Liverpool Banter 2

20 Aug 2026 16:49:45
It's getting tense and exciting... The rumours are still coming through and I truly believe, the 'done deals' won't be too far behind (too slow in lots of people's minds but we're not talking about 20-30 million pound spends any longer, so we need to 'calm your skin' and wait for the pen on paper - it takes time!).

Few things to think about:

1 - We'll definitely be fitter this season. ✅

2 - The press will definitely be higher and quicker. ✅

3 - We'll get players through the door before the window shuts to freshen us up. ✅

4 - We'll love the new tactics (but it might take a little while for us to get up to speed with them). ✅


And for all you doom and gloom merchants:

Remember this - If you worry you die and if you don't worry, you die, so why worry?

20 Aug 2026 17:31:05
I'm worried about worrying now in case I die, very worrying!

20 Aug 2026 18:17:20
I'd also like to see fans show less emotion.

After all it's only a game.

20 Aug 2026 17:09:17
Yakubah Minteh then. Nobody would have guessed that. Although he has scored 10 goals in the last 2 seasons and is out injured until October. So congratulations if you didn’t guess that, you are sane. Unlike our sporting director.

20 Aug 2026 17:16:30
Over to you, @Ris mate.

20 Aug 2026 17:31:59
Smokescreen.

20 Aug 2026 17:48:52
Oh, please, God, no.

{Ed025's Note - his name should be...Minty..

20 Aug 2026 18:24:04
I guessed it weeks ago. 😂

20 Aug 2026 19:20:10
I'm glad you admitted it was a guess, Robbie. 😂

20 Aug 2026 14:26:45
Anyone think AI will use Gakpo as a right footed RW, get to the byline and whip balls in for Isak and Wirtz coming into box late?

20 Aug 2026 16:17:24
I think that, unless we specifically recruit a RW (probably a left footed one), then I think AI will use Barcola, Gakpo, Munoz, Rio, Koumas as a fluid group across RW/LW and through the middle if Isak picks up an injury.



Interesting to see AI's interpretation of wingers in the coming season. Inverted wingers were very much a feature of the Klopp era, but with Isak/Ekitike as dedicated strikers, will it differ under Iraola?

20 Aug 2026 16:31:17
Don't think so. Gakpo is an inside forward. I can't see him hitting the byline, beating his man, and whipping the balls.

20 Aug 2026 16:34:12
Gakpo is not that type of player. He is at his best arriving at the back post to score/finish moves or cut in for a shot.

20 Aug 2026 16:38:01
When would he be able to get his 10 shots a game away? Bloke would be miserable out there. 😂

20 Aug 2026 16:43:21
Possibly if we don't bring in a RW, but primarily I see Gakpo rotating with Isak and Barcola. I think Iraola himself is yet to decide on what exactly will happen on the right, obviously he has ideas, but he'll have to see who actually performs out there.

20 Aug 2026 16:52:39
Gakpo has been our best player last few games, hope we don't sell and Iraola can get him back to 17 goals a season plus player.

20 Aug 2026 17:15:14
I don't think so. He's never really been used there. I suspect Rio and Munoz will be used there, and there's probably also credence in the Minteh bid, so that could be the medium term solution to the rw gap.

I think if Barcola comes in, and Minteh, there's a big chance Cody leaves.

20 Aug 2026 17:23:21
Frimpong would be the most likely if Rio and Munoz can't play, I imagine. Still need to get someone in!

20 Aug 2026 17:38:16
We tried Gakpo, Diaz on rw for a while when Salah was at AFCON... they were both terrible there. It's a no from me.

20 Aug 2026 17:44:31
I wonder where De Zerbi will use him?

20 Aug 2026 18:14:32
If Iraola is so good at improving every player, then surely a player who has 39 league goals and assists the last 3 seasons is worth keeping to be improved.

20 Aug 2026 13:23:36
I've got to be honest, out of all the young lads, Koumas has probably impressed me the most.
Nyoni has obviously caught the eye, and it's so refreshing to see a young player come in with that absolute intention to be noticed. But for me, Koumas has that bit of bite about him.
I love the lad's appetite for the game. He can be a little rough around the edges at times, but his movement off the ball, aggression, work rate and confidence have really impressed me. He's got good ability on the ball too and can use both feet.
For me, that's everything you want from a player. He might not be the finished article and some might say he's not quite ready or quite good enough yet, but if you bring that appetite and desire, you're definitely someone I want with me.


