Liverpool Banter 2

10 Aug 2026 14:11:27
Seeing that Ronald Araujo has a 47m buy clause after his initial year loan, if we decide to trigger it. Would his contract be agreed in advance with us? Or would we have to reach personal terms in 12 months time?

10 Aug 2026 15:09:47
I would think they would negotiate new terms before triggering the option.

10 Aug 2026 16:39:05
The more I think about it, the more I think this is a shrewd bit of business.

Araujo is a player we've scouted for a few years as a potential Virgil replacement. He's had some well publicised problems, so we take the chance to get him for a year, see if he can get back to his best, and if he does, sign him for £47m.

If he doesn't, then thank him for the year and move on.

He was clearly good enough for Barcelona to offer him a 5 year contract extension before his troubles. Let's see if he can get back to being that player.

10 Aug 2026 17:14:45
Indian Tarzan, in the same post as you've eviscerated Araujo, you have also admitted he's an upgrade on Konate. Do you agree it's at least a step forward in that case?

10 Aug 2026 17:22:10
Yeah, more "jungle" talk. The guy was rated one of the best in the World, was captain of the team, and supposedly liked by VVD as a player, but has a long list of things he can't do. How the hell is he even a professional footballer?

10 Aug 2026 17:33:36
I'm guessing that the missing Tarzan post means that Harry's been kicked again?

{Ed001's Note - he was doing his usual, posting lies he made up in his head and pretending that they were real.}

10 Aug 2026 17:42:32
Konate lasted 5 years at Liverpool and 3 of them under Klopp. Perhaps he wasn't as crap as people make out.

Onto Araujo, I really hope this transfer works out for him and Liverpool.

{Ed001's Note - he wasn't first choice under Klopp though.}

10 Aug 2026 17:47:19
ArAy 1969, I keep saying it. It all depends on what you wanna focus on.

Araujo being all these awful things or Araujo being an upgrade on Konate?

Oh n btw, who in the Barack Hussein Obama is "Indian Tarzan"?

10 Aug 2026 17:56:18
Indian Tarzan!!! 🤣🤣🤣 Nearly as good as Jim Araujo!!! 💥💥🤚

10 Aug 2026 18:42:47
Ah cool, Indian Tarzan has been chucked out? I have space for another Harry alt on the ignore list!

Yay!

10 Aug 2026 19:27:37
No way Konate was ever going to replace Matip, greatly underrated, especially for no fee.

10 Aug 2026 19:39:19
We haven't got close to replacing the amazing free Matip, Konate in his prime wasn't close to an injured Matip.

10 Aug 2026 19:57:40
Was it all a fever dream or did you do a podcast with Harry a few years back, Ed?

{Ed001's Note - yes mate, a very long time ago before he started believing he was itk, even though he defo isn't.}

10 Aug 2026 18:43:37
No idea, Oli. The site is swarming with new usernames on a regular basis since a couple of years. But he sounds like the perfect candidate for the next Marvel Superhero movie.

I'm convinced Araujo is far better than Konaté. If he makes it beyond the loan, he can give us 5 solid years. Perfect for the youngsters coming up.

10 Aug 2026 14:04:17
Been reading this site for ages so I'm joining the trend of announcing my little break. I've got to go to work this afternoon, I'll be back around 10 unless I need a dump at some point. Take care lads.

10 Aug 2026 14:23:57
An intellectual like me can dump on demand when I decide I fancy a break.

10 Aug 2026 15:11:13
I'm also taking a break from the site. I massively overdid it on the drinks yesterday and I need a nap after I finish work. I'll be back around 8pm.

10 Aug 2026 15:19:19
Cheers Beef, look after yourself. 👍

10 Aug 2026 17:39:05
I'll be taking a break until the next time I refresh this page in 32 seconds.

10 Aug 2026 18:34:49
Lfcfan_03beef, if it comes out looking too monolithic and massive, take Mary Berry's advice and use the toilet brush to break it in two, allowing for an easier flush.

