13 Sep 2026 14:46:03
Hi all,
Bayern are showing big interest in Florian Wirtz. The player remains committed to finding his footing at Anfield.
On the other side of things, we remain very interested in Olise and are positioning ourselves to be considerable favourites in the event of the Frenchman's departure.
13 Sep 2026 15:13:56
Interesting VG.
I would think Olise would be a 10 here? . Can't see that he fits the profile of a winger in AI's system.
I'm a supporter of Wirtz btw - i think he's one of our better players. Our problems lie elsewhere.
13 Sep 2026 15:31:57
I'd bite their hands off if there is any indication that they would consider a swap deal. And even if they don't, I wouldn't mind selling if the money is right.
13 Sep 2026 15:59:58
Olise is a weapons grade knobhead. Strikes me as the kind of bellend who only wants Madrid next.
13 Sep 2026 16:02:38
More 100m forwards - yes!!!
13 Sep 2026 16:02:54
Are you related to him, VV?
13 Sep 2026 16:16:28
You can tell everything by players post match interviews don't ye know Zed. Cant say anything about the lad on-pitch so he has to be a muppet off it.
13 Sep 2026 16:38:45
Wouldn't mind selling Wirtz and signing Scott as it is.
13 Sep 2026 17:38:28
Selling Wirtz and buying Scott instead would be the worst business idea since the Sony mini disc.
13 Sep 2026 17:55:53
If Wirtz doesn't kick on this season then maybe it's a way out for him. Wirtz out with Olise coming in maybe?
We certainly need someone on the right and Szob can take over Wirtz position with us buying another midfielder more suited to playing further back?
13 Sep 2026 18:11:17
Killed me Zed ?.
13 Sep 2026 18:15:06
Wirtz is a brilliant player but has zero protection players like him need to know if they play a risky ball he will b covered if lost, we will only see best of him if we can get a cdm which can cover for him.
13 Sep 2026 18:41:49
As I have said on here before, if you want the best out of Wirtz you have to build the team around him.
He needs two high energy players in the double pivot who can read the game defensively and give the ball quickly to him.
If we are not prepared to sign these players and give him what he needs, we may as well sell him and play Szoboszlai as the 10.
13 Sep 2026 16:11:47
You seen how he behaves and acts at Bayern, Zed? Weapons grade bellend is being polite, complete and utter Berkshire hunt would be far more appropriate. And if anyone thinks he's choosing us over Madrid, boy are you in for some disappointment. We'd be better off fixing the midfield to give Wirtz a platform to actually perform because ours is an utter s*** show.
13 Sep 2026 16:14:36
Too easy zed ??.
13 Sep 2026 18:48:48
@Red Will, I don't think so. Sometimes, some players no matter how talented they are, just don't suit a particular team. It doesn't mean they are not good or wouldn't do well in other team.
Wirtz in our team might just be one of those cases sad as it may seem. If he doesn't improve considerable this season, I wouldn't mind selling for a good price.
I see Scott doing well in our team. Although, I wouldn't sign him if Wirtz is still here. However, if Wirtz is sold, he is someone I would consider.
Another player I would like is Nmecha from Dortmund.
All said, I still have hope that Wirtz will come good.
13 Sep 2026 19:33:44
The more I think about it the more I would take a swap deal for Wirtz, get a proper DM and let Dom play the 10, solves all our problems in the final 2/3rds. To those saying we need to build a team around Wirtz, EXACTLY, I've no interest in a player who needs a whole new team arond him, what nonsense, the best can do it anywhere, they adapt.
let's see how he gets on this season, if he doe the business, great, if he can't find his feet, he's simply not cut out fpr the Prem.
13 Sep 2026 20:09:24
I really liked the Sony MiniDisc.
13 Sep 2026 21:19:19
Can we interest them in Szobo instead?
I would also like to drop Wirtz to an advanced 8 and have a pressing winger ie Minteh do that 4-4-2 press rather than Wirtz.
Just my thoughts.
14 Sep 2026 08:52:47
I find Olise's interviews quite hilarious actually, I don't think he's being a jerk on purpose, he just seems very shy, introverted and uninterested in the publicity side of things and it comes across the entirely wrong way. Most footballers give rote and robotic answers about 'focusing on the next game' or whatever anyway so they might as well not give interviews at all.
14 Sep 2026 09:28:33
Olise is so strange i sometimes think he is an Alien! ? The one clip where he immitates Harry Kane after a game (just to applause the fans) is so strange i thought that's how Aliens would act, try to immitate us "humans" lol.
