23
What ED2 has said about the van Dijk transfer had been written about in the Telegraph. No negotiations, just a price given directly to FSG's Henry and Gordon by Les Reed of Southampton on 21 December. Liverpool paid it to get the player and then informed Klopp and Edwards a few days later.

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31 Dec 2017 15:15:13
Who cares how it happened, i couldn't care less if milner signed vvd. nothing came out my pocket that's all i care about.

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31 Dec 2017 02:05:04
Question for ed002 if I may. Do you reckon Liverpool will only sell Coutinho in January if they find a replacement in the same window? Or is there a possibility that he leaves and we will only replace him in the summer. Thank you in advance and I wish you a happy new year!

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{Ed002's Note - As I repeatedly explain, I cannot sensibly an questions about timings. Just to be clear, Barcelona wanted the transfer of Coutinho sorted out by the end of November (for reasons I previously explained). They now have a st of alternatives that they will look toif Liverpool decide that they do noish to sell him - and they will return very soon to sort this out and find out exactly where they stand. Liverpool has a list of potential options to bring in and perhaps some might be available in January. The club has had plenty of time to sort this out and we can now really only wait and see.}

31 Dec 2017 11:53:30
Guillem balague sayin no action taken place between lfc an Barcelona he seems sort of be in the know.

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31 Dec 2017 11:49:15
Sensible thing is too let him go in summer he playing very well rite now an it's disruptive too the harmony of our attack, best we sort the defence out, I am hearing a lot about akanji of Basel are we interested an how high is he regarded an also obviously we need a defence sniffing midfielder.

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{Ed002's Note - Both Barcelona and Dortmund were interested in Manuel Akanji as cover and one for the future but see the asking price from Basel, who will not negotiate, as far too high. Whilst Akanji has been watched by Spurs, they are in no rush and are looking at other young CBs with potential - the same is true of Liverpool who have looked at others as well - so no more than an expensive maybe just now - and one who would critically take up a squad place. RBL has also looked at him and have concluded he is not ready and expensive - seen is a possible Dayot Upamecano replacement.}

31 Dec 2017 12:30:02
Why is it everyone is so accepting of Barca's behavior in these situations? Yes the player wants to go, yes his agent is doing a lot of the running, but seeing the constant leaks to the press and open discussions about signing him feels pretty objectionable.

I know we have not covered ourselves in glory in recent transfer windows but we have also been dragged through the coals for it, not least on these pages. Why is it that Barcelona and Real seem to be beyond reproach in relation The their behavior.

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{Ed002's Note - I don't know why you think the potential transfer of Coutinho has anything to do with Real Madrid. And nobody is aware of any wrongdoing by Barcelona. They are certainly one of the clubs that will utilise the press - that is unprofessional but not strictly against the rules. They met with Liverpool and made offers in the summer - and then again in London in November. Since then there have been meetings with the owners of the club and various others representating the player and Barcelona. All above board.}

31 Dec 2017 12:46:46
Selling Coutinho half way through the season without a replacement would be totally irresponsible in my opinion. If Barcelona want him tell them they can have him in the summer end of discussion.

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{Ed002's Note - But of course you expect Liverpool to be buying half way through the season?}

31 Dec 2017 13:04:19
It’s only irresponsible if no replacement is brought in. If a suitable quality replacement is brought in then it’s fine. Obviously it would be less disruptive to our champions league ambitions not to lose Coutinho.

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31 Dec 2017 13:29:44
Ed according to both FIFA and uefa, players of a club publicly commenting on or courting another clubs player without consent, is constituted as an illegal approach, both Suarez and paulinho have done so in last 2 weeks, paulinho esp with his house hunting comments, I suspect if the shoe was on the other foot we'd see more harsh comments on here.

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{Ed002's Note - As I have explained before FIFA, UEFA and other authorities cannot control players and other employees of clubs answering questions in interviews and everyone accepts it. You're point about the shoe being on the other foot is stupid given that a number of employees of Liverpool discussed van Dijk in public. You need to stop trying to deflect - it is embarrassing.}

31 Dec 2017 14:22:09
What is everyone's view on lanzini jus out of curiosity he linked again if coutihno leaves I think he does have qaulity an could play in champions league.

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31 Dec 2017 14:23:13
HAILSTONES,
guillem balague knows about as much as me or u, he thinks he’s in the know on all things Spanish but he’s not, he’s just like every other pundit there full of bull.

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31 Dec 2017 14:29:50
Hailstones, Lanzini is a very ordinary player at best, certainly not capable of being a replacement for a world class footballer, which Coutinho plainly is right now. We need to replace top quality with top quality.