10 Aug 2026 13:52:39
Apart from the small investments made into the club Do FSG own it all or is there others from before FSG that still own share?

10 Aug 2026 14:42:02
I think did sell a stake to Dyansty earlier too.

10 Aug 2026 15:41:19
They sold a circa 3% stake to Dynasty.

10 Aug 2026 16:02:04
Yeah, knew about that one and LeBron James' small investment, but I did not know if FSG owned the full club when they purchased it.

10 Aug 2026 18:35:40
Alexis and Blake Carrington are the new John Henry and Lovely Linda. Power couple down Anfield.

10 Aug 2026 11:25:27
Looks like the minority sale of the club is close. Apparently something could even be announced this week.

I'd personally prefer some announcements on the transfer front. This window is starting to get painful and it might only be pre-season, but I've not been filled with confidence from watching the last couple of games.

10 Aug 2026 11:44:45.
30% stake in the club apparently.

That's a rather large stake to buy to sit on the sidelines. I'd imagine majority or complete takeover will be the next step.

10 Aug 2026 11:56:53
I'll confess I don't know enough about it to have an opinion on whether this is a good or a bad thing.

On the face of it, 2 of the richest men in the world having a stake in the club sounds like a good thing, but I'm sure there is a lot more to it than that.



I guess we'll have to wait and see how it all pans out.

10 Aug 2026 11:58:35
Ok, lad's a question please, from someone who hasn't a clue about stakes and other meat produce. Will this sale mean more money for transfers?

10 Aug 2026 12:11:44
No Barry.

10 Aug 2026 12:23:03
As much as I loathe Bezos (treatment of workers, aligning himself to the Orange nasty etc etc), part of me can't help thinking the same way, Barry.
I've no idea how club finances work or whether this will mean more money will be made available to improve the squad.

10 Aug 2026 12:25:29
It's just a minority holding at the moment. If FSG decide to exit, expect this within 3 to 5 years.

10 Aug 2026 12:28:58
It could bring in a lot more money in revenue through bigger sponsors, I'd expect.

10 Aug 2026 12:34:17
Barry, the sale will mean nothing for transfers for this window.

Take this with a pinch of salt...

A sale of 30% or more would mean board seats for delegates of the new consortium. Therefore, they will be part of the decision making process.

I would say Billy Hogan has been an excellent CEO, so an incoming consortium would likely be pretty happy to keep him in place.

Mike Gordon has reluctantly stepped back into the sporting side for this summer. I expect he would rather not be doing that job. Given that Edwards and Hughes are off, I would expect the new board (ie with the additional members) will have a say on what the new sporting side of the business will look like as one of their first decisions should the investment be completed.

That will impact the way we do recruitment in future.

As for other stuff, we will have to see, but you can imagine the stadium and future media/streaming opportunities might be in the front of mind, especially with a steel magnate and Amazon/Twitch owner involved.

As this is direct investment in LFC, it is not clear if multi-club model concept will return to the table.

10 Aug 2026 12:41:18
Think someone was saying the need for loans for transfers, upgrades would be a thing of the past on here a couple of weeks ago, as we'd be cash rich?

10 Aug 2026 12:45:37
I think I'd rather have Bezos than Musk involved. I know there were rumours in the past about him, especially with his family links to the city.

10 Aug 2026 12:49:10
Every day's a school day. Thanks for info lads. 👍

10 Aug 2026 12:55:38
The new sweet bonus for players coming in will be free Amazon Prime for a year.

10 Aug 2026 13:05:31
Bit of a no and yes answer Barry. I'm no expert but as far as I'm aware; whilst the rules still limit market spending to a portion of revenue, wealthier owners can inject cash into other aspects of the club like infrastructure or to pay off debt, which can free up cash for transfers that may have been otherwise tied up, but it won't increase the limit on what we can spend. The only way that happens is by increasing revenue, which, in all fairness, I would expect the new owners to pursue, should they become full owners one day. More stores, increased capacity, amazon tv deals, increased marketing etc. are all things I would expect them would look at. So whilst new billionaire owners won't immediately or directly increase our transfer market cap, it could indirectly allow us to free up more cash for a budget, and increase revenue long-term.

