Liverpool Banter 4

08 Aug 2026 10:58:22
Sounds like I am in the minority, but I am pretty excited by Ronald Araujo joining, even if on loan. Yes, he can be a little rash. Yes, there have been injury concerns. But the player has shown he can play at a high level, and is suited to play the high line that Liverpool will look to play.

Him and Virg together does feel like a strong partnership. Both capable of progressing the ball, either through breaking lines or long switches of play. Both tall enough to deal with aerial battles. And Araujo is no slouch, he can keep up with some of the quickest defenders around.

Plus, Araujo comes with something to prove, and we tend to buy those types of players and seem them flourish. A new environment might be just what he needs to refind the form that made people identify him as one of the best defenders around.

To me this seems like a no-brainer. I could be wrong, of course, and he gets injured stepping through the door of the AXA, with Jacquet following suit as he rushes to his rescue, but I can't see the future. In the here and now, he seems like a strong option to cover an area which needed real strengthening. And, we got that in Araujo.

08 Aug 2026 11:46:48
Miles better than Konate.

08 Aug 2026 11:56:45
The future is Leoni.
An old school classic out and out defender. Strong, fast, aggressive, great positional sense, great game intelligence and leader on the pitch. You could just sense these qualities while playing for Parma. He is everything Konate was not.
Just wait for Leoni to play for us from September. He is the future. He is the next Virgil.

08 Aug 2026 11:58:34
Totally agree, I'm excited.

Big strong lad, quick. 👌

08 Aug 2026 12:01:04
I hope people get behind him and the lad does well.

Everyone was crying out for experienced cover at the back, and we've ended up with an international, current Barca captain, and at the right age. Low risk for the club too, given that it's a loan with an option to buy.



Baffling to me that so many people are being negative about it. Especially, considering quite a few people were on board with potentially taking John Stones on a free.

08 Aug 2026 12:07:43
He will
play RB ahead of ping pong and will shock people. He is so well suited to the prem.

08 Aug 2026 12:11:14
The lad has proven himself on the biggest stage, there's no doubt he possesses the ability, although there's been a lack in consistency. Is he the ideal solution? No, but he's more than capable of doing a job providing he can stay fit. He has experience at the highest level, I have high hopes, but valid concerns.

08 Aug 2026 12:19:42
I agree, Mango, I'm very happy with him. U don't play for Barca for the length he has, and also captained them without being a good player. I was very impressed with him 3/4 years ago, I haven't seen a lot of him recently, but if he can stay fit he could be ideal.

No transfer is ever a dead cert, so he mightn't work out, but I think it's a good move by the club and badly needed in the area he plays.

08 Aug 2026 12:37:11
Real Madrid fans are probably thinking, regarding Konate, you don't play over 100 games for Liverpool unless you're a top player.

Araujo will have my full support, but I understand the concerns.

08 Aug 2026 12:49:15
Really excited to see him play, as well. I watched him a bit, and he was very good at Barca in the CL and La Liga, and won things as Barca capt.

And just so people know, it is not an easy feat to be picked to captain and lead that club. Araujo has had issues, and sometimes, a change of surroundings is just what is needed.

He has all the tools to play in an Iraola system and is proven to be a certified commodity in Europe overall.

Welcome, Ronald. Looking forward to seeing you do your thing.

08 Aug 2026 13:42:10
I am not mad at the signing. I can see the vision, and, boy, do we need some bodies in before the window closes.

However, I am mad that it looks like we didn't really plan for Konate leaving, and had to resort to taking this kind of risk so late in the window.

It really could go either way.

Big pressure for Andoni, Virg and Alisson to get this lad up to speed and comfortable in what is a transitional period at the club.



I would like to think that Andoni has spoken to Bielsa about this player too. And if anything, Bielsa will have been pretty honest in his assessment.

If it works out, then we have some player on our hands.

08 Aug 2026 13:50:36
I am very happy with his loan signing, not sure where the downside is!

Ireola wants him. That works for me!

