Liverpool banter 3

08 Jun 2026 19:24:05
Hi all

I think the younger man showing Iraola around the AXA was this Woodfine fella?!

08 Jun 2026 20:24:11
Just watched it on YouTube, you can't help but love Adoni, he was genuinely in awe and looked so excited by everything.

This bloke is going to be great.

08 Jun 2026 20:25:55
Gakpo just scored a penalty for Netherlands.

08 Jun 2026 20:29:32
I believe it was Diogo.

08 Jun 2026 21:04:36
I heard something Iraola smoking Woodbines, or maybe I misheard?

08 Jun 2026 18:21:47
So Ed, let's try this again: can we have a poll. "Should Liverpool take Darwin back on a free? " We could keep it simple and go w Yes/No or we could add some emotion to it and also add "No brainer" and "Not on your Nelly."

{Ed033's Note -


Darwin poll

08 Jun 2026 19:15:44
Well played RF. ?

08 Jun 2026 19:42:59
Finally, a poll we can all actually participate in.

08 Jun 2026 19:57:28
Thx, Barry. I downed a full bottle of red last night, so wasn't on my game! No hangover tho, which is amazing!

08 Jun 2026 19:57:54
Ha ? Or!

08 Jun 2026 19:00:59
Fair play lots of votes in favour of Darwin.

Not sure if this will affect ""Doni's"", "Ricky H"", Micky Ed's"" or "Wardy Wards"" transfer strategy.

08 Jun 2026 20:21:10
It would be a great story arc for him to return and do well. I wouldn't mind it on a free but if he didn't produce before I can't see him doing it now.

08 Jun 2026 20:26:00
Not free though unless he's playing for nowt.

08 Jun 2026 20:47:20
That's a good effort, Redflyer. What were you drinking.

08 Jun 2026 20:53:00
If it was on cheap wages and free, I'd take him, but think it's one of those, he was moved on for a reason. Although, in saying that, his heart and drive would have helped at least last season, but he also might have got frustrated and got sent off a few times chasing shadows.

08 Jun 2026 21:05:38
We'd save fortune on new shovels and cow's arses if he rejoined.

08 Jun 2026 22:18:07
My standard go-to, Vik! It's a red, ironically called "The Pessimist"!! ? I always say we have a choice in life as we age: we become red wine or vinegar! I always strive to be a low grade tolerable red!! ?

09 Jun 2026 01:06:17
Let's look at who was managing us when we got rid, he wasn't given barely any opportunity to play, and he looks like a confidence player, and we have seen how AS's lack in the department has affected those not so emotionally charged as Nunez.

09 Jun 2026 02:45:51
He is poor at best, couldn't hit a barn door from 5 yards, consistently spat his dummy when things didn't go his way, failed in the farmers league in the KSA and has no other takers right now.
Exactly what is your obsession with the guy, it's unhealthy lad see your GP!!!

{Ed001's Note - consistently spat his dummy? He had one sulk, that is hyperbole to suggest otherwise.}

09 Jun 2026 08:18:07
Bring back the chaos, imo. The havoc he caused unsettled defences which led to chances. Unfortunately, most of the chances fell to him. I've got a puppy just like him. She's as thick as 2 short planks, clumsy, and doesn't know her arse from her elbow....

but she is loyal, strong and fast. Every now and then she does something amazing. Then she gets a rub on the head. "Good girl Dottie".

09 Jun 2026 09:28:13
Ed01, you do know that we are in the "Hyperbole" business, right?

08 Jun 2026 16:14:46
Hi, sorry if this has been done. Is the talk of Nunez coming back rubbish? Thanks.

08 Jun 2026 16:42:16
We all hope it's not rubbish, Vansixtwo. We are crying out for a forward who has no comprehension as to the offside rule, in addition to not being able to hit a cow's arse with a banjo.

Not forgetting a propensity to down tools and sulk like a schoolboy, when the coach brings him on in the 2nd half of a game. We would be crraaaazy to pass up an opportunity to have all that again.

08 Jun 2026 16:49:18
He's too quick for our team. Doesn't cost enough either.

We want slow players that can't run and are over £100m.

08 Jun 2026 17:44:35
Comedy genius, accept Isak is very quick and so is Diomande - if we get him. Wirtz's brain is quicker than most, which gives him the edge.