Don't quote me on that now, I think Ed001 would be the best man to ask.

10 Aug 2026 13:12:07
The only people who can afford the club are either the likes of Bezos, Arab Royalty like Mohammed Bin Salman, or mates of Putin. Take your pick, but he is by far the least worst option.

10 Aug 2026 13:13:49
So how bad was Bhatia for QPR? Am surprised FSG just sold 30% of the club. Could have got a lot more than 6bn for Liverpool as a whole.

10 Aug 2026 13:18:04
Florian, in general, I don't think it changes anything about the use of debt to finance things from time to time. It is the way US business works. Other people's money! However, from what I remember, I don't think FSG have used any debt financing to cover transfer spend.



The opportunity here will be growing the club, revenues, and brand in directions that are probably beyond our current thinking.

10 Aug 2026 13:33:52
Rax, a 30% stake could see FSG make over a billion in profit on their initial investment whilst still retaining the controlling share and bringing investors to the table who have the power and influence to help significantly increase revenue. It's an excellent deal and a great position to be in for FSG.

10 Aug 2026 13:44:19
Wonder, with Standard Chartered's shirt sponsor deal expiring in 2027 and now with the impending deal with Bezos, does that likely favour Amazon as the new shirt sponsor next season?

10 Aug 2026 14:14:02
Yeh, Chewy. Does sound like a very good deal for FSG. The CyKlopps, I wouldn't be surprised by that at all.

10 Aug 2026 14:26:20
I think it's going to just mean a lot more bureaucracy and a load of talking heads on the board wanting to stick their 2 pence in every 5 minutes. Going to end up being run like a public sector organisation. We trialled some of their practices last season by giving Richard Hughes and Arne Slot 200 days annual leave.

10 Aug 2026 15:17:54
Chicken staff what a load of b@llo#ks.

No way did slot work 165 days last year.

10 Aug 2026 16:19:05
Vik I reckon you'd get on well with Putin mate!
Could see the price of fuel cut in half around the Liverpool area.
Not a bad idea that.

10 Aug 2026 17:48:26
Willo, is there really a difference btw the two?

10 Aug 2026 17:57:54
You'd be more familiar with Mullens or The Roma, I'd reckon, Bazza!

10 Aug 2026 18:24:37
Look forward to renaming of Anfield Stadium to the Amazon Stadium in return for £500m a year, thus catching up with a team not far from here. 😃

10 Aug 2026 11:10:03
Hey Ed's and Reds,
Couple of questions firstly is Rayan of interest and is he a real possibility? I think him he is perfect for the right side.
Are we looking to get rid of mama he's really not filled me with confidence when I've seen him play.

10 Aug 2026 11:08:17
Anyone's thoughts on how Szobo and Gravy looks as a two.

I have my concerns about it as neither appears to have discipline, tackling or game intelligence to play there. Early days, but I thought they were both poor yesterday.

Iraola will have to make this work somehow, as we've just given these two massive contract renewals.

10 Aug 2026 11:38:04
When we have the ball they are good, the problem is, without the ball they look all over the place, especially Grav.

10 Aug 2026 11:42:48
I thought Grav was great yesterday and showed some of the player he was in the title-winning season. He looked a bit rusty at times, but I love him receiving the ball from the back 4, dropping a shoulder to turn into space and drive forward.

It was a theme a couple of years ago that we sorely missed last season.

I will never understand why Slot decided to move his position. Totally baffling to me.

10 Aug 2026 12:12:00
Monaco barely got a sniff yesterday in the first half and we smothered them quickly and retrieved possession.

The main issue I can see at the moment is the fitness levels to maintain this over the entire game, which should hopefully come. Easy to forget that Gakpo, Virg, and Grav have barely been back, so a bit behind some others in fitness and sharpness.



I think the ingredients are there and we'll be cooking come September onwards.

