Liverpool banter 7

08 Aug 2026 12:40:48
From Chat Gpt:

1. Back in the 90s, a loan signing like this wouldn’t even have interrupted the horse racing results. Now Liverpool bring in a mildly uninspiring player on loan and people react like the club has just sold Anfield for scrap.

2. In the 90s, this sort of signing barely makes a ripple. In 2026, Liverpool loan in a player who isn’t the reincarnation of peak Zidane and everyone starts drafting the club’s obituary.

3. Once upon a time, an underwhelming loan signing was just squad depth. Now, unless Liverpool unveil a galactico every five minutes, half the fanbase acts like civilisation is collapsing.

4. Back in the 90s, this would’ve been filed under “fair enough” and everyone moved on. Now, if a Liverpool loan signing doesn’t come with fireworks, a violin section and a 20-goal YouTube compilation, people think the sky is falling.

5. Liverpool signing an unremarkable loan player used to be the sort of thing nobody lost sleep over. These days, if it’s not a statement signing, people behave like the club has personally ruined fo.

08 Aug 2026 12:54:09
If we had paid £40million for him, people would say it's a bargain. Whatcha gonna do, huh?

08 Aug 2026 13:06:59
Oh, look, another overly dramatic post about people voicing their valid concerns over a player's fitness due to his injury record.

08 Aug 2026 13:34:00
Chewy, it's not just voicing concerns, though. It's overdramatic reactions to us signing a stop-gap, squad player on loan, that may work out, may not.
And not just on here. The posts on Insta or FB are literally full of comments like "we sign an unknown cb, great", fans of football, those who don't know Barca's Captain.
Negativity is exhausting, and it's the behind the keyboard effect.

If we were chatting face to face or with your mates, most would have a normal debate. If we're fans, we all want the same thing. Simply put, he's obviously a good player to get where he is or was. He could be a great signing or not work out. Just like every player. We all hope he does.
The negative comments and bickering take the joy of footy chats and football as a whole nowadays.

08 Aug 2026 13:57:33
Stopgap like Caulker, Kabak, Davies & Melo? Because they were all absolute raging successes weren't they? I think there is fair reason to be sceptical about this given his ability, injury history and disciplinary record.



We've reached the Arthur Melo stage of the window. You go be as excited as you want about this, Kloppdog, but history would suggest this is another failure waiting to happen, so excuse me while I'm rolling my eyes at it.

08 Aug 2026 14:04:00
Victor, you're not allowed to mention previous loans.

Beckers will let you know what you can and can't post.

08 Aug 2026 14:24:06
Sigglebean, whilst I agree with your message, your delivery was quite dramatic and all 5 of those points were effectively the same point re-worded.

Some people are being dramatic about Araujo signing, but the answer to that isn't to be dramatic about people being dramatic.

Again, I respect and agree with the sentiment of your message, but it doesn't read how you thought it would, in my opinion.

08 Aug 2026 14:27:20
Unremarkable?
6'3, powerful physique, genuine pace, strong in the air, aggressive... ticks more than a few boxes.
27, in his prime years for CB, Captain of Barcelona in his mid 20s, used to highest pressure matches...more than happy with that!
Uruguayan, >30 international caps...you can be sure he'll have discussed with Nunez & Suarez.


And on a loan basis with option to buy if it works out...what's not to like?

08 Aug 2026 14:48:29
Kloppdog, I would suggest that Sigglebeans' post is a lot more overdramatic than somebody who's whinging that we've signed an injury-prone player. In my experience, the drama seems to be caused by the people who point fingers.

I don't think somebody making a seemingly negative comment is dramatic, I do think people who decide to burn them at the stake for it are, though.

08 Aug 2026 15:07:56
@MK, that was the point, bud. I asked ChatGPT to give me a good joke about the loan, they were all the same but worded slightly differently. Couldn't be bothered editing them, so posted them all. It was meant to be. 🤣

08 Aug 2026 15:20:07
I don't understand young people jokes anymore, Sigglebean. People under 25 call me "unc" or "uncle". Forgive me for not understanding the Chat GPT aspect of the joke then!

08 Aug 2026 15:25:53
Ah, yea, I get that, but I got the humour in this post.

100% have the same concerns myself about if he will be a good signing. But I can't tell the future, so not gonna have a panic attack. Hope it works out. Could end up a masterstroke.



I don't fancy either Isak or Wirtz's chances of being a proper success with us, but they play for us, so, by God, I hope they rip it up this year and for many years and I'll keep the hope until they do or are no longer our players.

08 Aug 2026 15:37:33
@MK, Loving being called a young person, I'm 49 mate!! I think I might have got lost in translation cos I've had a few rums and the sun's nowhere near the yardarm! Peace and love x.

08 Aug 2026 15:45:32
@kloppdog, Don't know if you were commenting on the wrong post, but being a mixed race Scouser, I can assure you my post wasn't meant to be racist x.

08 Aug 2026 15:46:59
I think the truth lies somewhere in the middle.

He fits the profile of the type of stopgap player we need at this time. We need his physicality, as, let's face it, our defence and midfield at the moment are soft.