08 Aug 2026 16:19:16
FPF, I could be wrong, but I see Guehi/Jacquet as the plan the club had for Konate leaving. I think he had made known to the club that he won't be signing a new contract with us early on, hence why we tried to bring in Guehi and subsequently brought in Jacquet. So from my perspective, he had already been replaced.

Araujo was needed because Jacquet suffered an injury almost immediately after agreeing to sign for us and he has not been recovering well.

Add to that the injury Bradley suffered, and we crucially needed a CB who could also cover RB in a pinch. Araujo fits this almost perfectly. While there are rightfully concerns over his fitness, he is a good player who is brought in mostly as cover until Jacquet is ready to start alongside Vvd. I don't think he is brought in as a starter or a Konate replacement.

08 Aug 2026 10:46:44
Our fanbase needs to humble itself. We just signed the Barcelona captain. I grew up in an era where our CB signings were Kyrgiakos, Coates and Wilson. Araujo is a very talented player, if that there can be no doubt. Rubbish players don't end up captaining Barcelona.

He's had injury and mental health issues, sure. Those mental health issues were allegedly exacerbated by the abuse he received from Barcelona fans after a mistake got them knocked out in the Champions League. He clearly wants a fresh start and he's probably looking at Liverpool (with our reputation of having incredible fans) and thinking he can find somewhere he can belong and be loved.

Please don't let Araujo down, everyone deserves a fresh start. He's very good friends with Darwin Nunez, who probably spoke to him before this transfer and will no doubt have told him about how unconditionally we supported him, even chanting his name when he missed a sitter.

If nothing else, he's a massive upgrade on having to play a midfielder at CB for the opening game!

08 Aug 2026 10:55:32
Mo Scouser, I am with you. He seems a good signing. I think people are just over concerned about him just being another sick note... However, he seems like he could be a clever signing.
I would like a rb and two more forwards and assuming no midfielders leave, I think we will be in a pretty good position.

08 Aug 2026 11:05:06
100% agree, MK. Iraola knows La Liga, his teams would've played against him. No doubt he'd have talked to Bielsa about his character, etc. Like Munoz before, I think Iraola would be heavily involved in picking this player. Wages would be similar to Konate if he'd have renewed his contract.

08 Aug 2026 11:05:07
Captain? Keane at Utd in the 90s? Adams at Arsenal? You're a top poster, MK, but this Barcelona captain tripe is ducking delusional. This will not end well.

08 Aug 2026 11:09:53
MK, were you being tongue in cheek when you said incredible fans?

08 Aug 2026 11:11:58
Great post, MK.

We've seen multiple posts on here that we need defensive cover and skating a lack of activity in getting an experienced, older head in to help the YLFP and the YLFR.

Now that the club have addressed that issue- without spending big on a transfer fee- the player is already getting pelters despite not playing a single minute for us yet.

The mind boggles.

08 Aug 2026 11:15:07
Some of the takes on here have been ridiculous about this signing. He's a really good player. Not perfect, nobodies perfect, but it's the type of signing that will not block Jacquet if/when he is ready.

08 Aug 2026 11:16:29
100% agree. Re: Humble ourselves, mate.

For the past 10ish years, we have all been fortunate enough to support the 2nd most successful team in England (Behind City).

We've won everything, expanded Anfield, built one of the best training facilities in the world, and seen some incredible football, yet for some reason, people still aren't happy.

Maybe if we can find some owners who spend more money than anyone else, hire a manager who has never lost a game in his life, 11 players who all share the Ballon d'Or and Golden Boot between them every season, and go on a winning streak and never lose a game ever again, we might be ok, ha.

God help people who have to support any of the other clubs - poor sods, ha.

