Liverpool Rumours Archive August 16 2020

16 Aug 2020 14:10:39
Ed002. I remember LFC signing an experienced player like Gary McCallister and he had quite an impact. I think an experienced and talented footballer like Thiago can add that composure and guile needed for LFC as reigning champions. Don't see it as a bad signing at all and could be the signing that strengthens an already strong midfield.

{Ed002's Note - It is not a bad signing at all, the concern there is, including some folks at Liverpool, relates to age, resale, value, cosT and his injury history. The issue about whether or not he fits in to the system Liverpool play has been raised.}

16 Aug 2020 15:33:27
Thiago could allow Gini to play further forward and put pressure on the attacking MF's, which could be like getting another new player. Naby and Ox need to serve up much better seasons this coming one and maybe Thiago will be the catalyst that propels them all to new heights.

{Ed0666's Note - I just can’t see all those midfielders staying if Thiago arrives. Somethings got to give.

16 Aug 2020 16:02:44
That would mean Gini has stated he wants one last big move and therefore has to be sold now, right? Can't see who else could be leaving .

16 Aug 2020 16:43:10
Since it is in the context of Thiago coming in, I'd say Wijnaldum, Shaqiri, Keita, and Ox are all moveable. Ox much less so, simply because he's home grown and that's a persistant issue.

But I would first place more importance on moving on the likes of Wilson, Ojo, Grujik and Woodburn before touching any of the starters. I see no benefit in keeping players for loan purposes over 2-3 years or more. You also have to start and clear the pathways for the next generation coming in; many of whom have signed new contracts and aspire to get into the first team.

16 Aug 2020 17:50:08
If a big offer came in for the ox it could be worth it .

16 Aug 2020 18:12:53
If I was a betting man I'd say Gini is going.

{Ed002's Note - Money needs to be raised to buy the likes of Thiago.}

16 Aug 2020 19:00:46
I think it would be a great buy. There are times when the system needs to change in the middle, so to have the option to have 2 of fab, hendo and Thiago as the deeper playmakers, I’m all for it. I think if Gini doesn’t sign a new contract, he will go the same way as emre and have limited game time. Also people going on about his age, let’s not forget he’s a year younger than hendo and 15 years younger than Millie.

If it’s in the region of £25m, great buy.

16 Aug 2020 21:26:23
15 years younger than Milner? You must be getting Priti Patel to do your maths for you, Swifbert.

16 Aug 2020 21:19:38
Would the money from the sale of Gini not go towards the purchase of Thiago Ed002?

{Ed002's Note - I expect money from all sales less about 25% to go in to the transfer pot.}

16 Aug 2020 22:18:42
Ox's injuries aside I think he has been brilliant for us and added a good option if he regains full fitness he could push for a start kieta I really wish he would be the player we all know he can be. if he comes good and matures a bit he can be as good as a new player
Shaq unfortunately doesn't look like he will get much game time seems a nice guy just doesn't seem to fit
If gini goes i wish him the best.

16 Aug 2020 22:24:22
I'd be gutted if Gini left now; he is so important for our possession game. Surely a younger CAM would make more sense?

16 Aug 2020 22:28:19
Thiago couldn’t lace Gary macs boots.

{Ed0666's Note - I’m sure Thiago is intelligent enough to tie shoelaces Pete.

17 Aug 2020 09:40:33
Thiago couldn’t lace Gary Macs boots? Come on, I loved Gary Mac but Thiago is a far superior footballer.

17 Aug 2020 10:05:59
Comparing thiago and Gary Mac is silly, completely different IMO. couple of sales of fringe players should be enough to secure funds for Thiago. Would be a great addition and would improve our midfield no end. I hope it gets done. His passing ability is second to none.

17 Aug 2020 11:16:12
If there was ever a case of right player, at the right time at the right club i can't think of one.

17 Aug 2020 14:13:16
Maybe look to sign Velcro and stop worrying about shoelaces.

17 Aug 2020 15:10:16
Let's say we do buy Thiago, our first team midfield would consist of

Thiago
Fabinio
Henderson
Milner
Gini
Ox
Keita
Jones

8 players fighting for 3 positions, as ed0666 pointed out, I think at least 1 person has to leave for us to sign Thiago. I do think we need someone with a bit more creativity in the middle of the park but would I swap any of our current midfield for Thiago? I would say no, wait another year and buy someone younger. Sell the likes of Milner/ Gini next summer and refresh things then.