Having said that, he's not all too comfortable on the ball and prone to making high profile gaffes. Like I said in an earlier post, it's telling that Barca fans are ecstatic that he is going out on loan.

They don't rate him.

I think that explains why some fans are torn or a bit negative. Fingers crossed, playing next to Virg elevates Araujo's game. They might complement each other. Long term, I have a feeling either of Jacquet or Leoni would be a better fit. If we mimic Arsenal, we could even play him at RB with one of the younger lads partnering Virg. I'd prefer a specialist RB though.

08 Aug 2026 16:20:46
@Salahlalala, the truth always lies in the middle of any discussion/debate of this type.

The issue here is what people decide to focus on, and that, my friend, is a choice. Or, as you have done, use perspective. Like, you may have wanted a specialist RB, but since we need help in both RB and CB, you get the hybrid in Araujo, and kill two birds with one stone.

I can understand both views without having to choose a side.

Now, this type of approach is what is rare, cos it's like you have to pick a side, whereas, as you said, the truth lies somewhere in the middle.

08 Aug 2026 16:23:38
If he does well: great business, top shelf defender for a decent fee.
If he does OK: good business, lets AI ease Jacquet and Leoni into it during the season.
If he is crap: no sweat, lost £12 mil.

Shrewd move, I say.

08 Aug 2026 17:21:16
@singlebean, Don't think I said anything like that. Definitely didn't. Something mixed up somewhere.

08 Aug 2026 18:02:18
Oh, it was meant to be funny?! Wow. I'm not sure who failed worse here Sigglebean, ChatGPT or you for using it!

08 Aug 2026 12:16:11
With Araujo impending, does that mean we'll have to confirm a non-HG sale to confirm Barcola?

Or I guess vice versa, depending which one is registered first?

08 Aug 2026 12:23:05
No, we can still sign who we like, it just means if we don't move on non-HG players, then we won't be able to register every player for every competition.

08 Aug 2026 12:32:43
Seems pretty likely to me that we'll be selling a fair few players soon. I think Jones and Gakpo will all be leaving in the next week, personally. Tsimikas, Elliott, Chiesa and Mac Allister going before the first game kicks off would not shock me either, though I think they all have an outside chance of staying.

We've had to hold off on sales to a) give Iraola a chance to assess the players and b) ensure Iraola had enough players for an adequate pre-season.

I'd expect things to really hot up now the first team players are all back from the World Cup and Iraola and his staff are back from the USA tour.

Keep in mind that you can change your squad registrations in January, so it's quite likely Ekitike will not be registered in the first half of the season anyway, then be added in January. He's not expected back until late December/early January so that makes logical sense to me and takes away the temptation to rush him back.

08 Aug 2026 12:43:30
Sorry MK, but we were short at least 3 players coming into this window, we've brought 3 in, and now you think we're going to flog off 6? Where's the logic in that, if you don't mind me asking?

08 Aug 2026 12:44:52
MKS, I think Tsimikas is staying as backup to Kerkez. The likes of Macca, Chiesa and even Elliott (who I want to stay) are gonna go.

Now, Macca and, say, Jones are strange ones, cos we may need the HG quota, hence Jones may stay. Macca has always said, directly or indirectly, that he would love to go play in Spain, so that's 50/50.

08 Aug 2026 13:08:52
Man.of.Todd, yup, I guess I expect that we're not going to be doing a Chelsea and have a squad of players chilling out enjoying their wages whilst not doing anything. :D

08 Aug 2026 13:33:27
People get too worried about the non-HG/HG thing imo.

The way I see it is Jacquet and Leoni are U21s, along with Nyoni and Trey. If we sign Mbaye, he will also be U21.

Gakpo and Macca are possibly going to be sold this summer if the right offers come in.

Chiesa will likely leave if we get the two additional forwards in.

Endo and Tsimikas all have one year left on their deals. I think both are seen as players who could easily be sent out on loan for their final season, if we couldn't sell them, or got squeezed on non-HG spots.

Lastly, I would not be surprised if they didn't register Hugo Ekitike for the first half of this season.

In summary, we probably shouldn't worry too much as there's plenty of moves the club can make to comply.



The bigger concern is that our lack of English players does impact the club's allowance of "Elite Significant Contribution" foreign player visa slots. Clubs can earn up to 4 slots through total playing time of English Qualified Players (EQP).

Based on last season's appearances, we only qualified for one ESC slot, which allows us to get the visa for Mor Talla Ndiaye. Unfortunately, we couldn't get one for Iffy Ndukwe.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Villa, and Man Utd have four slots. Man City and Newcastle have 3 slots.

Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha becoming first team regulars will help, but we clearly have a long-term problem that needs solving either via academy or recruitment of English talent.

08 Aug 2026 13:45:39
FPF - just something interesting to talk about, mate.

08 Aug 2026 13:46:51
We have Koumas & Chambers to offer HG status if Elliott and Jones leave. So no issue there.

Possible issue is if no Non-HG players leave, we won't be able to sign Barcola unless Ekitike's slot is taken while he recovers.