08 Aug 2026 11:18:15
Well said MK. 👏

08 Aug 2026 11:23:39
I agree, MKS. Personally, I have not seen Araujo play in about 3 years. Before then, I saw him play and he was immense for them, esp. in that 22/23 season when Xavi won them the title. I remember the return El Clasico at Camp Nou where he was the first CB up until then that I had ever seen to not shut down Vini Jnr but to stay step for step in a straight line race for the ball. It was unbelievable to see.

Now that was then. Haven't seen him play since. The mistake? Well, that can happen (we would know, btw), and things can get toxic, and his injury issues will only make the mental issues worse.

For me, this is just a case of the player needed to go to a new environment, and with LFC popping up, Araujo would have had a chat with Suarez and one of his best mates in Darwin.

Also, it is a loan deal, hence there is very low risk. He is very experienced and has won things with Barca, esp. as captain for that matter. He can play the CB/RB role (which is what we all wanted) and other upsides. Yeah, it is a risk, but what signing is a sure thing? None. So I'm here for it and we can move on to other essential targets. Hopefully, the Barcola deal gets thru and we go from there. Excited for the season, regardless.

08 Aug 2026 11:23:56
Mk, hope players never read this site at the moment, as we would sign absolutely no one. Best fans in the world? Really starting to doubt that.

08 Aug 2026 11:27:46
Longest serving Madrid and Barca players get captaincy, my Barca supporting mate tells me?

I'm just happy we got a body in that covers 2 positions if needed.

If he's s****, he be gone, we don't have to buy.



He had plenty of bite in him, our team is full of soft arses, and we need that nasty bite.

I'll back him, hope he proves me wrong.

All non home grown spots are covered now, so who goes or gets unregistered????

08 Aug 2026 11:31:47
Agree with Florian, there's a few on here pushing a little toxic positivity, for want of a better term, acting like we're all going to start booing the chap from day one. And talking like we poached Barca's best, "Barca's Captain." Barca of all teams, where they essentially have 5 captains... 9 people wore the captain's armband for Barca last season, I mean, the system is so backwards that the title has almost lost all meaning, they might as well pull straws before each game to see who gets it.

People's main concern with Araujo is his fitness, which is a completely valid concern, as he's missed almost the exact same amount of days on average over the last 6 years as Joe Gomez, slightly more in fact. If he stays fit, great, if he doesn't, expect a few "I told you so's." But for the love of Fowler, stop acting like he's going to be met with resounding boos on his debut. He will be cheered on just the same, and his name sung from here to Timbuktu.

08 Aug 2026 11:33:18
Florian, same Keane who let his team mates down 13 times via red cards, the same Roy Keane who literally thought he was bigger than his country when he abandoned his team mates and staff at a World Cup, that Roy Keane? Tony Adams, the same Tony Adams who got sent to prison, that Tony Adams?

Give it a rest, mate, the guy hasn't stepped foot in Anfield and you've already written him off. Don't tell me that you have never been crap at a job because of issues outside of your control. Anyone over the age of 40 has been through that.

He clearly is a decent player looking for a fresh start, maybe you could do the same and stop bashing players before they have even kicked a ball. Better still, pick up the phone, give the Liverpool recruitment team a call and offer your services, maybe then the rest of us can bash you before you start as well?

It's ok to express an opinion but to publicly trash him like that is just wrong, mate. Give him some respect, support him and let's see if he can help us out.

08 Aug 2026 11:37:14
I'm just doubting his fitness. The Premier League is tough, and I really don't think we need another player that can't cope with the day in day out pressure of the English game.

08 Aug 2026 11:43:04
Is choosing to support one of the biggest, most successful clubs in the world fortunate?

Anyone who did that with Utd, Chelsea, or City is regarded as glory hunting plastics.

08 Aug 2026 11:46:19
Not sure it's booing from day one as much as it's booing from day -15.

08 Aug 2026 11:48:51
No, I haven't ever been crap at a job because of issues outside my control. It's called real life. You slate Roy Keane to justify Araujo all you like. Maybe I'm a horrible person, but in my opinion Barca have passed their £240k a week problem onto someone else. Hopefully I'm wrong.

