Liverpool Banter 2

11 Aug 2026 12:34:37
Anyone know which clubs are interested in taking Ndukwe on loan. Apparently he needs to earn 15 points and the better the league the more points he amasses. Apparently the club are looking for loan with option to recall in January once he has the 15 points.

He's looked great in preseason and if he can cement a place between January and May with us we would be going into the following season with Ndukwe, Leoni and Jacquet and potentially Arujao.

Question for fellow posters or the Ed's i remember we bought three very young CBs earlier in the year and we have seen Ndyia but who was the other and why haven't we seen him in pre season?

The above two have already impressed me but curious to know who the other one is and why haven't seen him.

11 Aug 2026 12:41:47
Don't recall the name, but I think the 3rd one is even younger, so was unlikely to feature.

11 Aug 2026 12:47:03
Ndukwe has really impressed in all his appearances. Could it be that we bought a young gem to shape into the next Virgil??

11 Aug 2026 12:55:17
It might be, depending on how it works out for him this season, that Araujo/Jacquet/Leoni/Ndukwe may be our core CB options up to 2030.

11 Aug 2026 12:55:55
RJ, the third centre-back, was Noah Adekoya, who we signed from Burnley, though he hails from Toxteth. Two years older than the other two.

11 Aug 2026 13:05:37
Unless we have an injury or are looking to sell in January, it makes more sense for him to have a full season on loan somewhere, than coming back to limited game time (potentially).

11 Aug 2026 13:40:10
It's a careful balance from what I read.

If he can get a loan to either La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A or Ligue 1, then he can get the points required to get a WP faster as they are the top leagues.

However, if he isn't played as much in those teams, then it will slow him down accumulating the points.

A clickbait I read earlier mentioned there are offers in from Portugal (it may have been reporting that Fabrizio said that), but that isn't a top league.



As long as he is playing regularly, I think we don't bank on him coming back in Jan with the points required (as that sort of loan could be tricky to sell to another club who would lose, hopefully, one of their top performers as the season comes to a close), so most likely he will form part of the post-VVD planning.

11 Aug 2026 13:40:28
Adekoya is the last of the three and he's actually the oldest among them. I think he's 20 years old this year. Not sure why he has not featured, though, but the Liverpool site did list him as being part of the U21 set up.

11 Aug 2026 14:19:40
I'm guessing that Adekoya is behind the other 2 in terms of his 1st team readiness. Hopefully he can kick on in the U21s this season.

11 Aug 2026 14:19:07
Zed everyone knows the German league isn't a top league. It's a farmers league mate.

11 Aug 2026 15:17:29
Thanks, Mytton.

11 Aug 2026 15:35:30
That's right, JK, my sarky friend! However, the people who allocate points don't know that.

So, sshhhhhh, keep it under your hat.

11 Aug 2026 15:43:02
Tell him to open up a vape shop, then he'll be able to get a visa.

11 Aug 2026 16:28:22
Shhhh, Zed. I don't think many people know I'm Sarky.

11 Aug 2026 16:42:04
Nor do they know that I am Hutch.

Shhhhhhh.

11 Aug 2026 16:49:48
Am I right in thinking that we bought another young lad from Celtic who's also a very promising CB although he is only 16 or 17 or did I dream that?

11 Aug 2026 17:24:57
I think that was early this window, WDW.

11 Aug 2026 17:56:54
Hello Mytton,

If he hails from Toxteth, then me being from the same Toxteth area can vouch he is of very good stock!

Although, now these days I am a Wirral Squirrel in posh Burton. I'm very lucky my 7 bed house does not have a number just its name on the front gates.

11 Aug 2026 18:00:35
Yes WDW, we did. Scottish U16 captain, I seem to remember.

11 Aug 2026 18:01:47
His agent said today they are looking at non top clubs in Denmark.

11 Aug 2026 20:49:49
Dara Jikiemi is the young lad from Celtic, just 16 years old, so definitely one for the future.

I like the tactic, buy 6 promising CBs, hopefully at least 2 of them establish themselves in the future.

11 Aug 2026 12:13:21
Barcola is done.
You're welcome.

11 Aug 2026 14:04:12
Again?

11 Aug 2026 14:08:31
Barcola has been done more times than Katie Price.

11 Aug 2026 14:00:40
Hope you are right, Fat Jesus, otherwise I can see you getting crucified on here.

Ah! There's the exit...