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31 Dec 2017 16:02:13
Ok mate sound as I said I do believe he has quality but I don't watch enough of him too know how much, an too wembley78 if u read wat I said he is sort of in the know also he knows a lot more than me an u as he in the media on TV an he is Spanish so that's his roots.

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31 Dec 2017 16:23:17
Lanzini is barely a one good game in five player.

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31 Dec 2017 17:29:48
Lanzini, I'd expect Liverpool to look at better options. He doesn't tick any of the boxes the club should be looking for. CL experience being a big one I would think.

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01 Jan 2018 11:34:09
Klopp and lfc were rightly slated on here for their unacceptable behavior in the vvd debacle last summer, but yet we've Barcelona players continously court and make comments about a lfc player in public and in the media, one player announcing he's house hunting already, now we've Nike advertising coutinho jerseys on the Barcelona official web site.

I've checked up the laws and all these are illegal and even if there is talks ongoing it at the very least is a total lack of respect and abs disgusting, but the silence on here and in general is deafening, imaging lfc advertising vvd jerseys on their website last summer, what would be said?

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31 Dec 2017 00:36:13
Is Coutinho to Barcelona close? Nike appear to be selling Coutinho Barcelona shirts on their website.

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{Ed002's Note - Barcelona want the deal agreed next week.}

31 Dec 2017 01:41:11
I don’t understand the logic, they tried to buy the lad in the summer and we told them to do one. Now they think it’ll be possible for them to sign him in the January window, when it’ll be harder for us to find a replacement.

And then again because it’s the mighty barca, who before the turn of the century had less European cups than Aston Villa, they’ll come to us and give us a similar offer to the ones they made last time, when Coutinho has just had the best 3 months of his career for us, statistically speaking at least.

Interesting to see if he has a recurrence of his back problem, however, With Mane and particularly Salah interesting other clubs, we need to sent a strong message,

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{Ed002's Note - I don't think you really get this situation.}

31 Dec 2017 01:47:26
will we bid for lemar ed002?

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{Ed002's Note - I have explained that Liverpool maintain an interest and if Coutinho were to leave in January he might be allowed to Move if Monaco can get a replacement.}

31 Dec 2017 01:59:22
This Situation reminds me of the Robinho deal with chelsea when they put up his shirt before having his signature and it all fell through.

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31 Dec 2017 02:18:26
Ruthless - what? he's had the best 3 months for us? come off it, he was missing half of the time since the start of the season and then half of the games he played he was terrible because he spat his dummy out. Yes recently he's been good but certainly not for 3 months. I like Coutinho and he is an excellent player when he wants to be but I lost a lot of respect for him since the summer, he could've been more professional about things but he wasn't.

In my opinion we should sell him, he doesn't want to be at Liverpool anymore. Why keep a player who doesn't want to play for us? that's stupidity, we can get some good money for him. If we don't sell him I see Barcelona turning to another target and forgetting about Coutinho, Ed2 has repeatedly said that they have other targets in mind, it seems Coutinho is their preferred target, for now. If they go for somebody else we'd be left lumbered with a player who has no interest in playing for us, that's certainly not what we want.

For the record I will be slightly gutted to see him leave but he's made his mind up, that's that. Good luck to him at Barca.

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31 Dec 2017 03:57:01
Do you think Santa dropped off VVD at Anfield or what, DW79?

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31 Dec 2017 06:07:43
If we sell Coutinho to pursue his dreams elsewhere and get VVD and Lemar in the Jan window then I’m perfectly happy thanks. The little Magician will be badly missed but there is no point holding players against their will.

We will be fine with Lallana coming back into the attacking midfield and Ox also available to play there, and a frontline of Mane, Salah and Firmino already one of the most lethal in the league. Lemar would just add competition.

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31 Dec 2017 07:01:34
My guess is and it is a guess that couts is off to Barcelona and his attitude chabged when he knew. he's desperate for the move as ed02 has told us for months.

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31 Dec 2017 06:58:01
What I find interesting is it wasn't reported on the Nike website, it was reported on Barcelonas very own Nike online store website, there is a difference even if it isn't to other people

For what its worth, I can't see him being sold in January, it doesn't make sense for either party, we need him for the remainder of the season far more than they do, they have La Liga practically won and he'd be cup tied in the Champions League so it would be illogical for us to sell him this month

But that is my opinion even if others don't agree, time will tell.