08 Aug 2026 12:28:56
Great post Mk, most of your posts I agree with. Usually find myself reading them and agreeing with every word before I've seen it was posted by you! We have 2 of the most promising young centre backs around, so this signing makes perfect sense until they get fully fit.

He's probably 4th choice when everyone is 100% and people are complaining. Most must have forgotten the days we sign far worse players as starters.

08 Aug 2026 12:29:07
Well said, MK. When you reflect like that, you remember how far we've come!

We have VVD. And we have two very good young centre backs - Leoni and Jacquet.

Araujo gives us:
- cover at centre where we really needed it.


- experience to offset the youth of Leoni and Jacquet.
- leadership skills (ex captain).
- no large financial commitment on a transfer fee.

He doesn't need to be a world beater. He improves the squad.

08 Aug 2026 12:29:38
After my initial tirade upon hearing about the Araujo signing and after reading the regular posters and Eds comments I can see both sides of these discussions. The club is in need of top level dependable players in defense like Kounde and Zabyarni who were both mentioned previously as strong options. As a club we don't need to fumble about for mediocrity as we can buy the best. I, and others here just don't think we've done that with Araujo. He might end up being great but people are rightly concerned about his fitness especially coming in to the EPL. The last thing we need is another defender consigned to the physio room for a period of time.

I am aware injury can happen to anyone at any stage but to employ somebody with a dubious fitness record is just starting out the wrong way and we've been here before! I get it that he may be a really decent player and a fresh start as ED01 says may be the making of the man but we didn't need to go down this road. Anyway Now that he is here, I and I'm sure all here, are wanting him to succeed and hopefully he does. IMO it's an underwhelming appointment to say the least and only time will tell if this is the right choice or not. Hopefully I'll be back eating my words.

08 Aug 2026 12:46:09
Well said, Shankly.

08 Aug 2026 12:58:20
Shanjly's, I agree with your sentiments and concerns. Those are normal concerns to have, and even though many people are positive about this signing, I do not write off such concerns cos I think these posters have them, as well. Like I do.

For me, I think people make a choice to either focus on the positives and negatives on any topic. While others can see both sides, understand them, and still remain cautious. That's just perspective. Something you have demonstrated here, and so do others, hence why I agree with your overall view.



For Araujo coming in, it just signals that we simply could not buy the guy we wanted, or they just see it like, "If we're gonna spend all this dough for a CB to come in as an early VVD replacement, this market ain't it. Hence, we get the CB/RB cover we need for this season and go from there." Sometimes it is that simple.

Enjoy your summer, my guy.

At least, we can move on.

08 Aug 2026 15:57:45
You too, Oli. And everyone else too!!!

08 Aug 2026 10:16:07.
Gotta love this site haha:

Season is soon to start and we will be starting it with AI and not more bizarre Slot ball - We have a new manager to get behind (hasn’t played one proper competitive game yet, or started his best 11) yet there’s loads of people on here that seem to be righting us off before a balls been kicked: Hugh’s is garbage, FSG are clueless, clubs a joke, were awful in the transfer market, some of our players are useless, new signings not good enough enough, not enough new signings, squad too thin, we need to sign 50 new players etc etc etc hahaha.

I get we are a big club and we should be aiming to win titles but we aren’t the only one, not every player wants to play for us, not every club wants to sell there players to us, not every transfer gets done in 2 minutes and I’m pretty sure the people running the club know what they’re doing - reading this site sometimes it’s like I’ve accidentally clicked on a Hartlepool page by mistake ha.



The club is in good hands, we’ve got one of the best “next generation” managers, a decent squad of players, a great stadium and allegedly the best supporters in the world - Bournemouth played some of the best football in the league last season but I guarantee that if we’d signed any of their players 12 months ago some of you lot would have had a heart attack haha - 11 players playing as a team will do for me - I’ll also be judging new players after I’ve seen them in our shirt and not on what some of you’ve seen on Twitter and Googled.

