11 Aug 2025 09:42:48
So folks. If Isak and Guehi join, I'd say that gives us the depth needed to challenge on multiple fronts.
There are some areas we could have better back ups but it's hard to have two stars happy in every position.
What do others think?
11 Aug 2025 10:10:10
It totally depends on who’s leaving, if Elliot is going, that’s another attacking option out the door. Looks short to me
But what do we know, Slot walked the league last season signing nobody ???♂️.
11 Aug 2025 10:16:44
Yes I agree 1jj with that, sign them 2 and get konate to extend and I think it will be a very good team that finishes ahead of us.
We could do with a winger as well but I wouldn't want to block rio's pathway either but if management didn't feel he ready this season I think we would need to get a winger.
Wouldn't read a massive amount into yesterday's game but 1 thing it did show we certainly need a cb+forward before window closes.
11 Aug 2025 10:20:04
Careful lads you might get accused of being doom and gloomers.
Isak would be the dream signing for me but I was also really impressed with Ekitike yesterday. His movement and link up play was something we’ve missed since Bobby but he also has the speed and trickery to get in behind.
I’m a big fan of Gakpo but was disappointed with him yesterday. He didn’t seem to back himself enough.
We definitely need another centre half though as Gomez has played 11 minutes in 2025 and only the equivalent of 9 games of football minutes wise across 4 competitions the previous 5 months before that. .
11 Aug 2025 10:28:02
LFC8, to be fair, Elliot was replaced several weeks ago when we signed Wirtz.
Up front we have lost Jota (#DJ20), Nunez and Diaz. We *may* lose Chiesa but as JK23 pointed out a couple of days ago, even if he does go, it's not like he contributed many minutes last season (108 mins in the league, if memory serves? ) .
So, I would say that Rio comfortably replaces Chiesa, Ekitike has come in for Jota, Isak will come in for Nunez and Diaz will be replaced by Fofana (possibly) or Nusa or someone else in that ilk.
I still think we need 2 forwards through the door - Isak + a youngster - as well as 2 CBs who may end up being Guehi and Cresswell if YLFP is not on the cards.
11 Aug 2025 10:48:18
Whilst Slot walked it last year and we bossed it. I do expect other teams to raise their game as well. I think Arsenal look strong. I’d keep Elliot if we can or even Chiesa and actually use them if the game is going pear shaped. If Elliot goes we need Fofana as well imo.
11 Aug 2025 10:59:38
Yeah we definitely need 4 more imo.
2 cbs and 2 forwards.
It’s been a sensational window, but can we really get 4 more in 3 weeks, while selling simultaneously. I’m not sure. I think it’ll be 1 forward and 1 cb.
11 Aug 2025 11:02:11
Arsenal look strong? they have looked strong every season. Arteta does not have the top top quality mentality of a winning manager. They will need everything to go right for them, lose a game or 2 and he and they will panic and throw the toys out of the pram again.
11 Aug 2025 11:03:13
May just be me. While I’m happy with our business I still think we have a bit of a glaring hole in the middle of the park for someone who can take the ball on the half turn but also break up play effectively and drop into a back 3 if needed. Seemed to get a bit outbattled again in the second half yesterday. Think a Baleba type player would complete us but not going to happen.
Think we have enough to win the league but a player in that mould would make us as certain as we could be to win it.
11 Aug 2025 11:08:50
It looks like Isak and Guehi are just a matter of time.
If we cannot bring in Leoni, I hope we can still bring in another young CB.
If Chiesa and Doak go as expected, I think we'll bring in Malick Fofana late in the window. I don't believe that Tyler Morton deal to Lyon happened in isolation and that Fofana is sitting tight until the end of the window to move.
For those that think Fofana would block Rio, why didn't Rio come on yesterday? It was a friendly after all and Gakpo was goosed by 70 mins (as usual) . Tells me that Slot doesn't feel he's ready to be thrown in yet.
Likewise, Doak and Chiesa we not brought on either. Which tells us all we need to know about their futures too.
11 Aug 2025 11:16:02
Brummyred, I’m kinda on the fence on your point.
Some accounts point to us having Wharton lined up for next season. And buying Wirtz means we have 3 players for potentially 2 roles in Macca, Gravy and Szob. Plus I was quite excited to see how Nyoni slotted in as a 6 in preseason.
I think if our 3 can stay fit for at least the first few weeks, then we don’t need an extra (gives Nyoni time to get some minutes from the bench etc) but if there’s an injury early me may regret it.
11 Aug 2025 11:18:12
Sooooo Gravenberch? >.
11 Aug 2025 11:39:57
This is a major overhaul—not just in terms of new players, but also tactics and formation. Slot and his team have their work cut out to make this transition a success, and we need to be prepared for that.
It’s easy to assume that, because we’ve signed a host of world-class players (with more likely to come), we’ll simply steamroll everyone. But the reality is different.
For once, the boot is on the other foot—we’re the big spenders, with a point to prove and a burden to carry. Collectively, I believe we need to give this project space, and accept that there will be inevitable bumps along the way.
Also… can Guehi play RB, anyone?
11 Aug 2025 11:46:08
I thought Cody was really good in the first half, JK, in the second half he clearly faded and should have come off but I think Slot kept him on for his aerial ability and off the ball reasons more than anything.
