Liverpool banter 5

13 Aug 2026 07:37:55
VG’s last post about Bellingham and now Carra’s about Gavi suggests we’re we have a big budget for centre mid.
It also suggests we’re looking for a top tier player that can progress things from mid.
Maybe explains the rumours around Wharton appearing again yesterday.
Issue with Wharton is it could be like Guehi all over again. Leave it too late and Palace tell us to do one despite player wanting to join.
Issue with Jude is he’ll be v difficult to get although clearly would be an amazing addition.
Issue with Gavi is stylistically he’s perfect for Iraola.

Pressing monster and progresses ball forward quickly but he’s lightweight and injury prone.
I still wonder if we’ll end up going in for Scott.
Re Barcola I just can’t help feeling I’d prefer M’Baye and Rayan. I know wages don’t make the maths that simple and wages of those 2 players may cost more than Barcola but I really feel as though our starting XI will be strong but squad depth needs work both to compete on all fronts but also to ensure bench is extremely strong to change games whilst maintaining a high intensity style.

13 Aug 2026 08:11:04
There's no way on God's green earth that Madrid will let Bellingham go.

13 Aug 2026 08:41:18
If we did that, we'd have 4x wingers with a combined G/A of just 24 in top-flight football, and hardly any experience whatsoever - a recipe for complete disaster that. If there's one thing we've learned from pre-season, it's that experience is key. Any time we chucked the young lads on we got hammered.

13 Aug 2026 08:43:26
No, Ashy? You do know who the manager is at Madrid now, don't you? Mourinho has a history of selling very good players if they don't fit his plans.

I'm not saying I think he'll sign for us, but I could certainly see him leaving Madrid.

13 Aug 2026 08:50:50
I love reading VG's posts and really hope he returns. I genuinely don't care if none of the In the knows predictions come true or not, as they all contribute really good reading material.

The only thing I couldn't understand was it was said that Bellingham's time was potentially up at Real but the deal was unlikely as Macca was staying.

Just can't see why Macca staying at Liverpool would have any meaning on Bellingham's time at Real, then being more secure, or does it just mean he'll be off to someone else?

13 Aug 2026 09:05:13
Gavi seems a lot more realistic. I can see Barcelona being willing to cash in.

Hell of a risk though. He had serious knee issues for nearly 2 years. I know he came back in the 2nd half of last season and looked fully fit again at last, but it's got to have taken its toll on his body. At 22 he probably will still have 4-5 years of elite level football in him but I think he'll be pretty similar to Thiago or Chiesa and be effectively done as a key player at an elite level by 28-30 years old.

I already have a worry about this same thing happening with Wirtz and Leoni. Serious knee injuries in that 18-21 age range normally come back to haunt you later in your career.

Hell of a player though and if we get Gavi at his best even for only 5 years it'll be a joy to watch.

13 Aug 2026 09:09:28
Jk, the way I took it was that if Macca stays we don't have the space/funds to go all out for Jude, but I don't know if that's me making things up. I think if there's a chance to get Jude you throw everything at it and then offload after. A midfield of Jude, Szobo and Wirtz would be very exciting indeed.

Perhaps not the most balanced, but they all have the legs to get about if they could be convinced to be disciplined positionally. Can't see it happening, it's fantasy stuff, but I'd be happy to watch us win games 4-3 with no defensive midfielder.

13 Aug 2026 09:09:50
So where is this big budget player going to start at? Macca is already on the outer with Wirtz, Szoboszlai and Gravenberch making up a great midfield. Bellingham is not going to leave Real Madrid for Liverpool where he competes with Wirtz. I reckon it has to be a lower priced player, someone almost exactly like Camara.

13 Aug 2026 09:16:10
Red Willis, 100% agree, mate. I've probably waffled and not explained myself very well in my first comment.

What I meant was specifically the Jude time up at Real part. Surely what a Liverpool midfielder is doing or isn't doing shouldn't have any reflection on Jude's time being up at Real.

It just reflects on whether Liverpool are in for him.

It's too hot, mate, I'm confusing myself and everyone else.

Bring back Ceefax.

13 Aug 2026 09:18:04
Stradarosso, not every midfielder can play every minute of every game and be at their best.
We need at least 5 high quality in that area and currently have 3 (4 if you include Macca at his best).
So, in my opinion, we defo need at least one addition in there, possibly 2 if Macca goes and we seem Nyoni not quite ready.

13 Aug 2026 09:38:32
JK23, the only sense I could make out of that comment was that Macca was doing to RM, with Jude coming the other way.

The link to the Barca midfielders - Gavi or Pedri - could be equally linked with Macca going the other way.



