23 May 2022 13:12:34
What’s peoples general thoughts regarding the original front 3? I personally am not concerned with the fact they are approaching 30. I don’t think 30 years of age now is what it used to be. Players now tend to be lots fitter, healthier and the top players are now able to go on much longer in their careers. I am concerned however that all 3 are heading into the last year on their deals. Starting next season without any signing new deals is obviously not practical financially for the club and obviously provides real uncertainty in pure footballing terms come the end of next season. I guess what I’m asking is would you be happy for all 3 in a worst case scenario to be sold and replaced with the proceeds rather than leave for free or would you be more happy to head into the new season with all of them with their current contacts still in limbo? I just think something has to give with at least 2 out of the 3. My feeling is we will definitely not be heading into next season with our existing front 5.
23 May 2022 13:31:39
If I was a betting man, I'd wager that we'll sell one, renew one and let one run their deal down. No idea who though.
I do think the Spanish giants might have some influence though. Would Real or Barcelona fancy one of them? Hard to say.
In addition to that, Sadio's renaissance as a no9 might block Bobby's opportunities so perhaps we can deduce something from that? However, from what Ed has previously suggested, Bobby is very happy where he is so keeping him on in a limited role might not be too difficult.
23 May 2022 13:31:52
Salah’s first half of the season he looked like the indispensable one.
Mane’s 2nd half of the season he looked like the indispensable one.
Bobbys probably had his most frustrating season as a LFC player suffering 5 different muscle injuries.
If we had to lose one then for me it would be Bobby but I have a horrible feeling we could end up losing both Salah and Mane.
23 May 2022 13:35:50
Some players can go on for longer than others. Mane and Salah for example look like they'll maintain these levels for a few more years. Firmino on the other hand is clearly not what he once was and that's why he isn't in our best XI anymore, despite still being a very good player.
If we can't get them to sign new deals, I'd be okay with selling one of Mane and Salah as we'll need monies to replace players of that calibre!
23 May 2022 13:51:37
Just about our attack in general:
Personally speaking, I feel it is time for Firmino to move on. He’s been a fabulous player for this club and instrumental in its revival post 2015, but he is not as good as he was and is becoming injury-prone.
Mané and Salah need to be offered new contracts. Though Mané is done as a top-level wide player, he has all the tools he needs to be a world-class CF. Salah is Salah.
As for the others, I think letting Origi go is a mistake though it is understandable if he himself wishes to move on. I feel the same way about Minamino should we decide to sell.
I think Jota should get another year to improve but I wouldn’t be averse to selling him this summer; he scores goals but our attack looks two tiers worse with him in it. Diaz needs no explanation, he’s a firecracker of a player that will lead our attack for the next few years.
23 May 2022 14:55:15
Personally I think we should let Firmino run his contract down, we wouldn’t get a huge fee and he’s better in the squad with his experience and he deserves a send off like Origi.
I’d like us to renew Salah and Mane but they might have other ideas, which is fair enough. But we then have to decide sell or let them leave for free. If they leave we then have to find two top class forwards to replace them, which is hard to do as it’s a costly business and we’re as likely to find the next Diouf as we are to the the next Salah.
I think if we sell Minamino as well that would be four of our forward options out the door which would be far from ideal, so we’d need to sigh three players to make sure we’ve enough cover to compete in four competitions.
23 May 2022 15:07:58
Try and keep mane and salah. Lowel i agree with you about mane out wide. not the same player anymore but upfront he's doing well.
Salah just except the contract and let's move forward or say you want to leave. enough is enough now.
Jota has had a decent goal return BUT he needs to do more. Keep.
Bobby its time to replace. overdue for me too. Too many injuries now.
Origi. with regret he had to go, we need better. Always be remembered though.
23 May 2022 16:10:58
I don't think Firmino offers enough these days. I'd let him go.
I'd keep Salah and Mane but if they want to go, let them go.
I wouldn't be averse to a new front three and Diaz and Jota already have some game time with us. That said, it's been flashes of promise from Diaz and Jota needs to improve his all round game.
23 May 2022 23:10:48
Bobbie will either key his contract run down and leave on a free. Jota needs to improve his game cos outside of him scoring goals, the guy can be quite tedious to watch. Sakai or Mane? It will depend on what happens with Salah BUT I don’t see both of them leaving at the same time. Not going to happen, IMO.