YNWA - let go.

08 Aug 2026 10:29:32
Good post.

08 Aug 2026 10:29:45
Well said, Crazy Horse.

08 Aug 2026 10:29:59
Well said, mate !!

08 Aug 2026 10:38:34
I don't think Liverpool has the best fans in the world. Liverpool fans are no better or worse than every other football fan out there.

What is evident, though, is Liverpool have fans who massively dislike other Liverpool fans having a different opinion to their own.

{Ed025's Note - its frustration JK, a lot of the sites are the same at this stage of pre-season mate, its also the microwave mentality that thinks deals should be done within the hour, i think we all need to chill a bit..

08 Aug 2026 10:56:41
What's even more evident is it doesn't really matter what the club does, or doesn't do - there will always be "supporters" who will find a way not to support it.

08 Aug 2026 11:02:50
It's social media driven bs as far as I can see.

Everyone wants blow by blow updates of everything and they wind each other up into a frenzy.

You can see it as everyone uses the same buzz words. No plan B, thin squad, we need a Salah replacement not an LW etc. etc. All of this comes from someone like Carragher on SM and it whips everyone up into a state of intense anger as they are not getting what they think they want.



Once in this state, it actually becomes a permanent state of mind, so then everything the club does is a negative because that's the emotion your mind associates with the club.

Social media is nothing but a sophisticated form of mind control. The algorithms are constantly assessing your movements and pushing you down a path.

My advice is to stay off social media and actually think for yourself. Trust me, you'll be a lot happier for it.

08 Aug 2026 11:07:17
Yep.. great post, until Dom is back playing RB.

08 Aug 2026 11:27:10
Sing it loud, @Crazy.

@Flo, was that for Iraola or your former boy Slot?

08 Aug 2026 10:50:45
Ed0025 do other sites fans also self praise by declaring themselves as the best fans in the world?

{Ed025's Note - not so much JK..

08 Aug 2026 10:56:56
Well said Ed025 .I think with so many media outlets giving blow by blow updates, every bit of transfer business (except the ones out of the blue) seem like a saga, and just seem to whip everybody up in a frenzy.

{Ed025's Note - we have to remember that we as supporters have no say as to what will happen in the transfer market MOT, the prices, the players or contract length etc, yes its nice to speculate mate but dont take things so seriously or get upset if other posters have a different opinion to you..

08 Aug 2026 11:05:29
Hughes is garbage and that's a fact.

08 Aug 2026 11:47:19
I haven't seen anyone write us off CrazyHorse, I've seen countless comments over the last couple of months saying we'll do top 4 and a trophy, or top 5 and a great cup run, I think you're exaggerating things a little because people are disappointed with the window so far, which has absolutely nothing to do with Iraola's ability, something the community has expressed absolute confidence in time and time again since he was brought in.

As for the fans, Liverpool fans are known as some of the best fans in the world, all over the world, it's a reputation, not just a title we've given ourselves. There's a reason countless elite players and managers have and will continue to name Anfield as the most daunting, the loudest, and having the best atmosphere in world football. You could change the word 'best' for 'passionate' if it you feel it better suits, but the reputation is real.

Ed's out of interest. Which team's sites are the busiest on here?

{Ed033's Note - Rangers and Liverpool equal this summer.

08 Aug 2026 12:06:19
Well I'll say one thing, Oli, if our latest signing came in under Slot he would be getting lambasted as the yes man Edwards and Hughes craved.

08 Aug 2026 11:54:16
Ed025 I agree mate and would like to think I am one of the few on here who doesn't get upset by what others think. I am generally very excited for the season ahead and looking forward to just being able to enjoy games again, as last season was more turgid than Hodgson era and I think we're all a little scarred from that

{Ed025's Note - i get that MOT but this is a season of hope..or should be, new manager, a few new players and a fan base that will back this club to the hilt, i think you should be excited and relish the challenge mate..