11 Aug 2026 15:13:20
No, he hasn't, JK. Come on.

There's a few more to go yet to hit that level of done.

11 Aug 2026 15:14:37
How are you defining 'done', JK?

11 Aug 2026 15:30:53
LOL JK!

11 Aug 2026 16:53:23
In the spirit of banter - thanks for all your efforts on getting that one over the line @FJ. 👍

11 Aug 2026 17:30:49
Done as in "career over". What a pity.

11 Aug 2026 16:59:11
He's nailed on, fat Jesus

11 Aug 2026 18:49:28
Don't say that to the OP, Fatwallet.

It may be triggering for him.

11 Aug 2026 11:56:16
I’m not ITK but I believe the Barcola deal is done and announce will only happen when PSG do their business replacing him.

11 Aug 2026 14:47:34
It's not done until the registration of the player is transferred to LFC.

They can pull out at any time, so it's essentially not done.

11 Aug 2026 14:56:16
Liverpool FC are as weak as urine if they allowed PSG to dictate when we can announce Barcola purely to satisfy and appease their own fans.

11 Aug 2026 15:36:10
Dunno about your urine, shug, but mine on a Sunday morning is pretty strong.

11 Aug 2026 16:46:42
Indeed, Zed.

11 Aug 2026 18:40:36
Fat Jesus and the resurrection of Macca. What more do we need to believe, people?

11 Aug 2026 19:05:22
Is that as a result of your homemade asparagus wine, Zed?

11 Aug 2026 09:57:04
Morning all, first time poster here and more of a question to the Eds and people in charge

Do you think Barcola is worth the money being discussed? or do you think it would be better off spending that Money on a CDM and right back and another right winger to make the squad more complete and solid rather than blowing all the money on a marquee signing?

out of curiosity who would you pick for right back, cdm and a right winger if you could? Thanks.

{Ed001's Note - I have not seen enough of him to judge, but nothing I have seen suggests he is worth going for. I would much rather concentrate on getting the defence and midfield sorted personally.

I would like to see Sadiki in midfield, Rayan on the right wing and probably Kayode behind him.}

11 Aug 2026 10:58:08
Well said Ed001. Recruitment the last 12 months seems to be based on my Football Manager 1999 efforts - chase/buy lots of attacking talent and don't bother with a solid core/base. £100m on a quality RB and a DM would complete this team, instead we're trying to spend the same amount on one player who will do nothing to improve our porous midfield/defence.

It's fantasy football stuff.

11 Aug 2026 11:10:04
Athletic is now reporting that Macca will stay.

The dream of a half-decent DM is vanishing for the 5th summer in a row.

11 Aug 2026 11:11:56
Those 3 would be fantastic additions and that's the truth of it. We'd be motoring then!

11 Aug 2026 11:13:16
I'm not sure if he's worth the kind of money being talked about. Makes sense if Gakpo is going for, hopefully, equally silly money, though. Not a lot of great LW's around, and Barcola looks like one of the best options we could realistically get.

11 Aug 2026 11:47:17
I agree it's a huge amount of money. I'd imagine Iraola is very much in this conversation, so if Barcola is the man he wants, then hopefully let's have faith in him.

11 Aug 2026 11:51:22
No, he isn't worth the fee being talked about.

Do we want him enough to pay it, or close? Different question, and that's for the club.

I don't want him enough to pay that.
I'd rather keep the current group, and add to it with a Mbaye type.

11 Aug 2026 11:58:17
I do trust the respected ITK accounts, but I have to admit the prospect of pursuing Barcola above the types of additions mentioned above does boggle my mind a bit. The lack of a DM, more than anything else, is so obvious, and I'd be bitterly disappointed if we didn't strengthen in that area, regardless of who else comes in.
If we do get Barcola, where does that leave Gakpo? Is he covering CF with Isak until Eki is back? Unlike many, I really like him as a player, but I doubt his stock and value will be higher in future than it is right now, but talk of him leaving seems to have gone quiet.

Same with Jones, Macca, Endo etc.
Really hope to see some movement in the next couple of weeks to this effect before the season starts.

11 Aug 2026 12:48:59
I think he's the best winger available this window. Someone with his pace is very difficult to come by.