08 Jun 2026 18:13:54
Alright Ed; where's this poll?! Nunez yes or no! ?

{Ed033's Note - Polls are started on new threads, not replies.

08 Jun 2026 18:30:10
Wouldn't be my first choice but if the club brings him back he'll get my full support (and frustrations) like the first time round.

08 Jun 2026 18:30:17
3 months of 'Is Nunez coming back', 'Would you take Nunez back', going to be a long slog for you Ed's

08 Jun 2026 19:03:38
Hey Rome, I don't think we were in a sulk in the game in question. He had missed a sitter, and then subsequently gave up on a run when he could have pressed the keeper for the ball.

He was just mentally shot. I thought Slot was wrong to criticise him afterwards, as it was clear that the lad was losing all self belief, and needed an arm around his shoulder.



We do need cover upfront, and he does offer something off the bench (as long as he is not on huge wages).

08 Jun 2026 19:27:24
Plus, let's not forget that selling him for £50+m and getting him for free the season after is financial s***housery that Real Madrid would be proud of, should take the sting out of the long list of players we apparently shouldn't have let go for free a wee bit.

08 Jun 2026 19:48:19
If Iraola wants him and thinks he can work with him, what's anyone gonna do about that?

For me, if this is legit and the manager wants him, then I can see why. If we don't want him due to past experiences, then I can also see why.

08 Jun 2026 20:00:34
Ollie, I have a ladder if you'd like to climb up onto the fence! ?????

08 Jun 2026 20:02:18
Always off side and can't score. Nunez Nunez Nunez... No thanks!

09 Jun 2026 00:52:03
Returning for no transfer fee would help with expectations.

He'd essentially return as a potential for cult figure status.

I'd take Darwin back for sure.

09 Jun 2026 09:30:27
@Flyer, It is all about seeing both sides of the matter, which is legit. Not all fences are created equal, hence I'm not sitting on this one.

08 Jun 2026 16:07:42
Divock Origi has announced his retirement from football.

08 Jun 2026 16:30:34
Absolute Anfield cult!

Forever immortalised by that night in 2019!

Enjoy your retirement, Divock. Hope to see you in a Legends game in the future (if you can be arsed, lol!)

08 Jun 2026 18:21:20
Pretty sure he retired 4 years ago, he just forgot to announce it.

Enjoy retirement, Sir Divock.

08 Jun 2026 20:35:22
YNWA Big Div. ??

08 Jun 2026 21:31:40
Derek Original, we salute you, sahr!

08 Jun 2026 22:27:43
Big Div.!!! All the best and thank you.

08 Jun 2026 16:04:36
The club have put Iraola's first day on YouTube now. Just watched it and I am all in on the guy. Wanted him since last year. The look of awe on his face in the stadium and what it can bring to his teams was key. The guy showing him around, I think, will be the new DoF and is Hughes' understudy.

Told Iraola about two rooms, one is for the youth and one is for the first team, so even though they can train with the senior side they must earn the right to be in the main squad. Could see the smile on Iraola's face. Check it out.

09 Jun 2026 00:53:36
If it turns t*ts up, it'll be kinda funny to go back to re-watch that video and realize that it was all a bit too big for him. :D

07 Jun 2026 14:09:03
Ed1 - I understand Salah contract was until next year. Have we allowed to let him go for free or we will be getting a fee for him?

{Ed001's Note - free.}

08 Jun 2026 15:36:33
Hey Ed001, I thought we had paid out the final year of his contract, but I saw you allude to the fact that both parties agreed to part ways with no further monies being paid in an answer over the weekend.

Is it the latter?

{Ed001's Note - Mo is not being paid up, not sure what the full arrangement is but Mo has defo left a lot of money on the table. It might be the full year but I am not 100% certain.}

08 Jun 2026 16:17:12
Ah, that does change things! Thanks Ed001

08 Jun 2026 16:42:33
I always thought that was the agreement that he is not in receipt of the final year of the contract thus releasing £18m from our annual wage bill next year.

08 Jun 2026 12:38:31
With Palace now rumoured to want near 100m for Wharton, it's time to ditch that deal. Far better value on the continent.
I personally believe we will move for Alex Scott. Apparently he's stalling on a new deal and we have been scouting him and was going to bid for him whilst he was at Bristol.

Bournemouth want £60m. He's also not at the World Cup, so can link straight up with Iraola and understands his system and tactics.