Jude confuses me in where he could play. Someone like Gavi or Pedri, who play more as a CDM primarily, would make a bit more sense given the current make up of our team.

13 Aug 2026 09:49:04
Ahhhh Zed. That's the one way I didn't look at it and can see the sense in it.

13 Aug 2026 10:10:05
Aside from the fact, it's pie in the sky that Bellingham would be joining us (Mourinho likes that kind of midfielder who arrives in the box to score; he always wanted Gerrard & had to settle for Lampard), I can't see that either Bellingham or Gavi would remotely fix the issues we have in midfield.

Gavi is too small, weak & lightweight, and Bellingham is too indisciplined tactically. We lack physicality and defensive nous; neither of those players fix that, we're soft and weak in midfield and that's a huge problem.

13 Aug 2026 10:50:22
No Riossy, you do know who the president is at Madrid now, don't you? Perez has a history of babying his marquee signings and undermining his head coaches. There are no managers in Madrid.

Anyway, Mourinho's a big fan of Bellingham, he's definitely part of his plans.

13 Aug 2026 04:18:12
Barcola, Mbaye, Kounde and Sadiki or Camara
I would take that, to be honest, with the sales of Chiesa, Jones, MacAllister and maybe Elliott.

13 Aug 2026 08:36:56
I think nobody would argue with that list, Shughes.

13 Aug 2026 08:45:33
Completely agree with Barcola and Mbaye.

Not sure why we would loan Araujo and then also bring in Kounde, who has a similar positional background? Nor why Barca would let us take both.

I think the Kounde ship has sailed.

Sadiki or Camara - I wonder whether the recent murmurings about a top midfielder would mean we get them but no others?

Agree with your outgoings list, Shug.

13 Aug 2026 08:45:38
Shughes, that's a hell of a lot of business to do in just over 2 weeks of the window left.

13 Aug 2026 09:12:36
I agree, JK. I just can't see a couple being done. Jones is definitely a possibility as is Endo. Don't really want Chiesa and Elliott to go - they will make up the squad and sub players. Macca should only be replaced by a like for like, but I haven't seen us linked with anyone.

13 Aug 2026 09:39:47
I can see Fede going, both for us (non-HG places, may make more sense to use someone like Koumas as an alternate as he is U21) and for him, the guy deserves minutes to see if he can ever get back to the levels he was at.

13 Aug 2026 10:40:06
We need a dedicated RB, that's why Kounde makes sense. He'd fix a glaring problem that all opposition teams will try to exploit.

13 Aug 2026 11:01:17
SG, but we have that in Araujo, don't we?

Posters may say "sick note" etc., but AI and the STC have made their decision.

Maybe Kounde wasn't available? Maybe they see a higher bar for RA, especially with VVD potentially leaving in 12m?

I certainly think that across Leoni, Jacquet, Ndukwe and Ndiaye, we have a core of excellent CB options, but lacking in experience. Maybe they see that if RA is over his injury issues (both mental and physical) then he would be the perfect leader of that group after VVD goes.



We also have an excellent RB in Conor Bradley. His injuries are a major concern, but perhaps the medical team know he's on the road to, hopefully, a permanent recovery.

So many ifs, buts and maybes, but there's no chance of Kounde now, with us having got RA.

13 Aug 2026 11:59:39
In his last 50 appearances for Barca Araujo has played RB 4 times apparently. Seen as he's only played for Barca 63 times in the last 2 seasons, that could well be just a coupla games at RB a season in that time. If we are serious about challenging we need a RB. Otherwise be happy with Top 5.

13 Aug 2026 12:13:28
Sadiki is not moving.

13 Aug 2026 14:46:16
Ron,
You are close to the Sunderland hierarchy too?
He would move if we got in his ear, told him he was our next big midfield star, and threw £80m across the table to Sunderland.

13 Aug 2026 01:59:10
Guys the Barcola deal is sorted. Just listen to the Goat.

13 Aug 2026 08:45:53
Be quiet, you're always bleating on.

12 Aug 2026 23:26:56
PSG chairman Nasser Al Khelaifi on Bradley Barcola: "We're working calmly, we don't talk too much, we do. I can't say whether he will leave or not ".

"Today, he is a PSG player. We'll see!", told Canal Plus.

The story from May, confirmed: Barcola is not untouchable. 🔓

It's possible this deal is already done, at least verbally.

13 Aug 2026 01:34:04
So it's 100% still on, clearly.

13 Aug 2026 05:34:49
But, still 100% not completed, obviously!

13 Aug 2026 05:43:50
But it's 100% being worked on....

13 Aug 2026 06:28:08
We are going to end up with a few 4-3s this season if we buy Barcola but don't plump for Sadiki or L. Camara. Just do the f***n business, stc!