He reminds me a lot of Salah when we signed him, ridiculous pace, but questionable decision-making and finishing.

Like Salah a few years ago, if this guy plays a full 90, he can probably find 5 clear-cut chances for himself and miss 3 of them.



The only real difference between him and Salah will be whether he has the same mentality and desire to improve. The only way to find that out is to give him the opportunity with a bona fide starting position and see what he can do.

11 Aug 2026 12:59:50
Well, in a perfect world I also wish we had gone for players like Sadiki or Kone for CM and Kayode, Palestra or Kounde for the back, plus a RW, but all the noise seems to be around Barcola so I don't concern myself with those thoughts.

We haven't been linked to a CDM at all, and didn't try to get Palestra or Kayode before they moved clubs / signed a contract extension respectively, which is super odd to me.

In terms of RW, not a lot of options to be honest.

I'm not an ITK but I'd guess we wasted too much time on Diomande and then didn't chase Rayan because Bournemouth don't want to sell, hence not enough time in the window for all the back and forth? Not sure, just guessing here really.

I think Hughes, plus all the wasted energy and time with Edwards sticking his nose in transfers before leaving, was just super detrimental and I can't wait till they're both gone (one down, one to go).

11 Aug 2026 13:18:36
Yeah, I can't fathom why we haven't moved for Kayode, Premier proven and a stand out right back. Ditto Sadiki. Clubs' moves in the transfer market have been odd - Barcola continues that trend - if changes behind the scenes are true, hopefully it results in a more cohesive transfer plan. This summer has been pretty woeful so far, and the squad looks very fragile.

11 Aug 2026 12:54:14
Ed01 re: Barcola, I have never rated him as high as some on here have and I can deduce some over-glazing of his ability as well which is fine as it is just an opinion.

Now if he is the one the club is going for then, what can one do but accept it and support him to do well. Indeed, we could sign other players in other areas of need in defence (already being sorted with Araujo, hopefully he steps up) and in midfield so I'll just wait till the end of the window and then, we can assess things.

11 Aug 2026 14:49:12
Barcola is a strong addition but probably the least needed if the plan is for him to play LW. If the plan is to buy him for RW, then we are nuts!! We couldn't conceivably pay upwards of £100m to play the lad out of position. If we do buy him for the LW then we still need another winger for the right??? I'm not as concerned about the midfield, because I think the coach can get a tune out of Szob, Grav and Macca, but surely we need to move on Jones and upgrade to more DM type midfielder.

Defence is a priority for me. Araujo is a good addition but we need more for the RB and LB position. I'm a massive fan of Kerkez (mainly based on his Bournemouth days) but can't deny he struggled since joining, and hoping Iraola can get him back to his best. Desperately need a Tzimikas and Bradley upgrade!

11 Aug 2026 16:49:08
Dow-ney, if Mbaye comes in along with Barcola, then we would need another wide man cos Rio and Vic are there.

The question will be, in that scenario, what happens to Gkpo cos he would wanna start games if he doesn't wanna be a backup to the back up at LW or the backup CF to Isak?

11 Aug 2026 17:04:11
Didn't Kayode sign a contract extension a while back?

11 Aug 2026 17:18:43
Barcola can play through the middle as well.

11 Aug 2026 17:19:06
I think Sadiki or Kone might improve us slightly but Barcola improves us massively.

We have one of the deadliest strikers in the world in Isak but he's a striker who needs the chances to be created for him. He will score the odd screamer but more often than not it's the ones like he scored on Sunday. Clever running from others to create the space, he fills the space, ball played through, touch, bang.

That's Isak.

Barcola will provide pace and clever running, especially in behind, which in turn will pull defenders about, as the CBs need to come across on the cover, which gives Isak more space to score.

If we can get Isak firing, we have a real chance of winning a lot of football matches. Barcola could be the key to that happening.

11 Aug 2026 08:52:27
Morning ed001,

Are you looking forward to the new season?

I thought we looked sharp at time in the first half on Sunday, certainly more direct, more energy, with more players getting forward when we attacked. Wirtz already looks like a different player, tracking back, movement, I think him and Isak will be like new signings.

Defence is a bit of concern, conceding easily again but with the new fella for Barca and Jaquet set to probably start against Newcastle, I'm optimistic.