08 Aug 2026 12:14:29
Cheers Ed, I had a sneaky feeling that would be the answer.

08 Aug 2026 12:33:07
Chewy, so best match attending fans then, or have many managers and players mentioned how passionate the illegal streamers are also.

I'm gonna have to let my 6 week old granddaughter down gently that she isn't part of the best fans in the world membership.

08 Aug 2026 13:02:13
Now, I do agree with you on that, @Flo. But I think it is just the way things work these days. It all depends on what you wanna focus on: The positive or the negative.

I just choose to give a wholistic view of things, recognise the pros and the cons, and go from there.

Not arsed about who is a "Yes, man".

There are people, till this day, who said Klopp was a "Yes, Man", which was far from the truth, but what can you do?

08 Aug 2026 13:20:16
Comedy gold.
The reputation of being the best and most knowledgable fans came from the 60s and 70s, and I suspect it was well earned. It's hard to assimilate that with the current generation when you visit this site during the transfer window. The club definitely attracts its fair share of loonies.
But yeah, illegal streamers are to blame.

08 Aug 2026 14:42:10
Not sure we can take the word of comedy gold from an adult who watches cartoons.

Sounds more like a hard drive check.

08 Aug 2026 10:13:28
Think the loan deal for Araujo is good business.

Araujo has a lot to prove. He can definitely play but much will depend on his consistency and adapting to us in the Prem.

I think this type of signing this early suggests to me that the permanent deal for an experienced defender to come in and partner VVD straight simply was not there.



So instead of splashing 10s of millions on a “let’s see”, the club have taken this route instead.

I’m ok with it. It is good to have another experienced defender added to the group and add a bit more padding before we have to rely on the kids to carry the team.

08 Aug 2026 10:32:27
I don't mind it either. Araujo wouldn't have been anyone's choice, of course, but I do think the loan fills the gap.

I would've loved Kounde, just like everyone else, but I remember reading some reports he wasn't keen on a move and very happy at Barca, so that is that.

08 Aug 2026 10:39:57
Personally I'm looking forward to seeing the lad play.

How good he is, or whether it will work out for him, I have no idea, but time will tell.

08 Aug 2026 11:29:25
Ain't seen him play for a while. When I did, he was very good most of the time. He's had injury and mental issues, and with those, the whole environment gets toxic, and a new environment with new positive energy is ideal.

Looking forward to seeing him play. Excited for the season, as a whole.

08 Aug 2026 12:49:56
Well said, Faith, good business, not the fan favourite solution but a very capable player with lots of experience at the top level, if he stays fit and in form, he will be a fantastic stopgap whilst we work on a long term solution.

08 Aug 2026 09:14:18
Morning Ed001, what's your opinion on Araujo as a player, everyone's heads fell off because we haven't paid 60/70m for him

{Ed001's Note - as a player, he can be rash, but he is a very good player. If it wasn't for the injuries, I would be very excited for this signing. As it is, I am cautiously optimistic.}

08 Aug 2026 10:16:47
I think a loan with hopefully option to buy is best for both parties. And, I'm predicting he'll play a lot of his game on rb. I'm excited more because we have AI to coach him.

08 Aug 2026 10:24:56
The club have spent a bucket load on Leoni and Jacquet, who are clearly the future. So why would we buy someone to block them? We complain when youngsters are blocked, and then complain when they're not.

Yes, it's a risk, but it's relatively low risk. Yes, there are question marks over his injury record, but if he's another Kyrgiakos, then he'll be sent back and we reassess.

If it works, we have played a blinder in the market and everyone is happy.

He's a loan signing that covers an immediate problem at rb/cb, didn't cost the earth and allows us to concentrate on other problems.


AI is a very good coach, let's see what he can do with this guy before we judge him on past performance.

08 Aug 2026 10:29:17
Clearly a stop gap. I don't mind the signing at all. I would be annoyed had we ignored the glaring problem in defence and done nothing.