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31 Dec 2017 08:54:39
Why don’t people accept that Coutinho wants to leave. Just let him go. Personally I’d have him out tomorrow. If you didn’t have a problem with VVD coming then let PC go to Barca. He’s not the first person to leave liverpool. If I was being skeptic anal I’d say that the little extra he’s been putting in recently has been a gentle reminder to Barcelona that he’s still worth pursuing. Where has all the depression gone? I don’t think it’s Klopp hugs that cured it. He’s on his way. Time to find a suitable replacement.

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31 Dec 2017 09:23:14
Salah, I can't help believe your view of Coutinho's performances is based more on your lack of respect for him than what he's actually doing on the pitch. He's probably having his best ever season with us.

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31 Dec 2017 09:42:36
His defensive stats this season are very similar to last season. His attacking stats and consistency this season though is better. I think the fact he faked a back injury and put in a transfer request is what is clouding people's judgement.

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31 Dec 2017 09:44:18
Why can't the deal be agreed now for a summer move (like the deal we have made for Keita)

Everyone, including the player, knows he will be at Barcelona next year- we have a better chance at top 4 and advancing in champs league with him now. We get an injury to one of the other "fab 4" and it could cost us. Lallana and the Ox aren't at that level. Lemar and Keita could be exciting eventually.

Ed's - likelihood of keeping Couthino til the summer?

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{Ed025's Note - not very good i would suggest redman..

31 Dec 2017 09:57:33
We all know PC wants to go an we have to accept that just like Vvd wanted to leave Southampton but what I don't understand is that is of no use to Barcelona or Liverpool in selling him next month as he is Cl cup tied so he has to sit in the stands.

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31 Dec 2017 10:32:13
I can only see us agreeing to sell coutinho now if we have a replacement already signed up and available now. Goretzka Lamar pulisic.

If not I reckon the only think we would agree to in this window is a sale in the summer.

To me that would still fit with the nike Barcelona website. Advanced shirt sales.

The danger in announcing a selling now or agreeing a sale in summer in advance of a high profile recruit is that Lemar goes from 80 to 100 pulisic 70 to 90. Because we need to replace. As already stated llallana and ox good but will they get us the ten wins 4 draws 3 defeats to get 75 points and the cl spot. Not sure!

So even if he does go I don't see it jan 2 and certainly not before a high profile recruit is signed up.

I don't see us changing our position from summer unless some or all of the above is in place.

It would make no sense to tough it out in sep then go soft in december.

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{Ed001's Note - so the Nike ad for buying this season's Barca shirt, that will be changed in the summer, would fit with them buying a player for next season?}

31 Dec 2017 10:42:12
Only way he goes is if we have a high profile replacement on board.

Else we become desperate to buy and every player goes up 15 mill.

Vvd is a prime example of that soton got an extra 15 mill out of us because they knew we were separate to buy.

If it were me I would seek a Keita deal with Lemar or goretzka or pulisic or draxler and agree to let him go I summer.

Everybody wins in that. We pay a reasonable fee and look prudent in our dealings. Coutinho and Barcelona get their move.

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31 Dec 2017 02:06:56
thanks for the reply ed002, happy new year to you and your wives.

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{Ed002's Note - You are welcome - I wish you a nifty one as well.}

31 Dec 2017 02:12:58
Ed2, if you are still around to answer this perhaps. Are Barcelona looking for the deal to be agreed and Coutinho joining them in January or is this being done with a view to Summer? I really fail to see a significant value proposition to Barcelona bringing Coutinho in, in January, since he would be ineligible to play in CL (correct me if I am wrong here) and them having a decent enough squad to get through the rest of LA Liga season. Also, this would be suicidal from Liverpool's point of view, letting one of your main players go mid-season when we are strongly challenging for a spot in top 4 while also still having games to play in CL and other competitions.

Also, you certainly do not like discussing finances (and rightly so), but indulge me, if you may. What fee is Liverpool looking to get for Coutinho? I am solely interested in knowing if the deal is being done on Liverpool's terms or are they once again being held to ransom due to the player pushing the move (situation similar to Suarez)

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{Ed002's Note - Barcelona would lie Coutinho to join in January. The Champions League is unimportant as far as this goes. But you are correct he cannot play in the Champions League. It does however give Barcelona the opportunity to integrate the player in to the team if he were to join in January. Liverpool knew this was coming and have had plenty of opportunities and time to seek a solution - they have a list of players that provide suitable options.