It will be a highly charged game and hopefully a fitting tribute to the great man Kevin Keegan.

Cheers
Drogie

{Ed001's Note - very much looking forward to it. It might take a bit of time for the players to build up their fitness, but the footie will be enjoyable to watch and we actually have a boss who gives a toss.}

11 Aug 2026 10:53:32
I'm still not sold on Iraola myself. I just think he's missing that charisma that the top level managers have. That being said I'll reserve judgement until he gets his feet under the table properly and gets the team playing how he wants.

I wouldn't read too much into us conceding goals in preseason though. 2 of the goals on Sunday were down to Virgil who has only just come back and the other was a set piece when we had Chambers and Endo at CB and Marma in goal.

I have to say Ed1 you were absolutely right about Marma. He is nowhere near the level of goalkeeper we need. If we have to rely on him for any length of time like last season we will struggle.

The long throws against Leeds were conceded with none of our first choice CBs on the pitch and again with Marma in goal.

End of the day it's just preseason, let's see how it all pans out.

11 Aug 2026 11:13:30
Bob Paisley was hardly bursting with charisma, Rio.

11 Aug 2026 11:39:18
Surely Araola has to be given a chance before the pitch forks come out.

He's coming into a squad that can field a very good strong 11, but certainly has holes in the squad that can be improved upon.

He's looking at incorporating a whole new way of playing, and has already admitted, and quite evidently visible, the players aren't fit enough to carry out (currently) for 90 mins.



I very much expect this season to be a season of ups and downs, but managers are judged on results.

He's only signed a 2 year contract and I'd like to see him given those 2 years to see what trajectory the club is then on.

Hopefully the club back him with what he needs in the transfer market otherwise he's got his work even more cut out.

11 Aug 2026 11:40:50
Neither was Rafa.

11 Aug 2026 11:47:57
Iraola, not Araola. Bloody autocorrect.

11 Aug 2026 11:53:51
I can see us having a similar season to Bournemouth's last season. Start off slow and come on strong in the second half of the season. Regardless, the football will be much more enjoyable to watch. I also think we will have a very strong Champions League.

11 Aug 2026 12:00:22
I am cautiously optimistic. I look forward to the style being implemented, but I am so concerned by our midfield primarily. An efficient high press system will alleviate some of that, but we are still missing a DM imo.

11 Aug 2026 12:49:32
I'm full 2 feet in behind this fella. Managers can dramatically change things, like Klopp did to many others, like, hmm, Shankly? Even if Macca stays, he will be a better Macca for when we do sell him. Give hope until it's taken. Many backed Slot like Jurgen without knowing anything about the blagger. Basquescouse ball will be the new PSG. ;)

11 Aug 2026 13:04:27
Missing one of those for a number of years now, Westwood, which is crazy to me.

11 Aug 2026 12:58:22
I agree, Ed. It's going to be a slow burn at the start of the season, as preseason is showing already. I am excited about the season as a whole because it's a new manager, a new system and of course, a new voice that the players need to impress once again.

We just have to persevere with Doni and the players and not quit on them early on because things aren't getting great fast enuff. But as some has said, the real rewards may come down the road like in Feb/March next year. The question will be where we are in the table when that happens.

11 Aug 2026 13:20:05
The football will be good, as long as it's enjoyable watching us again. I'm happy.

11 Aug 2026 16:50:00
Agreed, Seano.

11 Aug 2026 17:02:42
We've got any easy start, Stone, relatively speaking. Whilst pre season suggests we may get off to a slow start, with the run of fixtures we have, we should be top after ten games, and then maybe fall away when injuries kick in and lack of squad depth bites around November.

11 Aug 2026 08:47:34
On YouTube Josh Williams has done a really good piece on why Liverpool have not replaced Mo Salah yet. He looked into out of the top 30 players who realistically is on the market and out of those select few analysed their stats to see who if any would fit the profile were after.

11 Aug 2026 09:15:49
Yes, mate, watched that. Josh looks into a lot of detail concerning players and gives lots of information that you wouldn't normally see.

11 Aug 2026 09:47:59
It is more than replacing Mo, that playing style doesn't exist at Liverpool now - now we have to develop another way of playing and the players to exploit it to its full potential.