Hoping either Tsimikas, Ramsey, or Chiesa gets loaned out or sold to free a spot or two.

Mbaye is in the U21 bracket, so that's fine.

08 Aug 2026 14:02:23
RedKei, being pedantic. There is no issue with HG status for registration of the squad. We can have up to 8 and can have 0 if we want. What I did say was that it does impact your allocated slots for young foreign talent visas. That does impact the academy's role in supporting the first team squad.

As for Tsimikas, Chiesa, and Ramsey - I would be shocked if a £700m+ a year revenue generating business that relies on Champions League qualification would not sign the first team players they need because of those three players occupying a non-HG spot.

They would at worst simply not register them for the squad, or better sell or loan them.

Gakpo and Macca are a different situation as they are first teamers.

08 Aug 2026 14:37:12
Chewy, I said, I think we'll sell Jones and Gakpo. The other 4 I'm simply saying it wouldn't shock me either way.

1. Gakpo will leave and be replaced with Barcola in my opinion.

2. Jones will leave and we'll promote Nyoni in my opinion.

3. If Tsimikas leaves, I think we'd promote Chambers or Scanlon, but I'd also not be surprised if Tsimikas stays and Chambers and Scanlon go on loan.

4. If Elliott leaves, I think we'd promote Morrison, but again, Elliott could easily stay with Morrison going on loan.

5. If Chiesa leaves, I think we'll sign Mbaye or promote Koumas.

Equally wouldn't be shocked if Chiesa stays and Koumas goes on loan.

6. I actually think Mac Allister might stay and surprise a lot of people. However, if he is sold, I reckon we'd probably go all in for Wharton.

Those 6 senior players though, I think there are still varying levels of doubt about them being at Liverpool next season. There's still over 3 weeks of the window left, which is plenty of time to make 3 more signings, which is the maximum you'd need to replace those 6 as I see it.

08 Aug 2026 15:01:41
Probably about right, MK.

Although Macca staying would mean you have a new contract issue to contend with. It would effectively be accepting he will leave for nothing.

And you must not forget Endo.

08 Aug 2026 15:12:40
We have got a few players in last year of contract. Elliot, Jones, Tsimikas, Bajectic, Gomez, Endo, Vvd and Alisson.
I wouldn't be surprised if we listened to offers for Elliot, Jones and Tsimikas.

08 Aug 2026 15:14:11
FPF, I don't see any world in which Endo leaves. At his age, you're not getting much money for him. He's also not on a big wage. He's retired from international duty, so he'll be a great guy to have around the training ground in international breaks, when all the u21's come up to work with Iraola. He's also able to play RB, CB, DM and CM to a pretty good level. He is a leader and former Japan captain. His attitude is impeccable and he's a genuinely good person as well, which you can never have too many of at the club.



I just can't see the logic in selling him. Alisson, Virgil and Endo are the only players we have left over 30. The last thing we need is to be in the same boat as Chelsea with a group lacking leadership and experience.

I could be completely wrong, but I doubt he's even being considered for sale unless he kicks up a fuss to leave or a surprise offer comes in.

08 Aug 2026 15:27:31
MK, fair points. We don't really see what influence he has on the squad. We know he is ultra professional, but he is also a pretty quiet, shy guy from the looks of it.

Despite all those things, it doesn't get away from the fact he's the only DM in the squad and occupies one of the non-HG spots.

08 Aug 2026 16:31:56
I would agree there's doubt over all of them, yes, but contrary to your opinion, I would be absolutely astonished if we moved all 6 on, given the inflated market and short time frame.

08 Aug 2026 12:08:14
{Ed's Note - Lassic has posted a new article entitled, Why a Loan for Araujo Could Make Sense

08 Aug 2026 13:50:23
A very sensible and balanced article. May be a great signing and if stays fit could be just what is needed until the younger centre backs are fit and ready. Why spend a fortune on a centre back or right back that will block the path of other players. If he does well, can buy at £47 million, which could be a good deal if he's had a good season on loan. However, if he's injured or doesn't perform we send him back to Barcelona, costing only loan fee and wages, which in current transfer climate is really a drop in the ocean. Hopefully, any remaining funds after signing Barcola can then be used to buy what this team has been crying out for, which is a proper number six.

This, in my opinion will unlock the rest of the team's undoubted abilities. Thanks to all who share their knowledge and rumours, it is what makes this site so unique. I have been reading this site several times a day for 15 years plus but rarely post. I think a lot of posters need to remember it is a rumours site and to give all players that sign for this great club our full support to enable them to be the best they can. Thanks to all the Eds as well. Looking forward to enjoying watching the team again this season, last season was by far the worst to watch that I can remember in my 48 years of supporting the team!

08 Aug 2026 13:56:55
Didn't expect my post to be turned into an article, but cheers.

Nicely edited down too, Ed. I appreciate that can be unintentionally long-winded. :)

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.