23 Jul 2026 14:31:18
If both YD and BB come in the surely Gapko is on his way out.
Keeping Rio, Elliot the three new boys and the young talent in the youth covers off the wings.
Also Wirtz has covered out wide too.
23 Jul 2026 14:43:51
I'd broadly agree, but we may keep Gakpo until Jan, when Ekitike is back.
However, I have no idea what Iraola has seen so far from the younger kids in pre-season.
23 Jul 2026 14:45:13
I wouldn't say so, he's ideal cover for Ekitike, which will be crucial, as Isak needs minutes managed and is injury prone.
23 Jul 2026 14:53:25
What a relief we don't have to watch Slot-Ball next season.
23 Jul 2026 14:55:38
Gakpo and Elliot will be sold if we get both.
Could get 100m for both.
23 Jul 2026 14:56:25
By that I mean, I wouldn't say it's a certainty he leaves unless he fancies a move himself. With competition for spaces possibly about to heat up and his own recent tragedy in his personal life, he may feel a fresh start abroad might be best, but as it stands, he's the only one qualified to cover Isak/Ekitike.
He did bag 25 and 23 G/A in the 2 seasons prior to last and has spent plenty in the centre-forward role.
23 Jul 2026 14:57:14
Yep, I could maybe see that. Wait till Jan, unless Chiesa also stays, then it makes sense to shed Gakpo's wage.
23 Jul 2026 15:15:31
I see Elliot playing in midfield again, not on the wing. Was much better as a centre mid under Klopp.
23 Jul 2026 16:07:29
I’m not sure what games you watched under Klopp, Taurus, but Elliott was awful as a midfielder, especially after his ankle break.
I like Elliott, but he needs to man up if he’s going to be any good in midfield. His biggest issue is that off the ball he’s an empty shirt. There’s no point pressing if he can’t tackle the man on the ball, and he can’t. They literally just muscle their way past him, and it leaves us wide open.
Klopp played him there when we were struggling for midfielders (pre Szob, Macca, and Grav), and we finished 5th.
Elliott just didn’t have the relentlessness or aggression off the ball in midfield to play our game.
It got to the point where if I saw him on the team sheet I just knew we were in for a tough game.
He’s a 10 all day long. With pace ahead of him to open up spaces and give him passing options he could be very good, but he’s not a midfielder, he just doesn’t have the physicality needed.
23 Jul 2026 16:13:06
This isn't FIFA. Doubt Gakpo is going to be interested in leaving mid season (I know, I know he joined us in January). But, from a respect viewpoint, I think if you decide with the player not to part ways it has to be for the season. Everyone expects him to get loads of games with Isak's injuries anyway, and Hugo won't be back until 2027.
23 Jul 2026 16:28:14
I really can't see BB and YD both being signed (said the same about Isak + Wirtz, so hopefully a jinx), just seems mental money 2 summers in a row.
Especially when we need more on top of that, and I can't really see any high ticket sales other than Mac.
23 Jul 2026 17:09:59
Zed, Ekitike won't be back in January. An Achilles tear is nothing to play with.
That is easily a 12 month layoff, and that does not even include rehab, depending on the severity, and you cannot take any chances in the slightest.
I propose we don't rely on him being fit playing for the next 6 to 9 months.
23 Jul 2026 17:21:03
Riosstepover, I agree, Elliot was always overrated for me. He lacks the grit and determination you need in the middle of the park, or anywhere, really. Maybe if he spent less time on his perm he might find time to improve.
23 Jul 2026 19:14:23
He lacks the grit and determination? Really?
It's more about physicality and speed, imo, as there is nothing wrong with Elliot's passion and drive for this club.
And, what does his perm have to do with his football ability, by the way?
Cheap and tasteless dive at the kid. Always easier to pick on the academy guys, right?
23 Jul 2026 19:35:43
I am with you, Taurus. Elliot will be back up to Wirtz in the no. 10 position.
23 Jul 2026 20:03:47
Kameron, as I said, Elliot is overrated in my opinion, an opinion plenty of people share. No, it's not "easier to have a go at academy lads". I'm a huge supporter of blooding the youth. I've expressed my concerns over the importance of it on multiple occasions. Let's stop pretending Elliot is some sort of academy youngster to start with. He's 23 now and has been in amongst first team football for 4 years, so don't try to make out like I'm having a pop at some kid.
I would openly criticise anybody who I think could better focus their energies, as, for me, it raises concerns over their priorities. Elliot, hairdo aside, has also shown up to pre-season having gained considerable weight. That's not the kind of thing somebody with grit and determination does.
23 Jul 2026 21:44:30
If Harvey was as highly valued as some fans think, we would have had a queue of clubs looking to take him. His transfer fee and wages are relatively modest, so why haven’t clubs bought him?
He’s a good player, but probably not ideally suited to the current demands of the Premier League, much more about pace and power than it is about his skill set these days, which may mean he should look abroad for his next opportunity.
23 Jul 2026 21:54:24
Overkill, he is a good squad option, though not every player can be the best in their position. You need players like Elliott in the squad, who have fight, personality, and can do a job.
23 Jul 2026 22:06:02
When Iraola was talking about needing signings, needs wingers, and he commented on the already injured players - I was thinking, man, imagine if Slot was saying this. ?
23 Jul 2026 23:10:00
I'm happy to keep Harvey, I like him. If he's ok staying and getting a few games in the cups and a few sub appearances that'll work for most supporters. Club may like a fee though I'm guessing.
24 Jul 2026 06:08:41
I still have no idea where you have seen his overweight photos, Chewy. In all photos I've seen of him in training, he does not remotely look like he has put on any considerable weight.
And we can fault him for his pace and physicality, but his heart and passion have always been there for all to see. He has always given his all for us, so I'm also not sure where the questions surrounding his mentality are coming from.
In fact, I saw a quote from Iraola saying how impressed he has been with Elliot for cutting short his holiday and starting his training early, and not letting the difficulties from the last season phase him.