11 Aug 2026 09:55:55
We replaced him last season with Wirtz and Isaak. You cannot find 1 player to match his G/A.

11 Aug 2026 10:08:41
I agree with you there, Fowler. We now have 2 strikers in Isak and, when he is back, Ekitike, who, along with Wirtz and, if we get Barcola, will have a team set up to have goals across the front line from our strikers and wide men delivering the ball compared to under Klopp, where we played wide men as forwards who cut in and scored with Salah & Mane, which I feel is moving towards the norm now.

11 Aug 2026 10:10:37
Well said, Camb and Fowler. From now on anyone who says the words 'replacing Mo' should put a pound in the swear jar.

He's irreplaceable and we just don't play that way anymore.

11 Aug 2026 13:03:16
Fully agree, Camb and Fowler. Trying to replace Salah, the legend, is a fool's errand. The guy is a unicorn in the way he performed for us. No player can replicate that, and the system he thrived in is no more at LFC. We have to get creative, as a result.

Same with Trent and the unique way he was deployed. That player doesn't exist anywhere on this planet with such a unique skill-set in a performing system that brought great success.



We have tried to replace his goals and assists with Eki & Isak, but with Eki still being a long way from getting back, we need a backup 9 to help Isak. This is why I want Gakpo to stay if a backup CF is not being signed.

11 Aug 2026 17:23:57
Agreed. We have our main goalscorer down the centre of the team now, so need providers more than anything down the sides, not the major goalscorer.

11 Aug 2026 08:20:36
I think we should walk away from Barcola, too expensive for what he is, switch to Mbaye.
Bring in Mbaye, Scott or Wharton, Sadiki and Kayode.
Let go Jones, Elliot, MaCallister, Endo.
Keep Koumas an, Gakpo and Chiesa.
Not sure about Mamadasvilli, wish we had kept Kelleher, Roefs of Sunderland would be a good shout.

11 Aug 2026 08:48:33
Hopefully we will sign both M'Baye and Barcola... M'Baye is very raw and cannot be our marquee attacker this summer.

11 Aug 2026 08:57:40
@Old, Why are we switching to M'Baye if we are currently negotiating to get both of them, exactly?

Also, Kelleher wanted to go, and in fact, we had to keep him an extra year, and prolly promised to let him go the season he left.

You can't keep players against their will, man.

11 Aug 2026 08:59:01
I think the same as Todd. I think both are very realistic and very good players that would do well at LFC. @oldseadog, I don't think that it is realistic to sign all these players as well as selling them all. That was last window. This window is very different. To get rid of players like Mac Allister and maybe Jones, who are starting every other week with no lined up replacement, is reckless.

Allison will have one more season, and I think Nyoni replaces Endo. Only question is who replaces Jones? I think keep him for one more season or if selling get Camara.

11 Aug 2026 09:10:25
Barcola is miles ahead in his development. Mbaye is a very talented 18 year old kid who could turn out great, but I like what Barcola could potentially bring, particularly if he irons out those weaknesses in his game, which is possible under Iraola. Personally hoping we get him over the line, and if Mbaye joins also, that's even better for me.

11 Aug 2026 09:36:47
I somewhat agree with the poster. Would rather have both Barcola and Mbaye but putting emphasis on finances, buying Mbaye, Scott and Camara would probably cost as much as Barcola + Mbaye.

Jones -> Scott
Endo -> Camara
Chiesa -> Mbaye

Attackers we would have Isak, Gakpo, Munoz, Ngumoha, Koumas & Mbaye.

Ekitike to follow up midseason. Wirtz & Morisson at AM.

MF we have Szobo, Grava, Macca, Scott, Nyoni, Bajcetic. Sell Jones, Endo, Elliott and McConnell.

LB - Kerkez & Chambers
RB - Frimpong & Jacquet/Gomez/Bradley
CB - VVD, Araujo, Jacquet, Leoni, Chambers, Gomez

Also sell Tsimikas.

11 Aug 2026 09:43:34
Given that we already have Isak, Wirtz, Munoz, Ngumoha, Gakpo, Ekitike to come back at some point, I would argue that until we have fixed right back, defensive midfield and maybe even central defence, we shouldn't be spending more money on attacking players (although we might assume that if either or both of Mbaye and Barcola come in, Gakpo and Chiesa might leave).

