Liverpool Banter 2

10 Aug 2026 08:57:06
Ed001 just want to say good pod mate!

{Ed001's Note - thank you so much mate, but that is really down to Abid rather than me to be fair!}

10 Aug 2026 11:33:46
Has the luck-ender retired Ed after all his sponsorships?

{Ed001's Note - I think he is busy enjoying the wealth. He might get one of his serfs to fill in one day.}

10 Aug 2026 14:48:22
Ed01, can you post the link to the new pod, pls?

You know you want to.

{Ed001's Note - it should be up anytime now mate.}

10 Aug 2026 09:40:29
That Mbaye looks some player, so direct and very fast.

Are we actually in for him?

10 Aug 2026 10:19:33
Let's hope so, I think he has incredible potential.

10 Aug 2026 10:22:52
No bid has been made. Make of that what you will.

10 Aug 2026 10:35:05
Gents, my only question here is, were Mbaye to come, what becomes of Rio?

10 Aug 2026 10:41:52
Mbaye is a RW, I don't think he impacts Rio.

10 Aug 2026 10:42:56
Oli Red, we need more depth in forward position. Mbaye will not displace Rio. Also, I do think people overrate Rio; for me, he has shown signs of potential, but he has huge improvements to make to his game if he is to be a serious starter.

At least that is my opinion, and, of course, I want him to develop into a star, but I just don't see it yet.

10 Aug 2026 10:45:25
He continues to fight for a place, like everyone else. Rio will be fine, top talent.

10 Aug 2026 10:52:06
Rio does not.
Work hard enough for an Iraola side. Koumas is now ahead of him.

10 Aug 2026 11:07:19
Oli, I believe Mbaye is being lined up for RW rather than left.

I guess, since the Klopp years, we have become wedded to left footed right winger and vice versa. We don't know if that's Iraola's preferred way and/or how two footed our wingers will be.

Barcola is RW and LW, but I expect him to play on the left. He can also go through the middle. Transfermarkt says of his recorded 174 games, he's played 65% at LW, 21% at RW, 13% as CF and 1% at LM.

Rio has been tried on RW, but I'm not sure if it's too soon to be playing around with positions with him? Or maybe ideal as he's still learning and better to learn that flexibility now? TM says he's played around 80% of his games at LW.

Munoz is an across the front 3, so offers flexibility. Looking at Transfermarkt, he's played 43% of his 74 games at LW, 30% as CF and 24% at RW (remaining 3% as 2nd ST), so does seem to offer flexibility.



Mbaye has a smaller sample size than Barcola (given his relative youth), but of his 47 recorded games, he's played 77% at RW, 21% at LW and 2% as a CAM.

I thought I'd check out Salah as a comparison - 620 recorded games, 84% at RW, 3% at LW and the remaining being a mixture of CF, SS, AM, LM and RM.

TL;DR - Mbaye is coming for the RW (if he comes) and across the expected group of wingers, they all seem to have a degree of flexibility.

If we buy both of the 'PSG 2', then I do expect Cody to leave, but if we only buy 1 we should keep him for flexibility.

As an added bonus - Cody - 377 games, 68% LW, 22% CF, 7% RW, and Lewis Koumas has been used everywhere (albeit in lower leagues) with 33% CF, 32% LW, 15% RW, 15% LM and the rest spread between RM/AM/SS/CM.

10 Aug 2026 13:22:40
Agreed MOT.

I really hope he comes a world beater, but at the moment.

I just hope he doesn't think he's made it because he's getting the love from the crowd in pre season.

10 Aug 2026 14:53:09
Thanks for all your answers, gents. I just wanted to know what others thought about having Mbaye in, along with Vic and Rio, with Gakpo still here and Barcola in-coming, hopefully.

Things will be what they will be regarding Rio, cos neither Vic nor Barcola are coming in just to shine anyone's boots, so Rio is gonna have to shake and bake something.



I just hope, if we don't sign another back up CF to help Isak, Gakpo gets kept and coached into a CF.

10 Aug 2026 15:34:44
Barcola can cover centre forward.

10 Aug 2026 18:06:10
Said it previously... I just don't get this hype about RN. I see nothing special about him in the least. Not one thing. I just think people want him to be special without him proving anything of the sort. He's certainly not a potential trophy winning team player. Nowhere near it. Maybe it's just me.

10 Aug 2026 09:23:03
Right, sick of all the negativity so I'm creating some Monday positivity in my mind .

The lads up stairs have pulled off a masterclass getting Araujo on loan, basically this new legend of a manager has said, get me that top class talent I'll bring him back to his best with some Spanish magic and wisdom.