11 Aug 2025 11:51:32
We need a back up cb capable of actually stepping in now, with the aim that they become the starter in a year or 2, and a starting forward, as Ekitike will not lead the line in every game. If we get Isak I see Ekitike rotating with him and Gakpo.
Im not worried about midfield, we have more than enough there. Grav is an incredibly fit athletic player who will play most games, and MacAlister is also one of the best at breaking up attacks. Add Szobo, one of the best at pressing, and Nyoni, Endo and Jones.
Our full backs are incredible, our keepers are incredible.
Gakpo and Salah are 2 of the best in the league. Id love to see Rio and Doak given the chance but if not another winger would be ideal.
11 Aug 2025 11:52:38
When Palace escaped the first press, they found far too much space. When we packed the midfield, they instead played balls in behind the defence, which also led to dangerous situations. This has been an issue throughout pre-season, not just yesterday.
In my view, some aspects need improvement on an individual level, but other issues are simply a continuation of the problems we had in the last three months of last season—when we were in free fall. For me, a lot of it comes down to the number 6 position. In the final stretch last season, Gravenberch’s legs were gone, and we saw similar problems.
These are the same issues Klopp had when he first arrived, and the same problems Pep faced last year when he lost Rodri and Walker—both crucial for recovery pace against balls played in behind. We need defensive adjustments and more squad depth and quality. Ideally, that means a CB, a CDM, and a forward. If it ends up being Isak and a CDM, I’d still be happy—especially since Endo can also be counted as a CB, from what I understand.
11 Aug 2025 11:54:38
PatrikBurgher - you had me until you suggested Cody was kept on for his off the ball work. :)
11 Aug 2025 12:29:37
Why is that so surprising? Cody was one of our most important players for our rest defense structure last year.
11 Aug 2025 12:41:55
end of the day it really depends on how Slot wants to manage his squad.
Personally, I think it is a mistake to take a similarly small squad approach that he apparently did at Feyenoord. The margin for error is a lot smaller in the Premier League, so my natural instinct is that it's not a good idea.
11 Aug 2025 12:49:43
Losing Diaz means a complete change on the left. He would defend well and turn into attack. Kerkez is like Robbo was with pace. A bit of work to do but Mac' when he's back to fitness and Grav' back in will start to work on that side.
Mo was largely forced inside as Frimpong uses the wing and his space. Trent used yo play towards thd centre leaving Mo free yo receive his passes and Virgil's Cross field passes. It'll work itself out but I do believe Connor is a better option at RB with Mo ahead.
Eki' looks good with Flo' but takes a bit of Cody's space.
Yes, Isak would be great up front centre I think. Let's hope!
Rio, is learning and very quickly. Not sure of his defensive abilities yet but he's certainly got confidence in his ability.
Trey is super and clever with his passing and I would certainly keep Doak to work around the first team.
Maybe it's sadly time for Harvey to move on. Good money to be invested into a good defender.
Just my thoughts
My.
11 Aug 2025 12:54:32
Patrik just to put context into my Gakpo comment mate I thought he had a decent game.
I meant along the lines of I was disappointed with how negative he was a few times. He was given the ball in ample of space and chose not to attack It like he did last season.
But perhaps it’s instruction from Slot or players saving their legs.
11 Aug 2025 13:58:21
Still like to see a versatile forward that can play across the front three or at least the wide positions. We have effectively lost 3 forwards and we can't expect a miracle from Jota every game ?? Gordon was keen and a reds fan! Look at yesterday's game do you not think he would have added anything. No idea who we are looking at besides Isak. Don't want to heap a load of pressure on young Rio, be great for him to get playing time but without so much pressure for a result.
11 Aug 2025 14:10:54
@1jj, I think Isak and Guehi and perhaps one more ‘up and coming’ LCB, if there is one who has the potential to replace VVD when he leaves and we are a lot better placed than we were at the start of last season, which didn’t turn out to be too bad.
I mentioned in a different thread a few days back that I read something before the current window opened that the club’s plan was to build over 3 or 4 windows, so, even if we do make the two or three signings I think Slot and the club’s might well see us a a work in progress rather than the finished article.
I said a while back that I was really looking forward to this transfer window to see what Slot would be looking to do and I haven’t been disappointed but I’d add that I’m still really interested in those players that will be leaving on loan - Kobe-Doherty, McConnell, Doak (maybe), Danns and those who might be sold - Elliot, Tsimikas (who now seems to be third choice), Doak (maybe) .
It’s fun to watch and I can’t wait for Friday night when the real stuff starts.
Great time to be a Redman.
11 Aug 2025 14:18:06
I think a lot are overthinking it to be honest.
Every single dangerous moment Palace had came when we lost the ball in midfield. We just got a bit complacent and were trying things that weren’t on.
It wasn’t even getting hit on the break as we were losing the ball with the first pass or run into midfield. That encouraged them on to us and we then made subs which ruined our rhythm.
I didn’t think we were as open as some are suggesting, we just didn’t take care of the ball well enough under pressure and after Ekitike went off we couldn’t even bypass the midfield because there was no out ball up the middle.
We were still trying to pass through the lines and they were on top of us.
We have the players to do it but we need to be better with the ball which we were for 60 minutes. I don’t see a need to panic.