He could be a real dark horse to have an impact this season and in the seasons to come. I'd much rather give a lad like that a go because you know you're going to get 110%.
We're always fascinated by new signings, but I genuinely love watching the academy lads and seeing players develop into the first team. That's the heart and soul of the club for me.
Really exciting to see how Koumas continues to develop. I really like the lad.

20 Aug 2026 13:55:56
With you on this, Farmer. I have high hopes for him too, and very curious to see him develop during the season under Iraola-ball.

20 Aug 2026 13:55:58
Oh, hi, Jason!

20 Aug 2026 13:59:26
I expect Koumas to get a loan before the window closes.

20 Aug 2026 14:05:00
I've been saying for years he is the better prospect between him and Jayden Danns. For a start, Koumas' body looks up to the rigors of senior football. He just plays with an aggression and intensity beyond his years. I think he's found wanting technically at times, but he'll be a good versatile squad player this season whilst we await the return of Ekitike.

I can see Koumas coming on late in games to maintain the pressing intensity. It does make Chiesa redundant, though, in my opinion. There's nothing Chiesa offers that Koumas doesn't, without taking up a crucial non-HG slot.

20 Aug 2026 14:22:21
Does anyone else think Koumas reminds them of Lallana? Or is it just me? Maybe just a little quicker, and Lallana had better ball mastery, but every time I see him play, Koumas does remind me of him. I really like the player, though.

And happy Iraola is looking to utilise him. Not surprised by Nyoni's emergence, as I felt he was ready last season, but Koumas was a welcome surprise.

Fingers crossed everything goes well for the young lad.

20 Aug 2026 14:23:42
Danns is technically top class though, MK. He has shades of Harry Kane about him, but, unfortunately, his body doesn't seem to be assisting him. It will be a real shame if he can't get a proper chance to stake his claim. I like Koumas though, and, as you say, he is certainly looking like a better option than Fede at this moment.

20 Aug 2026 14:24:01
I think you're right, MKS. Chiesa was and still is a personal favorite of mine, but I've gotten the feeling that he's outgrown his usefulness to the team. He looked okay under Slot as a backup, but I have my doubts as to how he'll play under a faster, harder Iraola-ball. Plus, that 200k per week wage can be used better elsewhere.

20 Aug 2026 14:50:54
Koumas is 100% more useful than Chiesa. Also, Chiesa is on 150 k a week, which we should look to get rid of.

20 Aug 2026 15:01:35
I've got to say that in the (mainly) highlight reels I see of Koumas, he reminds me of a mix between Lallana, Suarez (obvs not the skill yet, but the bite) and Bellamy. He's also a more polished (even now) version of Delap, who a number of folks were clamouring for us to buy for his set fee last summer.



I'm pleased he's in the first team squad, and I think he could have a good breakout season.

20 Aug 2026 15:10:47
Nyoni to me looked the best in pre-season, no doubt, cool calm and collected, always looked to progress the ball, looked effortless to him, a real natural with a great eye for the game I think. Koumas did very well but in my opinion, showed his inexperience, tried to rush or force things at times and can be a bit unaware of his surroundings, none of which are major concerns and could easily be put down to the fact that the young lad was simply trying so hard to impress.

Looking forward to seeing both of them given opportunities this season.

On a side note, someone mentioned Danns, who I think has already proved he can produce top-quality football. It's a real shame about the injuries. Hopefully he bounces back asap, as I was really looking forward to seeing him develop further; there's great potential there.

20 Aug 2026 15:56:58
Danns is top notch. Such a shame about his body. Watched a lot of these two lads for the academy over the years, back to when Koumas was a midfielder. Both were always top prospects. Talent-wise I'd say they are evenly matched. Both scored some absolutely terrific goals.

20 Aug 2026 17:18:31
The world of football moves fast. Just over 12 months ago, Liverpool fans were excited to see 100 mill plus signings, Isak and Wirtz, in action. Fast forward to now and it's Nyoni and Koumas.