Not only that, got him on loan so freeing up funds for the big, massive, hugeeeeeee moves they're working on.

Strap yourselves in reds, big things on the horizon.

10 Aug 2026 09:51:42
I think we got him on loan for several reasons:
1) He may not suit the manager or the Premier League style, so it gives us chance to see how he does and how his body holds up.
2) Great things are expected of Ndukwe, but he can't play for us until he gets a work permit, maybe January, maybe July.


3) Leoni, Jacquet and Bradley need time to improve their fitness.

I don't think cash flow was such a big factor.

10 Aug 2026 10:08:03
Ndukwe has some potential but is a bit raw (e.g. in friendlies). I don't think the club have a choice but to send him on loan.

10 Aug 2026 10:44:58
Ron & @You, I agree. This is a very sensible signing on the face of it, with all the context you have provided. There are questions, and rightfully so, about Araujo, but it all comes down to what side you want to/choose to focus on.

The manager can work with him, and I have no doubt in my mind that Iraola will do all he can to make Araujo work by simply simplifying things for him, with VVD and Ali around him to bed him in. He is a very good defender, was Barca captain and his talent is undeniable. Hence, it is up to the coaching staff and Araujo himself to make it work.

Also, I see a lot of LFC fans saying that "Barca fans are happy to see Araujo go" meaning he was crap.

Really? Seriously, who in their right mind gives a damn of what their ops. think? And it gets worse. For every LFC fan saying this, there is a Barca fan saying that Araujo only started struggling when Flick took over with his suicidal high line and that is when Araujo started to struggle and then, the injuries, mistakes and mental issues started. So the truth is somewhere in-between, no?

So again, it depends on what people wanna focus on. Some like you, me and others, on the positives. While others make other choices.

10 Aug 2026 10:47:53
It's been reported that Iraola, at Bournemouth, had wanted Araujo earlier. So it's a safe bet that Iraola knows a fair amount about Araujo and his capabilities. It's a loan probably because the club want to safeguard against a reoccurrence of some of the "problems" he has had in the recent past.

With the anticipated exits, I highly doubt cash flow is an issue. The revenue stream is one of the best in the League.

10 Aug 2026 11:54:28
OliRed, you're telling us not to listen to Barca fans, but then quoting Barca fans putting Araujo's mental and physical problems down to Flick's high line.
The former is valid opinion and the latter is ridiculous.
I thought you didn't listen to SM anyway.

10 Aug 2026 15:15:56
"So the truth is somewhere in-between, no?"

Rigsby, read the comment properly cos my point to not care about your ops simply means that for every Barca fan who says what you agree with, there are others who will say what you agree with, hence no point in listening.



I chose to be positive due to what Iraola can do with Araujo, hoping things work out. You chose to listen to what the Barca fans laughing and celebrating his departure, cos that suits your narrative. So if anyone is listening (and agreeing) to Barca fans online, it is you.

10 Aug 2026 15:50:08
OliRed, the only things I've heard about what Barcelona fans are saying online about Araujo are from you. And this is from someone that supposedly doesn't listen to SM.
I don't have an opinion on him because I haven't really seen him play. Again, you are making things up to suit your narrative.


How can you deny listening to Barca fans online when you are telling us what they're saying? You even ludicrously used Barca fans partly blaming Flick's high line for Araujo's depression to counter some fans being happy to see him go. I wouldn't be surprised if that's not something else you just made up.

09 Aug 2026 21:49:08
Hello ed25 how are u keeping? Judging by some of your comments on here u don't seem overly optimistic of upcoming season.defensive minded managers like can get bit of bounce at start but it generally fizzles out i find.Have they bought any players?

{Ed025's Note - hi Digger, we have brought in a couple of decent signings in Hackney and Norgaard but we are not addressing the Elephant in the room mate, we have needed a right back for 4 years and a forward to replace the chuckle brothers but we are dithering, there is a possibility we may be doing a swap deal with Palace with us getting Brennan Johnson for Dwight McNeil, this has been described as " swapping a turd for a bucket of s***" and i cant argue with that, im not that bothered about winning things at this stage but i do want us to play decent football..but while Moyes is in charge i very much doubt that...bloody hell i sound like a Liverpool supporter.. :)

10 Aug 2026 08:35:35
Tell you what, Dwight McNeil for Brennan Johnson is an incredible swap deal though. Johnson is far from world class himself, but if he plays regularly he'll get you goals. Might even be worth sticking him up front, surely better than Beto and Barry.