He might just shock a few fans and be a decent player for us.

08 Aug 2026 11:10:55
Barca still have Christensen and Erik Garcia in their squad. Let that sink in.

08 Aug 2026 11:51:29
The way I see it is, it was always supposed to be VVD and Jacquet. Signing Araujo gives Jacquet a few more weeks to get 100% fit. Then Araujo can go over to right back, saves us ever seeing Frimpong at right back ever again, win win.

08 Aug 2026 11:31:56
Same with you, Ed. He's been a class player but with the injuries and mental issues, that can lead to concerns. Like I've said, maybe a new environment with new scenery and energy can be very refreshing.

Cautiously optimistic but still very excited for the season.

08 Aug 2026 09:57:40
I don't understand the negativity amongst some 'fans'. We've been crying out all window for defensive cover and now we have it, we are complaining? Araujo hasn't been brought in to be an automatic starter, but whilst Jacquet and Leoni build their fitness and match rhythm we need a player who isn't going to be overawed by the league. Van Dijk has a pretty good record at making any defender who stands next to him look decent and I don't doubt this will happen again.

Araujo brings experience, pace, aerial strength and versatility to the back line. He needs a fresh break somewhere different but Barca don't make you club captain unless you've got something about you. If it doesn't work out then he goes back. No fuss and no fee to cover. Hopefully this leaves transfer money available for other positions whilst building squad depth.

08 Aug 2026 10:24:11
I'm with you. Not the signing to get everyone off their seat, but it's a sensible one.
Can play CB and RB, good in the air, and has lots of experience.
His decision making is questionable, and he's not great on the ball, but you could say the same about Konate and a number of others we've had.
The important things for me are that it's a relatively reasonable price (10m in wages and whatever the loan fee is), he can cover in RB until Bradley is back (and his next inevitable injury), and can play at CB until Jacquet is ready to take over.


A team with VVD, Jacquet and Araujo will perform much better against long throws and corners with their height and ability in the air.

08 Aug 2026 10:25:21
I'm not a fan, personally, of this signing, but hoping to be proved wrong, Ricki.

It's just differing opinions. No need to get caught up too much in differing opinions. Let's see how it all pans out. I'd like nothing better than to be called out in a few months time with him starring in our side.

But I admit, at the very least, he plays the positions we need cover on CB/RB, so at least we bought some much needed experience there.



But he is not without his drawbacks. Drawbacks that exceed the pros for me, but I can see many who I respect here (including wdw BTW) feel a little different, and that does make me feel better about the signing. Happy to see how it pans out from here now it's done anyway.

08 Aug 2026 11:32:32
Spot on, Rick.

08 Aug 2026 12:08:41
Why are Barca, who still have Christensen and Erik Garcia in their squad, and are broke, by the way, letting him go out on loan then?

08 Aug 2026 12:30:17
Maybe Florian Araujo feels he needs a change of scenery to get over a few personal issues? He's been at Barca 7/8 years and it's time to move on to somewhere else. Think he may surprise u, I get your worry that he is injury prone, but he certainly has the ability and, for a cb, should be entering his peak.

I read it's £180k per week he's on, whether that true r not I dunno.

08 Aug 2026 13:03:55
My sentiments exactly, Digger. Sometimes, things just run their course in any relationship and it's just time to go see what else is out there.

08 Aug 2026 09:55:06
We have a lot of rumours and links to players but if we just focus on the current squad for the moment:

Who do you think will play upfront when Isak is carefully rested between games?

And judging by what the manager said thankfully that Ryan won't be like a holding midfielder as he's qualities are driving wit the ball making things happen who do u think will play deeper

08 Aug 2026 10:32:03
Cody will be striker cover until Hugo is fit.

08 Aug 2026 10:43:49
If that's the case, the only options to play deeper than Grav would be Endo and maybe Nyoni.

I expect Szobo to be in the double pivot so it'd be one of these options:

1. Grav with Szobo, no one sits.
2. Nyoni with Szobo (Grav rotates Szobo).
3. Endo with Szobo (Grav rotates Szobo).


4. New CDM with Szobo (Grav rotates Szobo).

I think a lot is still up in the air in terms of the midfield, so not sure.