14 Sep 2026 10:23:45
When or if you have time, Ed01, would love to hear your updated opinion on Wirtz (sorry if it's already been shared somewhere, just rtfp me).
I'm worried there is some momentum picking up 'round here to throw him under the bus. I remember how excited you (and I, and others) were when he arrived. I'm still a believer.
{Ed001's Note - my opinion is the same - he needs movement around him or he can do nothing. I lost my voice shouting at Isak to make the early run, but he failed to do so against Fulham. I don't understand it, both of his goals last weekend were as a result of an early run in behind, so this weekend he doesn't bother making them. A lot of Wirtz' lost passes are playing the ball for a run but Isak, Szoboszlai etc are just stood waiting instead. It frustrates me as the lack of movement and effort kills us as a team, not just Wirtz role in it.}
14 Sep 2026 10:29:26
Cheers, mate.
{Ed001's Note - very welcome mate.}
14 Sep 2026 10:52:28
IMO Wirtz is twice the player Olise is.
Like others have said . We need to build the team around Wirtz. Players need to be quicker thinking like him. He reads the game and sees passes way quicker than the rest.
And most of the time he's got no support around him and no runners to pass to.
No Olise please!
{Ed025's Note - hmmmm..
14 Sep 2026 11:15:42
Just go and sign a number 6 who is solid in tackles and can get the ball to the forward line with 1-2 touches. Watch the difference it makes to the likes or isak, wirtz, barcola etc.
14 Sep 2026 11:56:12
Spot on Origi. We all knew where we needed to strengthen in midfield and we didn't.
14 Sep 2026 11:02:45
Ed, you're wasting your breathe, man. Anyone that thinks Wirtz is the problem simply is just being lazy, dishonest or does not know what they are watching. It is a witch hunt at this point and can't be arsed.
They want Szobo to play in the no. 10, a guy that barely possesses any of the creative qualities Wirtz possesses and who lacks the vision to spot a pass in the spaces our forwards sun into.
Also, people say "Oh, we won the league with Szobo in the no. 10 role". Great, was he the creative spark in the final third like Wirtz is now? because that was Trent and esp. Macca playing in those creative spaces that Wirtz occupies now. Again, you can tell people don't really watch him.
I pray Wirtz gets benched for Szobo in the no. 10 so we can watch him prove us all right.
14 Sep 2026 12:21:54
Olise is an Edwards laptop signing, not an Andoni one.
This is a non starter.
Wirtz will come good, as Molby has pointed out, when he has the right MF behind him and a player like Minteh to the right.
14 Sep 2026 12:29:54
Is it just me or is Szob part of the problem rather than the solution, Wirtz work rate is great and I noticed several times he was back defending before Szob but everyone seems to be harming Wirtz.
I think Szob is not as good as he thinks he is and needs to improve a lot.
14 Sep 2026 12:34:38
"Oh, we won the league with Szobo in the no. 10 role". Great, was he the creative spark in the final third like Wirtz is now? "
Oli - Wirtz is not a creative spark in the final third for us.
We all want him to do well mate but let's be honest he's barely creating anything.
Fulham game was the first one I've managed to get to anfield for this season and I have to say I'm struggling to see where Wirtz fits in.
Doesn't seem to have the pace or style to be a winger in an Iraola system (like Barcola or Rio or Munoz).
And honestly his impact in the no 10 was so poor. He just isn't having any impact on the game at all. Right now I'd describe him as a poor Phil Foden - few nice touches and flicks and clearly technically excellent but no meaningful impact on the game.
I think there's a player in there and I'd love him to come good but I'm losing faith honestly.
His only saving grace, was Szob played one of his worst games on Saturday (moaning, throwing his arms up, not coming to meet passes, turning the ball over, committing fouls).
What I would say is Szob was playing so deep on Saturday, almost between the centre backs in the first half, and that just does not suit him at all IMO. It shackles him and takes away his athleticism and pressing. I assume Iraola thought it would allow his long range passing to be effective against a low block Fulham side but it didn't work out.
I'm not #Wirtz out but I would like to see us try a lineup with him out of it and see how it works because the Fulham game was as poor as I have seen us play.
On a positive note, Munoz worked very hard and looks like he could be a good signing for us.
{Ed025's Note - Munoz does work hard NK, but have you ever seen a chicken without a head mate?.. :)
14 Sep 2026 13:32:37
OliRed, but you said the problem was Slot last season. It was 'all on him'.