{Ed025's Note - i would sooner have Boris Johnson than Brennan TCS..

10 Aug 2026 09:06:26
Norgaard is a good signing Ed.

{Ed025's Note - yeah happy with him MLG especially at the price mate..

10 Aug 2026 09:33:17
Feels like Everton had reason to be optimistic 6 years ago under Carlo Ancelotti. You were signing some good players back then, too, and were not far off European spots. What needs to change for you to get back to challenging for those spots?

{Ed025's Note - more money invested in the squad and get rid of the manager Taurus...easy mate..

10 Aug 2026 09:35:44
It's ok, Dad, I gotcha. ❤️

{Ed025's Note - thanks Barry.. :)

10 Aug 2026 09:39:48
It just goes to show us fans don't care about shiny new stadiums. We'd rather play in Stanley Park if it means winning.

The happiness and optimism around the new stadium lasted all of about 2 months.

{Ed025's Note - both stadiums are great RSO, but in the end we want to be competitive and entertained mate...is that too much to ask?..

10 Aug 2026 09:52:25
Hackney is a tidy player, he'll do well.

{Ed025's Note - im hopeful on him Ron but the step up from the Championship is huge mate, but i look forward to seeing how he does..

10 Aug 2026 09:54:54
That turd comment cracked me up.

10 Aug 2026 09:41:15
Which manager would you take Ed? Throw the money at someone like Nagelsman if you can convince him to come? Or someone up and coming like McKenna?

{Ed025's Note - myself Eddie Howe would do me Taurus..

10 Aug 2026 10:50:39
would Howe go Ed025 with how much he's been held back by the Transfers at Newcastle it felt like he couldn't make that next step due to losing all his players? I know he and his brother didn't help with it but wouldn't he just get the same thing at Everton?

{Ed025's Note - im going by how well he done when he first moved to Newcastle Kloppers, i like his style of play and him being an Evertonian helps, hes a realistic option and could he do any worse than Moyes?..i doubt it mate..

10 Aug 2026 11:08:30
"Ed025's Note - i would sooner have Boris Johnson than Brennan TCS."

I guess they're both Right Wingers, Billy.

{Ed025's Note - love it Zed..

10 Aug 2026 18:22:35
Didn't realise use bought Norgaard, decent player alright and good prem experience.
I also think Howe would be good improvement for Everton, bit more progressive type of football.

10 Aug 2026 07:52:11
A few observations from yesterday’s friendly. I previously called for Gakpo to be replaced but after his World Cup performances and yesterday’s showing I think he should now stay. I think he might benefit from Ireola’s high press tactics and will provide cover as a centre forward if needed. He also had to deal with a tragic personal issue towards the end of last season. I fall on my sword on this one!
First the negatives - Mamardashvili inspires no confidence especially with his footwork. Elliot looks overweight and a shadow of his former self. Never been a fan of Chisea and don’t think he’s good enough as a back up striker for us. It hurts me to say it but Endo may have left his better days behind him though he is coming back from injury.

Jones did not play and neither should he. His head’s been turned and if he can’t commit to the club bye bye.
Positives - Ndukwe looks as the real deal, the club should bend over backwards to sort out a work permit for the lad. Nyoni and Koumas for me have shown enough to be included in the senior squad. I think Wirtz & Isak may be a big threat to opposition defences next season. Then apart from Slobs everyone else in the senior squad need to improve their fitness levels before what I perceive as a tough season ahead for the club.
I think we need three more signings before the season starts, a right back, defensive midfielder and a right winger (which Barcola isn’t).

10 Aug 2026 08:53:35
I think we need to keep Gakpo as we simply don't have adequate Isak cover.

10 Aug 2026 09:05:50
It's only pre season, so it's way too early to call, but Araola looks like a tradesman that currently doesn't have the correct tools to do his job.

Similar thing happened when Klopp came in, and it cost a substantial amount of money and time for him to get the tools (squad) he needed.



So far Araola has been backed with one permanent signing and a loan to transfer this squad. He's going to need far more substantial backing than that for this to work, otherwise it could be the right man at the wrong time.

10 Aug 2026 09:27:11
Been a summer of standing still so far imo. The man needs some better players or we will struggle to finish top 5. But I do think they will indeed get him some better players before Sept 1st.

10 Aug 2026 09:45:21
Fully agree, MoT.

10 Aug 2026 09:58:44
Definitely keep Gakpo (even if we get Barcola). The squad needs depth in all positions.

I honestly think we will improve drastically with a DM, or a deep-lying mid that can pass and snuff out danger with his positional awareness. That will take the pressure off the backline as it looks like we are set to commit a lot of players forward during attacks.



