08 Jul 2025 20:32:48
Don't understand the need for a Diaz replacement. We have one of the most talented kids in the country playing in that position. An absolute machine in Gakpo in that position. If we go spend 50-60 million on a LW how do we progress the academy players. How does Ngumoha get his chance? Maybe it's a year early but you can't recruit the best kids and not give them their chances.
08 Jul 2025 21:09:03
Agree with that. We'd have Gakpo, Rio and also Wirtz who can play there. I wouldn't mind Gordon coming in as i also agree it might be a year too early for Rio but maybe the club could go for someone who predominantly plays on the right but can cover the left if needed. Apparently Fofana can play both sides. also think Mbuemo would have been a great signing, surprised the Mancs are getting a clear run at him.
08 Jul 2025 21:14:28
Rio is not ready in my eyes.
08 Jul 2025 21:37:08
There is nothing wrong with selling Diaz and getting a forward that can play all along the front line, which is why I think the club would be interested in Gordon.
08 Jul 2025 21:38:39
Give the lad a go and we see, never know unless he has a crack. With kerkez behind there’s energy to cover him, or robbo with his experience. Wirtz likes to hold the centre left of the pitch and is a press machine so the area will be covered well.
On needing a left winger, Wirtz, jones and even kerkez could cover at a push.
I just feel after the tragedy that’s happened and the fact konate situation is still on going we need to spend elsewhere instead of a left winger. I don’t know how much moneys in the pot
RIP Diogo and andre.
08 Jul 2025 21:40:03
I really hope Koumas gets chances in pre-season. He’s stylistically very similar to Diaz. Works hard pressing from the front, can play multiple position, likes to come deep and collect the ball so he can drive at the opposition, uses his body very well etc.
He’s not good enough to be a regular starter, but I’d have no qualms if he was back-up to Gakpo. Given that Szoboszlai, Jones, Wirtz and Frimpong can all also play LW, it’s not a huge risk to give him a chance as a squad option.
I agree with Todd. Rio isn’t ready in my opinion either.
08 Jul 2025 21:47:00
Rio only needs to be ready to play under 5 games from the bench next season, if at all.
Gakpo
Diaz
Wirtz
That’s plenty of left wingers.
08 Jul 2025 22:01:52
I think a Koumas will be sold personally.
08 Jul 2025 22:10:24
I wouldn't forget about Doak either. I would keep Doak and Koumas around the team - I don't think Rio is old enough to go on loan yet anyway so he'll be there - and just give them minutes, but with Gakpo being our main choice for LW.
Put the Diaz and Nunez money together and top up (or include Morton or Elliot? ) for Isak.
In terms of rotation up top, Danns is there, albeit coming off a long injury lay off, and possibly one of the lesser known strikers we have been linked with like Stassin or Luis Suarez (not that one! ) for a relatively low fee?
#DJ20.
08 Jul 2025 22:26:57
Doak is good Zeddicus, but more of a RW and much more reliant on his pace. I’d not be against him getting a chance next season either. Sad reality is that with PSR, it makes more sense financially now to sell players like Koumas and Doak. It used to be better for your finances to keep youngsters and blood them in the first team to avoid needing to sign players. Now it’s better on the books to sell your academy stars and spread the cost of a £50-100m signing over a 5-8 year contract. Sad state of affairs really.
08 Jul 2025 22:46:12
Yeah, it is sad, MK. So few academy talents coming through. At least under Klopp (and hopefully Slot too) we have seen fewer backup players (genuine backups as opposed to players who could challenge for the first 11) being brought in and academy players being given a chance, even if it's just to drive up their values.
I realise Doak's been played on the right, but I wonder if he has the intelligence to switch to a right footed left winger - like Klopp did with Mane when Salah arrived? I know Doak is not in Mane's class (yet? ) but with the speed he has to burn, it could save us a pretty penny.
However, I can also see that if we got an offer of £25-£30m, and Fofana, who has played more games at a higher level, was available for not much more, we could (sadly) do business. A bit like Quansah and (potentially) Guehi.
08 Jul 2025 22:48:46
Doak needs to develop his final ball.
He’s a bit of an Aaron Lennon in that respect.
He can dribble all day long, but it rarely leads anywhere.
He’s young enough but he needs to learn to dribble with his head up.
He’s not ready.
I like Koumas, he should stay and I like Danns, he should be on the bench.
McConnell needs to get more games
Trey Nyoni needs to kick on this season.
I’m not convinced by Doak, very lightweight and runs head down too much.
08 Jul 2025 23:03:45
Hasn't Chieasa played on the left wing also.
08 Jul 2025 23:11:28
Gordon is not good enough - doesn't have Diaz's ability and comes with an inflated fee. Doak is limited - just a speed merchant. We shouldn't be oversentimental in wanting to buy English lads if they're not up to scratch.
Eze is better than both but as someone else said he's already 27.
09 Jul 2025 00:51:35
Doak showed promising signs when out on loan so I wouldn't write him off just yet as being unable to progress. I've not seen much of Koumas so I'll defer judgement of him to MK. I'm looking forward to seeing how the both of them do during our pre-season.
09 Jul 2025 01:14:26
Chiesa can play all across the front.
09 Jul 2025 06:19:34
Eze would be a great signing, just turned 27 is prime years.
09 Jul 2025 08:24:20
That Rio lad isn't ready. he needs more coaching. when he's got the ball he's like my neighbours jack Russell .