13 Aug 2026 08:52:57
That's just not true, LeBoeuf.

The reason the midfield was so open last season was not the lack of a DM, it was the gap between the defence and midfield was way too big because the defence dropped off too early. It really is that simple.

The fact the Slot moved Grav and played a more rotating midfield didn't help, but you could've had Rodri or prime Makelele in there, and they would've been overrun.

The gaps were just too big to cover.

If Iraola manages to get Virgil to hold the line higher and plays Grav in his best position, we have a title winning midfield.

What we need at the moment is pace in the team. Barcola gives us that.

We don't need to be wasting money on DMs we don't need and who are not an improvement on what we already have.

13 Aug 2026 09:01:37
Let's not forget a major issue was our inability to defend set pieces also.

Hope this has been an area looked at during pre season.

12 Aug 2026 22:20:20
Not Liverpool related but that kid playing up front for Villa tonight looks a player, very raw but had PSG's 2 CB's in all kinds of trouble and he eventually got his goal after missing some easy chances. Not bad for a 17yr old in all fairness.

12 Aug 2026 23:52:11
An absolute unit him. How can he be only 17?

12 Aug 2026 23:56:44
He had a hard paper round, FPF.

13 Aug 2026 00:11:47
Plenty of spuds FPF.

13 Aug 2026 00:18:51
Young Lukaku vibes.

13 Aug 2026 07:41:15
Football Manager 26 dream.

13 Aug 2026 08:35:54
We use a mouse to scroll. He uses a lion.

12 Aug 2026 21:57:16
Beraldo and Mayulu coming on instead of Barcola and Mbaye surely is significant.

12 Aug 2026 22:02:10
Ornstein reporting big news for Gunners coming. If they have snatched Barcola from under our noses, Hughes and FSG can just do one.

12 Aug 2026 22:02:45
Was just gonna say the same metal mickey, mate, maybe it's absolutely nothing, but there's no smoke without fire, hopefully, something in it, and Barcola and Mbaye will be LFC players very soon, fingers crossed.

12 Aug 2026 22:08:45
Good to see our PSG boys sitting out their last game before moving to Anfield.

12 Aug 2026 22:18:35
The fact Barcola had a face like thunder and didn't celebrate lifting the trophy speaks for itself. He knows he's on his way out, prob stayed this long to get a Super Cup bonus.

12 Aug 2026 22:24:19
Beraldo for Kvarashelia was a huge tell to be fair. I think he leaves PSG.

But to where?

I still think we get him. But it's not outside the realms of possibility, Arsenal sneak in. Still have us favourites though.

12 Aug 2026 22:31:52
Maybe one of Barcola/Mbaye goes to Arsenal and the other comes to us?

12 Aug 2026 22:32:05
That's why I don't listen to people like Ornstein. If there's some big news, just tell people what it is, rather than being vague to get clicks.

12 Aug 2026 22:36:15
It's dragged on too long now. Already getting ready to sell him to Saudi, me and we ain't even got him yet.

12 Aug 2026 23:11:38
It's only dragged on too long because people are obsessed and want to know the minutiae of every detail of the negotiations, LFC8.

In the good old days, we might hear little bits in the paper about possible transfers, but we'd all just wait for confirmation from the club without being totally OCD about it.

I miss those days.

12 Aug 2026 23:52:15
I wouldn't say I was obsessed, but I'll refresh and check back in a couple of minutes to see what's changed. :)

13 Aug 2026 00:20:55
Me too, RedTed. 🤣

13 Aug 2026 07:18:51
If all the reliable itk posters on this site say we have deal agreed... then I'll trust that.

I can see PSG wanting their business done before they get the 150mil or whatever the price for both players will be. We need wingers, and if we do end up with both, as has been suggested, then we will be a force this season.

All the negativity recently is crazy.

We have a new manager. He needed to see what his options are and what more he needs.

Trust the process. Yes, we would all love 4 players through the door from day 1 to work with, but that's not how things ever go.
Not one single person has seen any of our signings coming until the last minute.

I'm happy this is now the case.

Roll on next week for this new season. It will b a fun ride. I'm thinking of Klopp's first season. Some really exciting stuff coming, maybe some not so fun losses also, as we transition into this new style.

13 Aug 2026 08:48:04
'If all the reliable itk posters on this site say we have deal agreed... then I'll trust that'

'Not one single person has seen any of our signings coming until the last minute'

Which one is it, mate, as they contradict each other?