As for Isak, Gakpo rotates with him at CF. If Gakpo goes and Barcola gets signed, I can see him playing false 9 at times when Isak needs a rest.

08 Aug 2026 11:04:44
I heard Mbaye can also play across the front 3 and even Munoz, if that is the case, I expect rotation (assuming Mbaye signs).
I have liked the look of Loukas this preseason, but then, looking up his stats, his output has been very low.

Such a shame about Danns injury problems these past couple of years, as I think he would be knocking on the door.

08 Aug 2026 11:09:30
Nyoni weighs about 5 stone. Far too light for the PL.

08 Aug 2026 11:33:05
Jari, that's if we don't sell him.

08 Aug 2026 09:40:32
We are screaming out for a cb who can play rb as well, so we sign a player on loan who was captain of Barcelona last season and our fans are still moaning. If I’m correct we have looked at him for several years because when fit he is a beast of a defender. Yes he has injuries but we can’t be splashing out millions on every position for cover. We are in talks over a 100 mill plus transfer for a winger (possibly 2) so the loan with option to buy deal makes sense.

Even if he is only used sparsely the need for a top draw utility defender is obvious.
On a plus note Munoz looked excellent in training, full of energy, pace and great with both feet. I have a feeling he could be the surprise package this season. I also hope Trey dosent go out on loan as I think they could finally be the season where he gets to play a major part.

08 Aug 2026 11:11:48
Hughes let two players who were willing to come to us last January go to one of our rivals. He's the cause of all the mess.

08 Aug 2026 09:00:18
Liverpool fans "We need a CB to cover preferably one that can also cover RB". Liverpool sign a CB who can also cover RB. Also Liverpool fans "No not that CB who can also cover RB".

Arsenal fans are intolerable as they see their players as the best to lace up boots and won't admitt there's better out here but I would take that from our fans as well over the constant unrelenting bashing of any player that seems to put our jersey on.

It's pathetic. We have singed a play that fills a gap in the squad. On to the next signing.

08 Aug 2026 09:14:32
Great post, well said.

08 Aug 2026 09:21:02
The drama is 100% uncalled for. The guy is injury prone, sure, but he is an Elite defender no matter what anyone says. He has been at Barca for like 7-8 years and a key player most of the time until lately.

He is more durable than Gomez, and honestly a much better player too. Not who I wanted us to sign, but much better than going into the season with Jaquet & Van Dijk only.

08 Aug 2026 09:31:37
And a captain.

08 Aug 2026 09:31:45
Yep, well said, kt. I just lost 20 minutes of my life reading the whinging negativity on the rumours page. Well, I think a loan plus option for an experienced player is a smart move when we already have potentially the best 2 young CBs around and need short term backup for CB/RB.

08 Aug 2026 09:40:43
He's injury prone but 6 months out either depression, anyone can be affected by depression, and hopefully he's had the right treatment and is ok now. Depression doesn't care if you're rich, poor, a shop worker or a professional footballer.

08 Aug 2026 09:46:47
Well said.

08 Aug 2026 11:38:01
@Arne, drama is what fans do for no reason esp. in this age of social media rage-baiting, where sometimes, fans turn their negativity into a competition of "Who can say the most obnoxious of things". It is what it is.

Sadly tho, a number of posters engage in such nonsense. You said it yourself. "We need a CB who can play RB." We get a CB who can play RB that bear the injury and mental issues he has had, is a certified, proven CB at club and int'l level, that may need some work and needs some re-motivation and new surroundings, people are still mad and spit their dummies out.


I don't know what else to tell you, but that is the game now. Sad, frustrating and painful, I know, but it is what it is.