12 Aug 2020 00:02:04
Hi guys, thought I do up a summary of what we might be seeking to do this transfer window and also share some thoughts. Feel free to comment!

Possible outs:
- Loris Karius
- Yasser Larouci (seems to want out for more first team opportunities)
- Grujic (possibly to raise funds for in-comings, but I wouldn't mind him staying and getting a chance)
- Gini Wijnaldum (more of not signing a new contract, otherwise i'm sure most wants him to stay)
- Shaqiri (not sure he or the club is pushing for a move but suspect if the right offer comes both would consider)
- Ojo (he was once touted as a huge talent, not sure if the club still perceives him that way)
- Harry Wilson (believe the club is ready to sell him and he's proven to be a decent PL level player)
- Ovie Ejaria (dont think he has a future at the club and has proven to be ready for first team football at a slightly lower level)
- Taiwo Awoniyi (no WP, no future at the club, hopefully he does somewhere soon to kick start his career)

Out-goings Summary:
Except for Wijnaldum, and to a lesser extent Shaqiri, i doubt the players listed will be missed. Aside from them 2 as well, i don't see the rest commanding significant transfer fees to boost our need to seel to buy. Hence, a modest expectations of in-comings is sensible given the financial situation of the club and owners.

Possible-ins:
- Kostas Tsimikas (done, he does excite and I hope he does well. but i suspect he needs to develop his defensive game more. )
- a CB? (still not sure if we are looking for a starter or a back-up. but unless the guy is a significant upgrade, i hope we stick we Gomez)
- a CM (Thiago? he is definitely quality and can play no.8 and no.6, my only concern is his durability, especially in PL. this is one area that Gini trumps him)

Overview of squad strength:
GK - we have the best keeper in the world and a no. 2 that can easily be a starter for half of the PL clubs. I say we are very strong in this department, no additions needed.

LB - this problematic position is finally sorted!

RB - very young duo in Trent and Neco, but I think one has shown he is top notch and another a good talent. I'm satisfied.

CB - the 3 senior ones are good enough. I just wonder if Nat Phillips is ready for the step and could be given the chance? He looked good during pre-season 2 years ago, a little shaky against Everton last season, but seemed to be doing fine on his loan. wonder if anyone has more insights into his development and how the club sees him?

CM / CDM - if Gini goes, he must be replaced. having 7 players that can cover for one another in here seems quite enough and they all do bring different things.
Hendo - intensity and leadership.
Milner - experience and calmness.
Keita - offensive threat.
Ox - Driving runs and long shots.
Fab - defensive shield and passing.
Gini - hard running and big goals once in a while.
Jones - youthful exuberance, good touches and some creativity.
I'm honestly quite satisfied here too.

Forwards:
Our trident speaks for itself. Origi is a few levels below them, but is versatile and when called upon, he came up with big goals (we might just want to keep him to play against Everton, Newcastle and massive SFs and Fs! ) . I just wonder if there are other forwards out there that can give us what he can without blowing the budget and sulking at limited playing opportunities. I would personally love someone like a Giroud or Jimenez, but are they available and affordable?
I'm hoping to see what Minamino can bring to the team and given that he's the only other player that can play the Firmino role, i do hope he comes good. Brewster and Elliot are still developing but they are good talents and I'm hopeful.
Strangely, this is one area that I did wish our bench is stronger, but which experienced players can fill those roles well? And will it deny our young talents opportunities?

Final summary:
We've built a very strong first team and a decent squad. While some may be worried that Chelsea and Man City are spending loads, and on good players too, I think we are some way ahead of them for now. I do hope we strengthen sensibly with financial prudence, but I am not too worried with the so called lack of signings, especially 'marquee' ones.

{Ed0666's Note - Thanks for taking the time to write that post. Clearly a lot of thought has gone into it. For me a center back is a must as I don’t think philips is ready and in a utopian world I’d swap Gini for Aour (if Gini wasn’t to sign an extension). If we went into the new season with that squad I think I’d be extremely confident of winning trophies galore.

12 Aug 2020 01:54:06
Yeah, I think you're right. I think we're probably favourites to win everything next year as it is, but we do need a cb, although if Philips was given the chance I would give him as much support as possible and we all should rather than moan if this happens.

And if gini goes, it would be horrible as he's z club hero for his goals in the champions league. we still have 7 senior midfielders and players like mino and shaqiri who can play midfield
At a push. Thiago would be a luxury and would probably make us better. Upfront I think we're fine. First 3 picks itself. Then there's mino, origi, elliot brewster, shaqiri and aoc who can and have played well up front for us.

So a cb is needed
And an attacking midfielder would be nice. I think we have a dangerous squad. We really do. We have a really nice mix of youth and experience. Most players bang in their prime and winning big medals. I think with us being skint, we could give Wilson a chance. Yes, if a nice offer comes in then sell, but he could be coached and he's got great technique. I know he's far from perfect but I believe klopp could make a top player out of him and it wouldn't cost us anything.

12 Aug 2020 04:36:09
Really good post that sgynwa 👍 Imo we will replace Lovren with someone, looking like Mandi, I'm not sure we'll show faith in Nat Phillips and if I'm being honest I haven't seen him play enough to know if he's good enough.

The only area in our squad I think could be improved is the wide forward area, particularly the right hand side. Shaqiri's contribution was minimal last season an if we could replace him with someone like Sarr I'd be happy. Although Signing Mandi an Sarr, half our team would be going to the AFCON which could prove problematic for that period of the season so not sure it's entirely viable, but I'm sure there's other alternatives to Sarr and Mandi.

12 Aug 2020 06:37:01
It’s a CB for me.

12 Aug 2020 06:59:02
A first team CB, because Klopp wants one (sell Matip) and an upgrade on Shaq. Gini signs a new contract. I would be more than happy with that.

12 Aug 2020 07:32:59
A CB, to replace Wijnaldum if he is not signing a new deal, Replace Adrian with Grabara, and use Ki-Jana Hoever instead of Williams!

12 Aug 2020 15:39:04
Agree with various ones, barring freak long-term injuries to a few key players all at the same time, I'm certain we'll pick up a few more trophies next year.

I do think we have enough cover for the forward positions, just not the quality I hope for? Then again, with our trident at those levels, which players can realistically play back-up w/ o too much drop in levels? And also, which club has the luxury of such bench players anyway? Maybe I just need to learn to be contended.

For Ox, he can cover wide forward, but I much prefer him in CM. Plays much better and contributes much more.

And I can't understand Scarcity though. What have you seen in Grabara to suggest he is a more able no. 2 than Adrian at this moment?

12 Aug 2020 15:56:11
Good post mate, can't argue. with any of it . what's the view on van der berg within the club? is he not as highly regarded as Phillips for cover next season?

12 Aug 2020 18:54:45
Still a kid really vdb. Experienced kid. But Philips is a fully grown man. He's looked pretty good in the few games he's played.

12 Aug 2020 21:24:36
Cheers mate, haven't seen much of either lately,4 kids, i only get to watch the first team these days 😂😂.