Continental options include:
Lamine Camara - Monaco
Sangare - RC Lens
Stiller - Stuttgart.

08 Jun 2026 12:57:46
If Wharton is 100mil, then add a bit more and we can get Anderson, who is much better anyway. He can play attacking or defensive midfield. Diomande is already in the bag. Then add an RB, and I think we have enough options in the squad to see us through until the next window.

I expect Gakpo to improve this season, and with him and Rio on the left, I don't see the need to spend there unnecessarily. Maybe seek another CB and a ST, and we're done.

08 Jun 2026 13:03:14
100m? Hard pass. No thanks. He's not the answer to our midfield dilemma anyway.

08 Jun 2026 13:33:57
I think Wharton is the kind of player we need, people saying he doesn't suit Iraola, I'm not sure why folks would think that? Iraola's teams relied a lot on having a playmaker (often a center back, like Huijsen or Senesi) who could pick a pass upfield from deep. We need a player who can get us from our box to their box in the fastest way possible, and Wharton is a passer who makes progressive decisions very quickly, he knows what play to make before he has received the ball, and he has the range of passing to make it. Like I have said before, he replaces Trent's role in the team.

Crystal Palace were one of the fastest and most direct teams in the prem last year (which seems intuitive given they were pretty much a counter-attacking team), and Wharton was central to that directness and speed.

Now it doesn't absolutely have to be Wharton, but he has proven he can do it in the prem. We could either get a center half who can reliably do that, a full back who can invert and do that, or a deep midfielder who can execute, though I can't think of another midfielder who does that capably off the top of my head other than Stiller at Stuttgart.

08 Jun 2026 14:01:31
Whatever you think of him, Patrick (Wharton), surely 100 million £ kills any deal for him considering how much we need to do in the market? Last summer, Wharton was highly rated, but his stock has dropped. How Palace think 100 million £ is fair is mind-boggling. Let's try for Baleba instead, if that's even a thing!

08 Jun 2026 14:15:04
Ultimately, Wharton would be a very deliberate commitment to bring his Trent-like ability to make any pass you could dream of. And, if we want to do it, then we would need to make sure the rb is a physical beast like Kayode and that we have a midfielder like Camara next to him to do some of his running.

Wharton's ability to drop the ball anywhere he wants is a cheat code, and if we want it in the team, we have to build around it.

Otherwise, we should be looking for right backs and centrebacks that can progress the ball instead eg Palestra, Porro, Huijsen, Schlotterbeck.

08 Jun 2026 14:16:15
PB, the whole PL-proven stuff is becoming tired and boring now cos you can be PL-proven while at the same time, being PL-proven at not being the guy we need.

I don't rate Wharton if we are gonna play a mobile midfield with the high octane press. He is not mobile and does not get around the pitch enuff in the system we will be playing, cos Palace don't play that system.

We have never seen him play that role, and he is pretty slow, and when he gets pressed, he coughs up the ball.

And I have not even begun to address the foolishness that is 100m tag that Palace want. They can demand whatever they want, and that's fine but we don't need him nor his type in Doni's system, IMO.

08 Jun 2026 14:39:36
Who's Doni? Just asking.

08 Jun 2026 14:48:32
Her first name is Anne Rome.

Friends with Sarah that Guy reported was leaving.

08 Jun 2026 15:11:26
Cheers, RedQ. Oh, how I miss Sarah. I think we all do, in our different ways. I put to her collection, you know. I hope she goes on to make people as happy as she made me.

08 Jun 2026 15:13:05
Rome, "Doni" as in, Andoni. Try to keep up mate, lol.

08 Jun 2026 15:21:37
It's true that Wharton gets a lot of protection because Palace don't press from the front and he is closer to both the forward and back lines. His lack of mobility is a problem. But our lack of a specialist passer from deeper areas is a very big problem, and was one of the biggest reasons why we couldn't get the ball to players like Wirtz and Ekitike in advanced areas quickly. If we are going to play at the speed that Iraola is famed for, we need players who can reliably play risky forward passes with confidence and accuracy.

FPF, I am thinking the same as you, and the list of players you have provided is pretty much spot on in terms of who might be available to fill the role.