If we get the players Iraola wants, I can see us hitting our stride in cup competitions (inc CL) late on in the season, once everyone has absorbed the new playing philosophy and is fitter. I think something similar happened with PSG and Enrique.

10 Aug 2026 10:07:17
I don't want Jones to commit. I want a better player in his place. What's with this attitude that this squad is so great or established? Players like have had their chance. It's time to improve.

10 Aug 2026 09:45:20
But, JK, last season's squad was good enough. We would've walked the league if it wasn't for that pesky bald fraud. Everyone on here was saying so.

10 Aug 2026 10:11:53
Think that Gakpo will be left (unless sold) and Barcola on the right, backed up by Munoz and Rio.

10 Aug 2026 10:36:16
Rome, I'll be honest. Slot's set up last year was awful, but the players also downed tools and there is never ever any excuse for that.

Slot has gone now, so either the players will fall on their swords or they need to step up.

10 Aug 2026 10:47:43
We cannot sell Gakpo if we are not gonna bring in a backup cf to shoulder the load with Isak. That simply cannot happen.

@Man of Todd is absolutely right.

10 Aug 2026 11:05:56
Of the team that finished the game, only Kerkez will be a regular starter. Iraola has used the second halves of each friendly to give opportunities to the squad to stake a claim. Absolutely no game management involved, and the results tell us nothing about how the season will pan out.

The main priority now is getting (and keeping) Isak fit and firing, and he's looking sharper already. Great turn and finish in a tight space yesterday. Similar could be said for Wirtz, both going to be vital to any success this year.

Been impressed with Nyoni, he's improved his physicality massively (obviously as he reaches adulthood) and is a very tidy player with a decent passing range.

Could replace Jones for me.

I thought Endo did OK considering he's returning from a lengthy injury and being played at CB. Rio and Munoz are the only others I expect to get many minutes from the team that finished the game.

Been disappointed with Harvey and Fede, neither seem to be seizing the opportunity to impress the new manager.

Squad still needs some work, but I'm optimistic about the season ahead. No point otherwise.

Taking my 9 year old for his first Anfield experience against Como on Sunday. :)

10 Aug 2026 11:30:12
Agree, JK. I said all season that some (most) of the players had to take responsibility as well. The football was awful, which was down to Slot, but it wasn't just him.

As things stand, the squad we've got will struggle to get top 6. It's a massive few weeks for Richard Hughes.

10 Aug 2026 17:52:19
It saddens me to say, but Harvey was terrible when he came on yesterday. I hope he can turn things around. It's great to see a player genuinely love the club. Preseason games end up being so disjointed. I think it's pretty tough for those coming on late in the second half. Hopefully he improves and stakes his claim.

10 Aug 2026 07:46:05
Not ITK at all, but wondered if Marc Casado was an option for us? He is also with Jorge Mendes now and with us already doing business with Barca and him being a DM etc.

Welcome thoughts from people who are ITK, haven't seen him enough to comment on whether he would be a good fit.

10 Aug 2026 07:53:54
I had seen that link, but could be off to Utd.

10 Aug 2026 01:10:02
Ali-Mama
Bradley-Frimpong
Araujo-Jaquet
Virg-Leoni
Kerkez-Tsimikas
Dom-Jones
Gravenberch-Endo
Wirtz-Macca
Munoz-Chiesa
Isak-Ekitike
Gakpo-Ngumoha

Woodman
Ramsay
Tor Ndaiye
Ndukwe
Chambers
McConnell
Nyoni
Elliot
Morrison
Wright
Koumas

Current fully fit squad depth imo.
Seems the following are looking closely to the exit door:-
Elliot
Jones

Possibly moved on if valuation met and replaced:-
Gakpo
Macca

Chambers and Ndukwe look likely to be loaned with the latter having to due to work permit issues.

10 Aug 2026 06:59:30
Shame about Ndukwe's work permit, he's been immense during the preseason matches.

10 Aug 2026 07:01:48
I think Nyoni and Koumas could be decent squad options this season.

10 Aug 2026 07:05:53
Out of your first 22, I think that Jones, Frimpong, Chiesa, Endo and Tsimikas need to be moved on and better replacements sought after.

In your next group, McConnell, Ramsey, Elliott and Koumas need to find new clubs.

And from the injured brigade, Gomez and Bajectic also need to find new clubs.