He's gone but what's the difference for Wirtz?
Wirtz isn't the only problem just as Slot wasn't the only problem but you are accusing posters of what you regularly do.
14 Sep 2026 13:53:34
Olive looks good in the dominant team in a farmer's league.
Like @Vik, I know nothing about the bloke, never having met him, so can't comment upon his character but from what I've seen he looks good in a poor league. I'm not sure that he would solve our, perceived, issue with the RW position.
14 Sep 2026 15:07:17
I'm a fan of Wirtz, skilful, high energy. I'm sure Andoni loves him.
I would actually play Szobo on the right wing, I said it when we signed him and wondered if he might one day 'replace' Salah there. Why not? He has pace, he has work rate, he has an incredible shot on him, he can cross, he can beat a man, he can even help RB out.
So my front 4 would be :
Barcola LW
Wirtz : 10
Szobo : RW
Isak : ST
MacA and Grav in midfield as 'double pivot'.
14 Sep 2026 15:28:30
There is no witch hunt whatsoever when it comes to Wirtz. Every LFC fan is desperate for him to be a huge star for us. But just like you make it sound like there are fans that can't see any good in Wirtz and are blind or worse dishonest, there are also fans who just won't accept any slight criticism of him the way all the other players get.
its always excuse after excuse. Everyone else's fault. He can't be exempt from that. Lets hope he starts smashing it and everyone moves on to the next poor bugger on the list?.
14 Sep 2026 15:31:39
You're crazy if you're thinking of selling Wirtz. Olise would be the best Salah replacement we could get.
14 Sep 2026 16:13:32
What Rigsby said. Some of the tosh that posters come out with, making excuses for Wirtz. Top quality players grab the game by the scruff of the neck and make things happen. I've watched Wirtz for over a year and up till now he hasn't shown me he's one of those players.
He's got the rest of this season to prove that he's not been a complete and utter waste of money.
14 Sep 2026 17:18:24
Wirtz should be going nowhere, we should be building the team around him.
Szobo, offers little but the off set piece and running around aimlessly. I think there's a player in there but I'm not sure his ego can take what the team needs from him. His engine is washed when he runs aimlessly, he opens up passing lanes for the opposition, he spent most of the previous game fouling as he's out of position.
Macca has shocked me, he's been the closest thing to what we need, his legs may be gone but he has the intelligence to position himself preferably.
Give me Scott and/or Wharton and the team will be fine.
We're wasting Wirtz having him cover szobo and gravy's mistakes yet Wirtz seems to catch the flack. Pointless having Wirtz, Barcola and isak when the former two are spending so much time in our half that isak is left isolated.
{Ed025's Note - come on Jerry, what has Wirtz done up to now to think you should build a team around him mate?..
14 Sep 2026 17:31:54
And yet more excuses. Szoboszlai doesn't escape my criticism, either, but I don't read posters making excuses for him, or Mac Allister.
14 Sep 2026 18:53:36
Once the price tag is over £100m you get immunity from critical review. It's fanboy law.
14 Sep 2026 19:29:20
Isak didn't. And you can be sure Barcola won't get away with a year of average performances before he starts getting slaughtered.
14 Sep 2026 20:54:27
But Wirtz is getting slaughtered just not by all. He has so far failed to show the player we bought except in a period last season before he got injured. He looks bereft of confidence to me. When you pay that money you want someone with the resilience and confidence to show what they can do not a shrinking violet. Its sad. I watched him at leverkusen pick the ball up and nutmeg players and jink and play through balls and score. I want to see that again.
I do think its hard to have that confidence when you know if you lose the ball there's a gaping space behind you that often just let's counter attacks through and I do feel if he had some protection behind him he would feel more secure to try things. he's still young and he's still got ability i just hope he can start showing it. I've never wanted a signing to do as well as I want Wirtz to because when he's confident he's a joy to watch. Come on Flo.
14 Sep 2026 21:36:23
Unbelievable that Isak, Szoboszlai etc are not doing the basics: pass and move. But it's all Wirtz fault.
Sorry but the quality of today's players currently wearing red is at a worrying phase if we are having to teach them how to perform
the basics of football! In Fagan's immortal words to Souness: we spent all this money on you and you want us to tell you how to play football?
14 Sep 2026 21:51:37
When it was Ekitike up top and Dom was having a fine season were Wirtz's performances any better?