Personally, I think both will be very much bit part players, but hope both take the opportunities when they present themselves.

20 Aug 2026 13:20:15
Hi Guys
What is the code for the Liverpool rumours fantasy football.
I thought it would just reinstate from last season.

20 Aug 2026 13:56:20
55378008.

20 Aug 2026 14:36:54
What FF site are we using for this folks?? First time entering!

20 Aug 2026 15:02:16
It's the main FPL site, Johnny.

Also, for those folks who were in it last season, you are automatically enrolled, so you won't need the code again.

20 Aug 2026 16:32:20
Curtains, it took me far too long to understand why your code didn't work. 🤦

20 Aug 2026 11:16:18
Hey eds and reds, do you think we are still after Rayan? perfect for our right side.

20 Aug 2026 13:48:11
According to VG, yes.

20 Aug 2026 15:59:49
I heard an interview with Bournemouth's new manager yesterday where he said Rayan, Scott and Adams are going nowhere this season as they need everyone for a season in Europe.

20 Aug 2026 11:22:15
Just a question really to see if what I am thinking may have some plausibility in it.

I have a feeling we have been so slow and quiet in the window so far is a couple of things happening at the same time.

1) New boss came in at a time where the WC was happening and never got the chance to assess his full squad at the start of pre season but working with the kids has given him hope we have some gems there he can work with.

2) Edwards leaving at the start of July and being just very childish and petty around it skewed a few of our plans and we were playing catch up.



3) Hughes is out the door in less than 3 weeks and couldn't care less either, I mean I know he is a professional but will not be 100% focused anymore.

4) Once we knew all this was happening we waited until pre season was over to let Iraola and the team in charge of transfers zero in on what we actually wanted and how we portray that project to others (I believe we have Barcola wrapped up just payment structure holding it up but will happen).

What do you all think on that or am I just reading into things that may not be there?

20 Aug 2026 11:59:58
Definitely think point one is a reason.
Good points though.

20 Aug 2026 12:24:49
Completely agree. The real kicker was point 1. In a non-champs season, you'd expect the players to be back from their hols by mid-June, so Ai could've got a better view on what we had and what we need by early July. As it was, he didn't get his full squad together until mid-August, which has had a knock on effect.

I believe we will be stronger in the longer term with Ai's approach - he really wants to unearth the gems in our club/academy.



You could take the approach, as Chelsea/Alonso have done, to be more scattergun, but that has never been our way, and I am very happy about that. The last time we tried it was spanking the Suarez money over a few players, and that really didn't work.

20 Aug 2026 12:33:53
It certainly makes you think and wonder a bit. Edwards had made it known he wanted to leave last September, but he was kept on for some reason. Hughes has been flirting with the Saudi League since January. And, we had a coach who was not performing well. I'm not privy to any inside information in any shape or form, but it still makes you wonder how and why such a chaotic situation on the "management" front was allowed to develop and grow.

Things got righted a bit since Gordon has stepped back in, but then I wonder if that's temporary or if he's staying? And, if you factor in the recent equity sale, which must have taken months to sort out, and which certainly involved Gordon, maybe this is the answer for the delayed actions and reactions from across the pond?

20 Aug 2026 12:35:34
We make way too many excuses for this sporting hierarchy that commissions self-aggrandising puff pieces about them being the smartest in football.

The whole point of the hierarchy that has been created is that it can change the coach or parts of the hierarchy, and maintain continuity.



One release clause. One season long loan. That is all they have managed to do in this transfer window so far.

20 Aug 2026 12:54:59
Can someone tell me what has "Irola has to assess players" got to do with plugging the obvious gaps in the squad?
We don't have a rw. Period. No matter how Irola assesses his squad, the answer is we don't have a rw. Same goes for cdm and rb.

20 Aug 2026 12:56:01
Let's just say that the old school approach of a much envied scouting network and doing things quietly and efficiently is not FSG's modus operandi.

They have sometimes been efficient and quiet, but other times screwed the pooch for an entire window (on more than one occasion).

I think it is symptomatic of their interest in more than one sprit. They lack the focus we expect and this will always be an issue with us fans.

