04 Apr 2024 12:27:58
Hi Ed02,
Thanks for your posts recently on the potential new manager topic. Are you able to briefly summarise the key targets Liverpool are looking at for the summer. Just the key positions I imagine we are looking at - CB, LB, RW and possibly DM?
Thanks
Hessle Red.
{Ed002's Note - Right now it is difficult as the targets have been identified by Hunter, Klopp and Fallows and that could make it tough for any new manager/coach joining. Amorim plays a different formation to Klopp so he would have his own ideas about CBs as an example. We now that Nagelsmann has expressed concern that the transfer approach at Liverpool may not suit him - so he would perhaps need some convincing.
Need to sort out the GK situation, add a CB to replace Matip (do you go for an up and coming Dean Huijsen or pay a huge fee for Inacio?), sort out a contract for Alexander Arnold and look to replace Salah who is still likely to leave. They need to make up their minds about adding either an out and out DM (like Andre Trindade) or a more versatile CM/DM player (like Thuram or Morten Frendrup).}
04 Apr 2024 13:36:24
He ED02,
Is there any situation Salah stays for a further season? Or has that boat sailed?
Is Amorim in your view (won’t hold you to it) the most likely successor to Klopp?
Also why has TAAs contract been allowed to run down so much? I get Steve McManaman and Micky Owen vibes….
{Ed002's Note - Salah could potentially run his contract down but I think that unlikely.
Ruben Amorim seems the most likely but there is interest in him from elsewhere.
I don't know why a contract offer is yet to be made.}
04 Apr 2024 14:19:16
This is probably putting two and two together, but with Bradley excelling and showing he has what it takes to be a top class right back, maybe they’re considering cashing in and using the money for the incoming manager to spend.
04 Apr 2024 14:38:36
Thanks Ed2, appreciate all the info as always.
I think Amorim would be my preferred choice but let’s see what happens in the next couple of months.
Hessle Red.
04 Apr 2024 14:46:40
Hi Ed002, I've seen you mention a few times that we're looking for either a CDM or a versatile CDM/ CM, and I just wanted to see if you personally think we actually need an extra player there? Because I feel like our midfield is pretty stacked at the moment.
In CDM we have Endo and a returning Baj to compete for a place, with Macca already proving he can provide very strong cover if needed. Then James McConnell has looked a good prospect whenever he's played and I don't think Tyler Morton would worry me if he played a few games there, even if I imagine he may well want more playing time and leave on loan/ permanently.
Then for CM we have Macca, Szoboszlai, Jones, Gravenberch, Elliott and Clark. This is all before we even start the debate about potentially moving Trent into midfield, whether that be as a CDM/ CM (it's CM for me! ) .
So that's 8 bona fide 1st team players and 3 young players on the cusp of being 1st team to cover what is likely 3 positions. I know there was a bit of overlap between the two positions and maybe the new manager will see some of these players differently (Szobo for example as more of an attacker), but I don't really see the need to add anyone unless one or two of the 1st team players get sold (which I can't see happening) and/ or a lot of the young ones go out on loan. So I'd be interested to hear your thoughts if that's okay!
{Ed002's Note - I think it is a valid point but the club has continued to look to add in that position and have been continuing to scout players in both positions.}
04 Apr 2024 15:18:17
There is no world where I see us looking to "Cash in" on Trent. The only way I can see this is if he refuses a new contract. Trent must be kept if at all possible.
04 Apr 2024 15:56:20
Or maybe trent and the club have just decided to wait till a very important season is over to sort it out.
04 Apr 2024 15:59:31
I’ve said it before I think szoboslai is more suited to replace salah than most . And if Amorim comes in and goes 343 he would need to be wide right as Bradley/ trent are tailor made for the right wing back roles
A double pivot of bajetic and macallister does on paper at least have all the earmarks of such a good pairing .
I’m so relaxed about the next man in the door and who we buy because I genuinely believe we have a really close to complete squad that could be together as a group for another 3/ 4 years without any serious surgery like we had to do on the midfield this summer hopefully that will never happen again and all areas are refreshed as and when needed and not left til they fall off a cliff like last season .
04 Apr 2024 16:09:11
Timmer, great points. I think you're bang on with what you're saying and how you are looking at the squad.
I think focus in the transfer market will be on the backline and possibly GK. GK is dependent on Kelleher, as I really hope he stays on as the heir to Alisson but I understand if he's getting impatient and wants to be the main man somewhere next year. He's an outstanding keeper and should be leading a CL caliber squad somewhere.
The defense is dependent on the manager. There's definitely some urgency to getting the manager sorted ASAP as that uncertainty is holding up our ability to do smart business in the transfer market. Should that search get delayed, we'll be in a tough spot. It's hard to sell an uncertain situation to a new player who should be protective of their career. I do think there's a need for a left sided CB who can also play in a back 3. I also think there's a need for a guy who can play as a left sided wing back.
Midfield looks really good. The attack also looks good. I think any business is dependent on a surprise departure. I'm not convinced Salah is going to leave. Every year we hear of rumblings, but he's still playing at such a high level, not sure I see him wanting to walk away from the CL yet. I don't think the timing is right for Saudi. Perhaps summer of 2025, but honestly, who knows with him.
04 Apr 2024 16:12:30
Dhfc, agree on Szoboszlai. He flourishes further forward for Hungary.
Also worth noting that Amorim normally has one of the back 3 step out into the midfield at times, and Bajcetic originally came to us as a young CB I believe, so he could even be tailor made for that particular role? I think ever since Bradley's rise, we've been destined to eventually see a Trent/ Macca midfield at some point, so Bajcetic might need to find another niche if he wants to be a regular starter as in Trent and Macca you have 2 absolutely elite level distributors of the ball.
Our squad is so rich with young talent that it's extremely malleable for the next manager to put his stamp on it without having to go crazy in the market.
04 Apr 2024 16:55:03
@mk
The club is in great shape going forward .
Been watching more and more youth football and I really don’t think it will be long until Jayden danns joins the conversations as he is a real stand out in his age group
He reminds me of Harry Kane the way he plays . Just brilliant holding the ball up and with his back to goal but deadly in front of goal .
04 Apr 2024 16:59:33
Hard to guess when we don't know who'll be the manager, what formation they'll play and who'll move on. Who would you bring in personally Ed? let's say one defender one midfielder one forward.
{Ed002's Note - Simply for me, Dean Huijsen offers up a reasonably priced option with significant potential, but free agent Tosin Adarabioyo offersan interesting option - but mauny clubs are looking to hom. Archie Gray has huge potential but is perhapes being over hyped, maybe Liverpool should look to Ezequiel Fernandez but there is interest from elsewhere. As a forward goes we have to look at Salah moving on and Pedro Neto will be on the minds of many. Donyell Malen may be an option but for me perhaps a fight for Marcus Edwards.
05 Apr 2024 08:29:30
Ed002 I must say, I do not like the sound of any of those suggestions.
05 Apr 2024 12:25:08
I wonder why Mo is ready to leave, does he feel his powers are waning and that its time to make the most of the Saudi cash, and to preserve his knees?
Perhaps he doesn't want to be rotated.
At least Edwards would work a sizeable fee for him with contract remaining.
05 Apr 2024 13:00:52
Florian Wirtz for me all day.
05 Apr 2024 17:17:23
@centrepoint, I think it's more a case of Mo being on the downslope and making sure LFC maximize his value to be able to reinforced the team for the long term. It's all business - by low, sell high and all that.