I am not aware of Liverpool setting an asking price for Coutinho. It is not really a case of being on anyones terms but the need to find a suitable solution that suits all parties - that is how transfers work and there is really nothing special about this. Players often want to leave clubs, and most clubs will facilitate that and not wish to drag it out as it becomes disruptive and clubs will look to avoid any disruption by removing the problem (as Chelsea did with Diego Costa). Suarez is not a good example as he was threatening legal action yadda, yadda, yadda.}

31 Dec 2017 04:10:01
If we sell couts now do you expect us to push for reinforcements now or invest more in the summer?

Can't help but think ox was brought in for this scenario as he can play mid and winger interchangeably albeit no where close to the magicians quality.

Thanks sir.

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{Ed002's Note - Whatever the club decide to do it has to be in the best interests of the footballing side of the business - and not a knee jerk reaction just to add a player because he is available.}

31 Dec 2017 11:21:08
Ed001, Regarding the Nike ad, You are correct mate and now youve put it like that, it all points to him leaving in Jan saddly.

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31 Dec 2017 08:27:38
Ed002

Whilst Couthino’s skills cannot be questioned and maybe he’s up his game a bit recently, his overall application is poor. He pulled out of a tackle in the first five mins yesterday, that was enough for me. If we can get a decent replacement then maybe he should go on Jan

Once again sections of the crowd sang his name when he was substituted.

Ed 002, I lay the blame totally on you for not trying to expand my vocal chords to the theme of “Ole Ole “

Take that as a compliment, if you get my drift.

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{Ed002's Note - Small skillful players are generally pretty good at avoiding tackles where they may suffer injury. They tend to be hacked down as they are skipping away with the ball (or in the case of the Italians, just running away) rather than being kicked in the shins in the midst of a ruck with Danny McGrain and Chopper Harris. I love the "OLe, Ole" reference https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g188057-d2463967-Reviews-Ole_Ole-Geneva.html as Liverpool were actually amongst the clubs represented in the city of Geneva on Sunday December 10 - perhaps the deal was done? These are the fantastic little clues that when worked out really do add a lot to the site. Thanks.}

31 Dec 2017 11:28:50
As Ed002 has said more than once and as we all know by now this has been rolling for some time and whenever Liverpool decide that it is the right time for Coutinho to go it will be with a deal in place for someone to replace him and not before. Surely?

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31 Dec 2017 12:41:37
Ed002 have you any idea who Monaco want to replace Lemar?
Merry New Year!

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{Ed002's Note - This is the Liverpool page.}

31 Dec 2017 15:00:42
The restaurant is closed today, is there a secret message in this?

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{Ed002's Note - It is interesting, that being raised when Liverpool and Barcelona were both represented in Geneva that day.}

31 Dec 2017 16:32:14
okay thanks Ed but from what you said it could affect whether they let Lemar join Liverpool, so it seemed relevant. I'll try the European page, though.

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01 Jan 2018 02:32:39
Guess what else is in Geneva? CERN. I have a strong hunch Liverpool reps were there talking to physicists about funding a new project called "Understanding the creation of Mo Salah". I guess Barcelona were there to get an update on the ongoing "The Big Bang Mess (i) "

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31 Dec 2017 00:03:54
Happy New Year to the Ed's and all in here. Thanks Ed's for a great year of insights on this wonderful site.

Just wondering if there's any truth to the Jack Butland rumours if LFC are/ were watching him and just interested to know how the Ed's rate him. Personally I'd love to have seen us go for Pickford last Summer.

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{Ed002's Note - I would not expect a new GK in January unless Liverpool move for Trapp if PSG get who they want.}

31 Dec 2017 08:31:23
I haven't seen enough of Trapp to know if he would be a significant enough upgrade on what we have. Anyone?

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31 Dec 2017 08:57:55
He isn’t an upgrade not even an insignificant one.

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31 Dec 2017 09:06:29
Cheers Ron.

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31 Dec 2017 10:41:45
I’d agree with Ron, Trapp is poor on crosses and isn’t a commanding keeper at all.

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31 Dec 2017 01:54:50
Thanks for your reply. Trapp appears to have struggled at PSG, in a poor league behind the best defense.

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{Ed002's Note - I agree but if Liverpool a goalkeeper in January he is one of very few who would potentially be available.}

31 Dec 2017 07:03:00
Is trapp the 'top target' and not butkand ed02?

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{Ed002's Note - I am not aware of any "top target".}

31 Dec 2017 11:28:48
Play Karius, Give Ward some games, see how they pan out, and sort out the GK in the summer. No need for knee jerk replacements mid season in a pricey high demand low supply market.

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31 Dec 2017 16:36:40
We’d be better off giving Ward and Karius a chance than wasting money on Trapp. Then properly resolve the matter in the summer if neither of Ward or Karius has stepped up. If both do well then sign an experienced older keeper to replace Mignolet and be third choice.

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