Is it possible Klopp wants Ox to play further forward on more often when Salah/ Mane aren't playing? I could understand the need for someone like Thiago then, but even then we're well stacked in midfield. If we have £30 million to spend I'd rather see us buy a versatile forward to challenge the front 3. Or a centre back to challenge Gomez and cover for big Virg. Thiago would be a marquee signing we haven't had for a while but one I really don't think we need at the moment.

17 Aug 2020 15:53:00
Thiago will NOT be joining Liverpool. The club has been clear speaking to the Echo that we are not in for him. I do not recall any other recent case where the club has denied any interest but then turn around and sign the player. I believe that all the news is coming from BM who is trying to push other clubs such as the two Manchester teams to act.

17 Aug 2020 17:50:48
You really believe Liverpool spoke to the echo to tell them we are not signing Thiago?

17 Aug 2020 18:21:09
I believe that the Echo has an official access to the club. The latter uses the Echo to "leak" information to the public. I would be surprised if the club is knowingly misleading the Echo as it would impact the newspaper credibility which the club needs to maintain.

In one of the latest article, the Echo has stated. "we have spoken to the club and we were told that Liverpool is not actively pursuing Thiago". This seems to indicate that the Echo is using the formal channel with LFC.

PS: One could possibly interpret the meaning of "active" to mean that the club likes the player if terms were to change down the road.

17 Aug 2020 18:21:47
PowerLFC, the Echo knows nowt mate.

17 Aug 2020 18:39:21
Smoke and mirrors and proper transfer dealing has been the name of the game since FSG put our house in order so who knows. Personally i think that if a world class MF is available and wants to join, the club would be open to breaking the usual MO if its going to improve our side. The fact that he had more touches, played more passes and had a 96% pass success rate v FCB tells us all we need to know about this guys quality.

17 Aug 2020 19:24:54
Just to be clear. I would be delighted if we signed Thiago. Similarly to most LFC fans I hope that we sign him.

One way to rationalize the purchase would be if Thiago was the only buy this window:
- center half: addition of Thiago would allow Fabinho to rotate when required
- wide option: addition if Thiago would allow Gini to play forward, a position he is familiar with (NL, PSV)

16 Aug 2020 01:47:22
ED002

Hope you're well!

A year or so ago you mentioned Liverpool were looking at Cornet in replace of Shaqiri.
Is there still interest there?

If Liverpool were to sell Shaqiri this market can you please give us an insight into the players that Liverpool have shown interested in and if any recent talks have occurred?
I know we have Harvey Elliot who is 17yrs old but he is still young and I wouldn't expect him to get more than 5 epl games this season and will be used in the Caraboa cup and FA cup to continue to grow and develop.

Much appreciated.

{Ed002's Note - Liverpool were keen on Cornet last year and spoke with his agent. I would not expect that interest to be followed up this year.

As for Shaqiri, I am not sure there are any differences to what has been said before but Milot Rashica is available and well priced. Liverpool have looked at him and he would, to me, be a very good option. Priced out of Dembele who the enquired after, Doku might be a reasonable option still Ismaila Sarr (RW) keeps coming up and has had a disrupted season after moving from Rennes and might become available with Watford being relegated and Wolves have enquired after him - wanting to be kept informed just in case Adama Traore is sold. Crystal Palace have him on their list of potential Wilfried Zaha replacements but he is not their first choice but they could turn to him if their first choice heads elsewhere. It has been suggested that Liverpool are interested but whilst he would make a good replacement for Shaqiri but (a) would Sarr want to limit his playing time to that which Shaqiri gets, (b) he is not Home Grown, (c) he would block Harvey Elliott's progression, (d) he would cost €£40M or thereabouts, and (e) like the last few players asked about, would depart for AFCON when it happens as he is Senegalese. I am not aware of any approach to Watford but the club may have spoken with his agent.}

16 Aug 2020 09:23:44
Ed, why does nobody want Shaq? Can you see him being here next season?

{Ed002's Note - Sevilla wanted him and he could have been used as part of a deal for Diego Carlos but nothing happed and that opportunity has gone. Liverpool have rejected a loan to buy offer from Roma and that opportunity has now gone. The feedback. As with other players Liverpool want to sell, if the financial expectations are too high then clubs will drop their interest and move on.}

16 Aug 2020 11:27:46
Well Eds, let's hope Liverpool go in for Rishca! Sounds like a good deal.

Thanks for the update. If we did go for Cornet, we should go for Dembele too as he loves scoring against city!

{Ed002's Note - Liverpool would need significant sales to do that unfortunately.}

16 Aug 2020 11:45:13
No doubt Eds, are Liverpool asking for more than £20 mil for Wilson? I think £20 mil is the most they could expect for him, likely take a bit lower.