I think that's it. 🤣

10 Aug 2026 07:52:27
Unfortunately McConnell looks nowhere near the required level. Should be sold or loaned to a Championship club.

10 Aug 2026 07:56:21
Irish Rover,
Endo, Elliot, Tsimikas, Bajcetic, Ramsay, Gomez are all out of contract next summer. Koumas has looked lively, so for me a squad option to replace Chiesa.

10 Aug 2026 08:57:21
That's a lot of players who'd be leaving at the end of their contracts, Keegans. A lot has been said about Hughes and Edwards' inability to bring in the players we need, but they have been equally poor at shifting out players who we don't as well.

10 Aug 2026 09:38:51
Drac, don't forget to include Virg and Alisson for out of contract next summer.

10 Aug 2026 10:14:31
I think Federico and Elliott should stay. They have potential not tapped into before. Endo, Jones have to be sold, but I totally disagree with the Frimpong statement. He has been pretty good for us and has the speed we have, if injury free could have a great season.

09 Aug 2026 23:35:23
A few questions regarding Ndukwe:

1. Is the decision about the work permit subject to appeal? If so, is the club looking to appeal and/or is the appeal worth it based on likelihood of success?

2. Have any destinations been identified as loan possibilities?

Thanks to those that have some insight!

10 Aug 2026 07:16:03
He's looked like a bright spark in the pre-season games, although that's not always the best indicator. Amazed that some kind of appeal process isn't in place for this kind of thing, but he may get more games elsewhere if we've definitely signed Araujo, so it could be a good thing in the long term.

10 Aug 2026 07:58:53
Not sure on clubs, but read online he has to go to tier 1-3 in Bundesliga, Ligue 1 or La Liga. Perhaps a lower-league Bundesliga club where he can start most games, a bit like Van Den Berg did.

10 Aug 2026 08:30:06
No real point in appealing if it's not going to be successful. I think there's a points based system, so the chances of winning an appeal are pretty well known. He definitely needs games. Bundesliga may suit him being Austrian. However, I prefer a better challenge like La Liga.

10 Aug 2026 09:41:11
I don't fully understand the points system (nor have brain space to delve more deeply!), but the way I understand it is that clubs have up to 4 ESC (Elite Significant Contribution) visas to use for players who don't otherwise qualify for a WP.

I believe how many ESC visas a club gets is based loosely on how many English Qualifying Player Minutes they have in the previous season, basically it rewards clubs who give more minutes to English players by offering more ESC slots.

We only have 1 ESC slot, and that has already been given to Ndiaye.



I read an article (albeit clickbait, but back up with some Googling) that Ndiaye got his ESC in Jan 26, so it should be available after 12m to transfer to Ndukwe, with Ndiaye possibly qualifying for a WP at that stage. Or Ndukwe may get enough minutes in another top 5 league in Europe to qualify for a WP himself in Jan.

So we may get him back in our squad in Jan 27, but we definitely won't have him at all available until Jan at the earliest.

09 Aug 2026 22:04:51
Well lads,
Keep the bright side out!
Great to have the Reds back at Anfield.
Iraola will transform this team - the energy is there few more players to play his style of football over the pitch & we will be right there! Just hope we get the bit of luck from here out with less injuries!
Ndukwe is a player - great spot by the scouting team.


Nyoni & Koumas - hope both stay as they have real quality.
Thanks again to the Ed's, the posters that make this site & esp those that share their insider knowledge; Macca, Carra, Robbo, VG, Thefields, Ned etc always appreciated!
YNWA

09 Aug 2026 23:43:47
We are definitely winning the league. Dark horses.

10 Aug 2026 03:16:08
Agreed on that, especially who we bring in to help.

10 Aug 2026 06:47:05
Not a chance we're winning the league. I like Iraola, but those buffoons in charge have shafted him.

10 Aug 2026 06:55:10
Refreshing to read.

10 Aug 2026 06:57:58
Window's not closed yet, Frode.

10 Aug 2026 07:04:19
I think it will be a good transition season for us, not one of those where there's lots of doom and gloom.

Then the following season, challenge for the title.

Looking forward to it!

10 Aug 2026 08:20:41
At the moment I'd jump at Champs Lge places, but hopefully they get him a few signings in before windows end, and we can have a crack at going for the title.

10 Aug 2026 09:16:54
Frode you are such a caricature of the modern day football fan.

Complain about everything and everyone, tell the world how rubbish we are, celebrate for a day when we win something and then go back to complaining.

I really don't know why you bother. Surely you can find something that actually makes you smile? Life's too short man.