12 Aug 2026 21:57:10
Barcola never came on for PSG. Now that could mean absolutely nothing, we shall see.

12 Aug 2026 22:07:48
100% Baz, but hopefully it means everything we hope for. Would be great to get Barcola and Mbaye in, and then hopefully some grit, legs and steel in midfield, and I think we won't be in too bad shape. Jones goes, and possibly McAllister too, with one in to replace both. Interesting couple of weeks ahead, mate, can't wait for Sunday week and Newcastle away.

12 Aug 2026 22:11:32
Absolutely Zippy, mate. Come on the Pool. 👍

13 Aug 2026 01:41:27
It was definitely intentional; the deal's on, no doubt.

13 Aug 2026 02:57:21
You know it makes sense, Chewy. 😉

13 Aug 2026 06:01:55
Hasn't he only just returned from his 3 week holiday like the day before the game?

If so, highly doubt he'd get thrown into a game which actually has meaning.

13 Aug 2026 06:25:17
Look up what PSG's president said when asked about Barcola deal Changing, it's most definitely not the type of thing you say when you're planning on keeping a player.

12 Aug 2026 20:52:05
On another note, got to admire Aston Villa’s new away kit. Teams playing ok as well!

Still can’t get my head around our home shirt and shorts colour difference. In fact, not a fan of the shirt anyway but how hard is it to match?

Rant over.

12 Aug 2026 21:09:15
It's not meant to match, that is the colour what it's meant to be, it's the same as our kit in 1989, the dye which is used comes out different shades because the shirt is different material to the shorts.

12 Aug 2026 21:38:41
I think it'd be a bit much having that pattern on the shorts as well as the shirt.

12 Aug 2026 21:56:44
Didn't expect the pattern, just a better tonal match. It looks cheap to me.

12 Aug 2026 22:14:23
It looked daft in 89 too. I can understand paying homage to the shirt, but to purposely miscolour the shorts is laughable.

12 Aug 2026 22:32:17
This time of year, everyone turns into Ralph Lauren!! It's just a t-shirt worn by footballers and children (and BarryinLouth). Who cares?

13 Aug 2026 01:33:00
No, sorry stoneage, your absolutely correct, It's terrible everyone (well 4 people ) entering a comment on the subject that has no bearing on the club either aesthetically or financially should have an opinion on. I think even the Ralph Lauren empire would be impressed though that it retails for about three times the amount their t shirts do. Still never mind.

Ok let's keep it real and on point, what's this I hear about the Barcola bloke in France?

12 Aug 2026 20:13:12.
Done a bit of digging and no one has really reported these as Liverpool targets, but following the same logic as Munoz and Araujo this is who I think could suddenly come into play.

Liverpool seem happy to sit in the background, let other clubs do the negotiating and establish the price, then jump in late if the deal makes sense.

So I’d keep an eye on Said El Mala, Matias Fernandez-Pardo, Frattesi, Lewis-Skelly, Bergvall and Camavinga.

El Mala and Fernandez-Pardo are already being pushed by other clubs, Frattesi could move if Inter want Curtis Jones, Bergvall wants more game time at Spurs and Camavinga is the big one if Madrid ever decide to sell.



Lewis-Skelly is interesting too, although I can’t really see the Gooners selling to us unless they’re very confident in the decision.

Not saying we’re in for any of them, just following the same logic that produced two deals almost nobody saw coming.

Loved this site for ages and thought I’d chip in. Peace out. This is not ITK, it’s just logic. I think we are adding just late on.

12 Aug 2026 20:38:30
Frattesi has an agreement with Napoli according to reports.

12 Aug 2026 21:54:03
Any midfielder will like Mac Allister. Think Gravenberch, Szobs and Wirtz are set in stone as the preferred triangle in midfield, barring injuries etc. Shame really, think Mac Allister would shine facing the opponents' goal rather than his own goal as DM. In his very first season under Jurgen he scored 10 PL goals and 2 PL assists in circa 37 PL apps. Out of the three triangle players above, Gravenberch would be the one under the most pressure from Alexis, provided he relishes the challenge of course or fancies pastures new?

Mac Allister's first season PL figures should be the bare minimum from Szobs and Florian as AM's for the new season.

The highest Dominic has posted for PL goals is 6 and 7 PL assists in his last two out of three seasons at the club (forced as a RB never helped his cause last year, though his "Doma-hawk" missiles were lethal).

12 Aug 2026 23:23:58
Bergvall to us doesn't make sense if he wants more game time.

I could see El Mala or Fernandez-Pardo come into play if we miss out on Barcola and Mbaye.