I haven't seen much of Palestra and always thought he was a carry-first kind of full back, but possibly my impressions are wrong. Porro is kind of like a budget rack Trent, and worse defensively, but I guess he could be a decent shout. I'd love to have Schlotterbeck, I think he is athletic and mobile for a big guy who's good in the air, he isn't slow like Van Hecke, and his passing from the center half position is a sight to behold. I suspect we aren't interested in him, though.

08 Jun 2026 15:56:26
Wharton has to come with another 6.

I'd scrap all of them and go for James Garner.

08 Jun 2026 16:14:42
I like Scott. However, I just feel we missed a beat letting Morton leave. He was very good at all his loan spells and has been exceptional for Lyon. Carlsley often rotated him at Scott, and I feel Morton also has a ceiling close to Scott. Further, I think Morton fits in better with our need for a progressive passer from deep.

08 Jun 2026 16:44:01
We need legs, physicality and the ability to move it forwards quickly - Scott can provide that. I understand Jacquet is also good at playing out from the back. Wharton is a very good player, but he is lacking, and is not what our midfield needs in my eyes.

08 Jun 2026 16:58:33
Oli, mate, you do realise that "doni" with the speech marks is exactly the same number of characters as Andoni, yeah? Long way for a shortcut!

08 Jun 2026 19:08:08
Is Scott not too similar to Szob? No harm in having two hard-running box to box midfielders, but having Wharton as the passer would be pretty tasty too.

08 Jun 2026 19:50:56
Rugby, respectfully, next time I need the English writing police (which will be never), I'll call you.

08 Jun 2026 20:57:42
I remember Donna Doni - good winger for Italy.

08 Jun 2026 21:19:42
I still have a copy of Debbie Does Donna.

08 Jun 2026 16:03:43
Really, Faith? I think we should have a poll on that. For the record, I'm out.

08 Jun 2026 21:23:43
Really, Faith? I think we should have a poll on that. For the record, I'm out.

08 Jun 2026 23:08:53
Oli, my observation was more time/effort related than grammatical, but feel free to call me any time. Just don't give me a cute nickname, I'm a grown man.

09 Jun 2026 01:24:30
Rome, yeah, absolutely. I know it is an unlikely move.

On the assumption we're bringing in two midfielders, if I could target a natural box to box midfielder to bring in as well as another CDM, it would 100% be James Garner.

He is a hard-worker, battles all game, plays pretty much 90 every match, effective in duels in the air and on the ground.

Great set piece and corner delivery. His attacking numbers are comparable to Wharton. He averages 15 more minutes per appearance in the league, gets about the pitch more, and is clearly better defensively.

If the opportunity was there, I would be all over James Garner over Anderson, Wharton and whichever else midfielder from the Premier League we are linked with.

08 Jun 2026 12:32:24
Do we really need another CB? Now, I say that as we have signed two of the biggest prospects in Europe as well as some excellent youth. Tor Ndaiye has really impressed and was already on Slots bench. Add in Ndukwe and we have 4 18-20 yr olds chomping at the bit to start next to Virg.

Gomez could stay then walk away with Virg next season. If we sign another older player that would limit game time for the others, and will they themselves be happy with less time.

08 Jun 2026 12:56:35
I think you've highlighted a potential issue next season if both Gomez and VVD were to leave. We can't be in a position to only have CBs under 21. Therefore, I think we need a more senior one this season who can stay until the younger ones are more established.

08 Jun 2026 13:13:16
You're failing to see a major issue here. 18-21 is extraordinarily young to be handed the keys to the defence for a top 5 Premier League team. However, prominent these prospects are, they are just that, prospects with no experience playing at this level, under this pressure or scrutiny.

Virgil was 26 when we signed him, already a seasoned pro. Gomez is as reliable as wet cardboard. Yes, we need proper senior CB.

08 Jun 2026 14:18:32
Nah, I think we need a CB this season (even if Gomez stays) and another one when VVD leaves. We don't know what Leoni will be like after almost 8 months w/o playing, and same applies to Jacquet, as a rookie also coming from a nasty injury. That's just what it is.

08 Jun 2026 14:18:35
Yes, ideally we need one in with a bit of experience. We really can't rely on Joe Gomez.

But, if Real wanted to do a swap of Huijsen for Macca, or if Spurs wanted to swap Vuckovic for Gakpo, I might change my mind on the need for experience.