20 Aug 2026 14:37:19
Should have said sport, what the hell is a sprit anyway.

20 Aug 2026 15:03:04
Sea, you thinking of the Spirit in the Sky?

I believe the FSG chaps are quite devout!

20 Aug 2026 09:12:57
Great news!

No BBC pundit has predicted us to win the league. Most have us third or fourth and some not in top four.

I'll get my cigar and champagne in for early May in

20 Aug 2026 09:25:39
I was saying this to a friend yesterday. For the 24/25 season, most had us outside the top 4, and we won the league. Last season, they all had us walking the league and, well, we all saw what happened there.

20 Aug 2026 09:31:43
I was listening to the radio this morning and an Arsenal fan called in. The radio host asked him who he was most worried about this season, and he said Liverpool.

I'm paraphrasing, but he said something like "Liverpool are going under the radar and it will suit them not being talked about as challengers. Isak will come good, Wirtz has had his season to settle in, and they've signed 2 new defenders who we don't know just how good they might be."

As fans, we don't often appreciate what we have when we're too close to the situation emotionally.

If we were to sign Barcola, then we have a hell of an attack. Wirtz, Szoboszlai, Isak, Barcola, Gakpo and Ekitike are a £550m force to be reckoned with.

20 Aug 2026 09:36:42
Wow! 25 BBC pundits and Wayne Rooney are proving they are as clueless as the rest of us.
Rooney is reportedly on £800k per year. The rest? Who knows, but I could see an opportunity to save some license payers cash.

20 Aug 2026 09:43:27
I agree MK, the squad is not in as bad a shape as some think.

Adrian Durham (total numpty) had us outside the top 7 and cited our shaky defence in preseason as a reason. He obviously missed the fact that we played Endo and Chambers at centre back for half of it.



He also said Arsenal will win the league by more than 20 points.

Let people talk, they are pretty much always wrong and just after sensationalist headlines. We need a couple of signings but otherwise we are in good shape.

20 Aug 2026 09:48:05
In fairness, on paper (and I stress this on paper part), no one really looks to be in a good position to challenge. Too many unknown factors, and unless ur sticking ur neck out (which many people won't), that is what I expect most people's predictions to be, with Arsenal expected to win again.



imo, Iraola will do really well, but I do see many people try to adopt Arsenal's corners and set pieces, but I really hope we go the other way around and place 3-4 players up front for a counter. Would love to see Barcola and Isak at the end of counters from set pieces. One can only hope.

20 Aug 2026 10:08:50
Are these lists ever reviewed at the end of the season, where the pundits get to see how their predictions panned out?

20 Aug 2026 10:09:18
I think the general consensus is third or fourth.

A lot will depend on the first six matches, even though the season's long. We could easily be top given the run of fixtures, which would set us up nicely for top three.

Similarly, though, if the other contenders like Man Utd or Chelsea get off to a good start, and we don't, it could be a hard slog.

The chatter and pressure will mount, even though fans at the moment say they're happy with transition and top 5 contention, the pressure would be on the club rather than aimed at Iraola.

20 Aug 2026 10:17:50
To be fair, everyone had us as walking the league last season with the signings we made. A lot can happen over the course of a season, I'm just thankful we don't have to watch any horseshoes this season.

20 Aug 2026 10:25:22
I agree with Mks. The strike force we have can be lethal if Iraola can get the front 3 working together. Speed demon wingers with a finisher CF. We've seen very little of the defense, but what we saw was full of experience and ability.


Midfield is a worry, still somewhat, but getting Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, and Wirtz to work well together will be Iraola's biggest success or failure.

20 Aug 2026 10:54:33
For me, a lot depends on the rest of the window. We’ve still got a lot of work to do to address the gaps in the squad.

On paper, at least, we look very light in attack, especially.

Isak, even when at his best and fully fit, needs a back up and we currently don’t have anyone who can do a decent job there. We have players who can fill in like Gakpo, but he’s rubbish up top. Would like to see another proper striker who can finish brought in, even if it’s just a loan (with Ekitike in mind).

We also look very light on the wings currently, but I do believe Barcola will be a good signing and obviously we need a similar signing for the right.