Right back is a massive exposure. Left back was a big problem last season as well, but I'm going to take a leap of faith and assume that Iraola reuniting with Kerkez will get the best out of him again. We desperately need a specialist defensive midfielder. If we could drop prime Fabinho into this team now, it would be a complete game changer.

There must be players of that profile out there. At centre half, I accept that the club have made moves to strengthen but the reality is that with Konate leaving, Gomez as likely as ever to miss half the matches (and not really good enough anyway if we're honest), I think we're still short of absolute top tier quality in that position... we can't ignore the fact that Van Dijk is now, at best, a decent Premier League centre half, no longer the one man back four that meant you didn't have to worry too much about who was playing alongside him.

At the moment, I can see that we'll definitely score goals (if Isak is fit more often than not) but I wouldn't be confident that we won't concede more.

11 Aug 2026 10:00:38
If Barcola & Mbaye come in then Gakpo will be off.

11 Aug 2026 10:31:59
Agree, Racey. Can't see Gakpo staying if we buy 2 wingers. At his age, he'll want to be starting week in week out.

11 Aug 2026 11:22:56
On the contrary, we get Mbaye. I don't think we get Rayan.

11 Aug 2026 13:05:44
Raceylfc, or we can make him a backup CF, however, I do agree with you that Gakpo may not want to be a backup CF or LW and wants to play every week. What I want may not be what he wants, so I have to accept that.

11 Aug 2026 07:39:01
{Ed's Note - Sunshine supporter FC has posted a new article entitled, Rangers Fans Demand Answers After Another Mess

11 Aug 2026 00:11:33
Seen reports of Fulham and West Ham potentially interested in Endo. Won't be a big fee. I'd keep him for a year as he's out of contract but he does take a non homegrown slot we could use for others.

11 Aug 2026 02:47:54
I guess it depends on what's happening with other players.

Just a personal opinion, but I'd rather sell Macca, Jones and Chiesa before Endo.

Endo offers something we don't have in other players.

11 Aug 2026 05:03:52
Od, keep Endo unless AI thinks Bajectic can offer the same cover. I think he can if given the chance.

11 Aug 2026 06:23:33
I can definitely see the benefit on keeping Endo, but he may also want to move for game time.

Over the last 2 seasons, he's played the equivalent of 4 and a half PL games in minutes and less than 15 games across 4 competitions.



If he's happy to be a bit part player, then great. If he wants more minutes, a move could suit.

Personally, I think he will stay.

11 Aug 2026 06:28:31
Or we could sell him for whatever fee instead of another player running down his contract? He needs to go, as do a plethora of other players that clearly aren't good enough for a team wanting to challenge for the top honours.

11 Aug 2026 06:29:57
Or we could free up a spot for the PL and CL non-home grown quota for a player who might be a genuine starter. Of course, we don't need to sell Endo, we could keep him, but he wouldn't be eligible to play in the PL and CL because of quota limitations.

11 Aug 2026 06:30:44
Sorry, forgot to add, Chiesa could potentially be in the same boat too.

11 Aug 2026 07:22:15
I hope Fede fights for his spot in the team and that AI gives him a chance.

11 Aug 2026 07:54:50
Didn't realise he'd played so little. I'm up for getting in whatever we can for Endo. Love his attitude, but just can't see him playing.

11 Aug 2026 08:30:52
Has not got the big physique, sadly, to play centre half for PL football? Behind when fit, Jacquet, Nyoni, Ajauro? Nyoni is the future for midfield, also not Wataru, been a magnificent servant to the club, loves the club and gives 200% every time he is called upon, also occupies an overseas squad spot?

Though, to be fair, I would rather have him over the Greek as Wataru is very versatile for both full back positions, stand in centre half and his number one preference midfield.

Greek Yoghurt is better than Tsimikas, at least Wataru holds his position during a game.

11 Aug 2026 09:00:52
Endo ain't going to play in the Championship. Fulham? That is a possibility, but it will depend on a lot of things that, frankly, are not even under Endo's control.

He may want to leave and go play somewhere else, however, as someone else already said, it will depend on several other factors.

11 Aug 2026 11:00:06
Endo is 33, he's wasted 2 seasons of his career here. It's time for him to move on and get some game time.