As always, it's just important to get results in the early weeks and progress from there.

Patience and confidence amongst the fan base is understandably low after last season, but signs are promising for me.

10 Aug 2026 12:57:29
Grav did look good yesterday, but I do think that position stifles Dom a bit. He actually looked a lot better when Wirtz went off and he could press their defenders and keeper in the #10 role. A bit like Lallana in the early Klopp days.

10 Aug 2026 13:12:24
They're both very capable footballers. I expect there will still be defensive errors this season that have the critics calling for heads to roll, especially early on, but, long term, I have confidence in them as a pairing. I don't expect it to be perfect from the outset, and it might not be a partnership that's perfected over the next 10 months even, but what I hope to see is a marked improvement in their defensive relationship as the season progresses.

It might take a while, but once I see it, I'll be happy. I have no reason atm to believe they can't do it.

10 Aug 2026 14:06:30
As a pair, it's not for me.
I don't fancy either as holding midfielders, for that matter.

10 Aug 2026 15:05:36
I am with you, Rigsby. Just don't think they have the instincts for it.

10 Aug 2026 15:12:41
I loved it when we were in possession though, as Wirtz was to the left of Isak and Szobo to his right.

With Grav in the middle, slightly behind. It has its problems, but I'd rather this than any combination with Macca in it.

If the team is going to press and not just sit back and let the opponent carve us up in the middle like last season, then we'd be able to protect Grav and Van Dijk better than we did last season, and I'm all in for that.

10 Aug 2026 17:53:36
That's the thing, Kaizer. When Klopp was here for the most part, the press was the way we attacked and the way we defended, as in from the front. While at times we would just drop into a deep shell and then bait the opposition into our pressing traps. This is the way we also protected the midfield and defence in certain situations, as well.

Didn't see the game, but if it happened as you have described it, then I like it.

Our team is built to play on the front foot under the DNA of Klopp, and Doni is also a disciple of the press, like his mentor Bielsa is. I see your premise as a positive, even tho it's gonna need some time to get implemented.

We just need to keep working harder by improving the players' fitness levels, try to get a couple more signings in and let Iraola cook.

10 Aug 2026 10:31:06
Still enjoying the many articles about Kevin Keegan. What a man, what a player.

Led me to a lovely segue about John Toshack and how he became player-manager at such a young age (due to injuries). He had quite a successful career, seems to be have been quite forthright which maybe limited his two spells at Real Madrid, as even in the 90s it appears they were cosseting their players over the manager! Still signed Hierro for them.

One of his three spells at Real Sociedad was particularly noteworthy because he appointed a 20 year old Xabi Alonso as club captain.



Unfortunately his initial first season success was often followed by a second season downturn, which is possibly why he was never considered for the Liverpool manager role. Although, with hindsight, he may have been a better option than Souness.

I thought I would start the week on a positive, as people are going crazy on other social media sites regarding our latest pre-season friendly.

Have a good week all and I look forward to our players getting fitter by the game. I am quite excited for the season ahead. I think the league is going to be very competitive this year.

10 Aug 2026 12:14:41
One thing that shocked me yesterday about KK is that he scored 100 goals across 6 seasons and has legendary status.

I think modern fan expectation wouldn't hold someone with that return in the same regard. Which begs the question, do we put an unfair weighting on goal contribution nowadays on players?

I was also shocked yesterday at the stadium, at the level of love Rio had from the crowd.

A talented kid, for sure, but, for me, hasn't done anywhere near enough to warrant the level of adulation he was getting vs other players.

10 Aug 2026 12:38:49
Can't speak for others as regards KK's legendary status, but, for me, he was a great talisman in a great team.
Pure 100% effort game after game, and was an all round great player who always showed up on the really biggest of games.
Not changing my mind on Kenny being the best I've seen in a red shirt, but KK wasn't far behind.

10 Aug 2026 16:05:23
KK worked his socks off for the team, not just scoring goals, and assisted Toshack a lot. Great man, greatly missed.

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.