14 Sep 2026 23:52:05
I don't quite get the call to build our team around Wirtz when he has been playing this poorly.
The team will naturally be built around a player that's showing consistent high level performance week in, week out.
I think there have been too many excuses for Wirtz because we all want him to do well and don't want to believe he could be a flop for us.
I personally want Wirtz to do well. I seriously do. However, if you are going to cost a £100m then you should be doing much more.
Dom, Grav, Macca, didn't cost that much so maybe that's why I am not as disappointed in them.
Isak had the nasty injury and came without a proper preseason while Barcola has just arrived. So I guess that's the reason my focus has been much more on Wirtz.
15 Sep 2026 03:27:18
I think fans want Wirtz to be successful. I'm no different but that's the weight of having a heavy price tag. While he is a very skillful player, it does seem like either he is not that suited to the prem league or the managers (Slot & Iraola) does not know how to use him correctly. I think with Iraola, there is still hope because we're just a few games into the new season.
But the time is ticking, Wirtz will need to improve significantly otherwise he might actually be sold next summer. Sometimes its neither the fault of the player or the manager, if it doesn't work, it doesn't work. If only things were so easy where you just buy any player and he will fit right in, then there won't be issues. Isak has not shown his true potential too. I think they need a bit more time under Iroala to truly shine.
15 Sep 2026 05:48:24
So we should build the team around Araujo then @nigerred?
15 Sep 2026 07:15:22
Bayern are the most realistic option for him, he'd do well there. If we get close to £90m offered, and his numbers haven't improved, I can't see how we'd not accept that next summer.
15 Sep 2026 07:34:32
I'd get Rayan instead of Olise but Camara is the dream buy, and sell Grav.
15 Sep 2026 08:13:34
@WDW the manager should be looking to build a working system. It does not have to be around any player at this point.
I would expect the players to be flexible and discipline enough to adapt to the system. If you are not good enough or too lazy to adapt then you may as well be dropped or sold.
15 Sep 2026 10:23:43
The arrogance of Oli to think that he is right and anyone else is being dishonest or don't know what they're watching ?.
15 Sep 2026 13:44:31
Hi Ed, couldn't agree more on the lack of runs in behind. i was at the game Saturday and it was infuriating to watch! it wasn't just Isak, I cannot think of a time where someone tried to run in behind to stretch them unless it was a hopeful long ball from allison.
its unfair on Wirtz at times as they expecting him to find someone but no one is making the runs!
15 Sep 2026 20:17:35
He has had a couple of good substitute appearances. That's it.
As a reward he is rotated in to a struggling side every game and he is out of his depth. Bags of potential but there is so much pressure on him its not doing him or the team any good.
Nyoni is another who adds nothing and looks totally out of his depth.
{Ed666's Note - now Nyoni I wouldn’t sell. I think he’s got a massive part to play this season.
16 Sep 2026 00:15:08
I'm a bit confused as to people's expectations of Wirtz. As I've said on here he is the best instinctive footballer we have in our squad by a miles. The trouble is for him to plat our striker has to be on the move half a second before the defence does - if the CF is. Step ahead of the defence I'd put my house on Wirtz playing the ball to set up the chance for the CF.
Isak, in patches, seems to be getting the idea and I think AI can see what the two of them can do. Personally Iam waiting for a fully fit Eki playing the CF role with Wirtz providing the passes as I think. Eki is a bit more 'tuned in' than Isak.
However, the main issue impact Wirtz's effectiveness are the two that are sitting in behind him. We have 4 choices Grav, Szob, Macca and Trey. Grav lacks discipline and oftentimes goes wandering off both physically and mentally and Szob just isn't effective in the role. To me, the preferable solution would be Trey who, as @Ed666 is saying, can be an excellent player for the club for years to come and Macca, who seems to have found his 'taking it seriously' head again so far this season. I'd play Szob on the right if the 3 - in some respects it harks back fo Stevie G who would have been great as a right sided mid but wanted to play central.
I'd go:
Ali
Araujo, Jacquet, VVD, Kerkez
Nyoni, Macca
Dom, Wirtz, Barcola
Isak
I see Ndukwe played for Levante the other day which rakes him over the threshold for his UK work permit.
I'd have him back from his loan in January on the first plane from Spain and, if you add Bradley, Leoni and Eki coming back and Camara as a purchase I think we will see not just the best of Wirtz, but the best of a very good team.
{Ed666's Note - I think you won’t see the anything like the best of Leoni, Ekitike & Bradley this season.