I was really worried about right back, but I think the loan of Araujo might solve a lot of those problems. I can see him or Jaquet playing a kind of right back/centre back hybrid role, and us going to almost a back 3 with Kerkhez bombing on when in possession and reverting to a back 4 when not.

Having 3 solid defenders on the pitch at the same time, I am hoping negates the need for this number 6 everyone is craving.

Midfield clearly needs some work. Jones is going and hopefully Macca as well. So we will need to sign a player or two here.

All in all, so many changes to the squad doesn’t suggest we will win the league unless all our new signings hit the ground running and we have an absolute ton of luck.

Too many players learning each other's game for me, and every single player learning a new manager's system.

I don’t think it’s going to be a disaster by any means and I see us beating last season's take, but I just can’t see us leapfrogging Arsenal.

Top 4 for me and I’m happy with that because I know the football we will play will be a riot. Any cups or even a shock league win will be the cherry on top.

20 Aug 2026 11:14:41
Too weak and too soft in midfield to win the league. Easily played through, and our defence will be far too exposed again. Arguably a weaker squad than last year at this point (and I'm not expecting a flurry of activity, I personally doubt Barcola will happen as we've spent so much time dithering that it's open for someone else to gazump us, particularly given that City are clearing their deadwood to sign a new winger, I think he ends up there with the usual voices on this page declaring that Elliott can replace Salah and will be like a new signing).



I personally am of the view that we'll end this window with none of the issues having been adequately addressed. Iraola has a free pass because he's been let down by the clowns above him.

20 Aug 2026 11:16:26
Most pundits are pretty stupid and react to news/hype rather than doing any of their own analysis. Their predictions are about as good as my nan's.

But at the same time, we are days away from the start of the season and we have not addressed the positions we set out to at the start of the summer. There was a broad consensus that we needed to address RB, CB, DM, LW, RW and possibly GK. I would argue we have only solved CB so far.



The squad should be measured across different dimensions - fitness/conditioning, depth, balance/suitability for the game model and quality.

We are clearly working on the fitness/condition, which will take some time. We have lots of quality.

But, we lack depth and balance/suitability.

That can still change with the window open, but we still have a lot to do.

20 Aug 2026 11:22:25
Arsenal fans are deluded.

Except this one, of course. 🤣

20 Aug 2026 12:56:09
That's right, JK. Arsenal have a better squad because they spent money!! It's that simple.

20 Aug 2026 16:19:08
Yeh but Szobozlai is now a CM, Gakpo most likely goes to Spurs and Ekitike probably won't kick a ball till near Spring time. In fairness it's not the attack I give out about. I see us starting the season with Isak, Hugo, Barcola, a new signing, Rio and Munoz. And fair enough that's a very good group. It's the midfield and defensive weaknesses that mystify me.

Jones has to be replaced. Bloke played 32 full 90's worth of minutes and we expect Nyoni, for all his talent, to cover that? While all our rivals strengthen? Then there's the RB situation. I don't rate Tsimikas at LB but I suppose he can do a job and he's popular among the players. Our rivals will be stronger. So far I don't think we are. We need a big next 12 days.

20 Aug 2026 08:29:30
Good luck to all the posters picking up their GCSE results today, you know who you are!

Good luck to all the posters whose kids/grandkids are picking up their results today!

20 Aug 2026 08:43:47
I think about 50% of our new posters are picking up their SATs results today, never mind their GCSEs. 🤣

20 Aug 2026 08:43:56
Love it, Zed. 🤣

Watch out, though, the sarky bizzies are lurking. 😉

20 Aug 2026 09:02:43
Class Zed.

20 Aug 2026 09:36:14
Some on her just done their SATS.

20 Aug 2026 09:38:24
What's a SAT? Is it equivalent to an 11 plus?
I'm feeling my age today, MK! :-(

20 Aug 2026 10:32:01
Be interesting to know the age profile of posters, you can tell some by usernames. I suspect the sceptics are older and scarred like myself, but grateful for any trophies that come our way. Using the sceptic scale Vv must be eyeing up a move into sheltered housing, and Rio has just learnt to ride a bike.

20 Aug 2026 11:18:29
Brilliant @Zed, nearly choked on my coffee. 😄😄