08 Jun 2026 14:26:22
We need someone to give Virgil a rest and competition. Virgil was shocking last season and a massive part, if not the biggest part of our poor performances.

His positioning on the pitch is getting deeper and deeper as he gets older, and his first thought is to drop as soon as we lose the ball. I've lost count of the amount of goals we've conceded because Virgil is so deep, he's virtually holding hands with the keeper.

It's why we concede so many deflected goals and goals getting bundled in from inside the 6 yard box.

I think we have to move on from the thought that it's Virgil plus another, and open up to the possibility that Virgil can't do it week in week out anymore.

08 Jun 2026 14:28:07
Yup we need another experienced CB alongside Virgil in that group of 4 CBs.

Gomez is the 5th.

The other experienced CB has to be of a level as a person to step up to lead in Virgil's absence either via injury or rotation.

08 Jun 2026 15:13:45
Indeed, Faith.

08 Jun 2026 15:37:55
Huijsen came in as no experience, young, and then moved to Madrid. Kayode came in last year, now linked with us. So many young players came in and have been fantastic.

08 Jun 2026 15:57:45
Yeah, at clubs with no pressure.

No one is saying it is impossible, Keegan, but relying on kids is not a plan.

08 Jun 2026 19:12:15
Harsh to say Virgil was shocking last season. Yes, time is catching up with him but he's still a fine player. No way, though, that someone of his age should be expected to play every single game.

And being captain last season can't have been any fun.

The guy must be beyond exhausted.

09 Jun 2026 01:31:16
Why the heck are people willing to buy and trust 21 year old Huijsen almost as a senior player, and autoditch 21 year old big talent Jacquet? Huijsen hasn't really set Real Madrid alight, and Jacquet has not even played a second for this club. Still it's Huijsen you want?

What I saw of Leoni in his 80 min on the pitch before the knee injury impressed me big.

He has it all to be a fantastic CB.

And, personally, I want those two to play as much as possible pairing Virgil. There are no better men to teach the CB role. He's not gonna be here for long.

Both those players, Our players, are joining preseason.

I really don't get it. Have a little faith.

08 Jun 2026 12:30:01.
Priorities for me would start with a proper number 6, Fabinho type.
Salah replacement next. Diomande seems to be the preferred option, but at 19 he’s a risk for me.
Left hand side seems covered when you consider Rio, Wirtz & Gakpo.


Up top we need an extra body. I’d seriously consider Darwin on a free.
CB - probably need another 1 in there. Bit of experience needed.
RB - 1st choice spot still up for grabs for me.

08 Jun 2026 13:05:12
The winger issue we have is a bit like last summer's forward options. Europe seems to have a limited supply of talented wingers who are not already at top clubs that we can go for. Those smaller clubs who have the talent do not want to sell unless huge offers come in. For e.g., Diomande was signed for £15m, has had an incredible season and looks a huge talent.

We want him, but Leipzig say not for sale unless a crazy offer comes in of £100m. Same with Rayan at Bournemouth. Rejected us Togo there for £18m, but now others want him. Bournemouth say not for sale, but if someone offers £87m (his buyout), then he goes.

08 Jun 2026 14:19:46
Keegan, you make very good points there, man.

08 Jun 2026 14:26:18
Diomande is clearly the one we want to start with. It sounds like we should know either way before the WC.

After that we can choose from B.Toure, M.Fofana, Y.Minteh, C.Summerville, S.El Mala, Allan, A.Ezzalzouli, M.Godts, A.Nusa - I am sure there's plenty more out there.



I particularly like B.Toure as he's a left footed, left winger who is great at assisting the no9 - whether that be from the byline or deeper. Quite a unique profile these days.

08 Jun 2026 15:39:05
I don't see the LW as being covered; it doesn't suit Wirtz at all, he likes to drift to left-centre, but LW is not a good position for him, his talents are wasted when he's out that wide. Wirtz at LW is a hard no. Gakpo is not up to par in my book. He put up good numbers last season in terms of goals (mostly tap-ins), but his assist rate is poor, he doesn't get his head up enough, his end product is often poor, and so is his decision-making, and he lacks the turn of pace, ability to take on his man, tenacity and quick decision-making that I like to see in a winger.

08 Jun 2026 19:54:03
Indeed, Chewy re: Wirtz as an LW. I don't know where people get this nonsense from. Many of us had knives out for Slot playing a central No. 10 on the LW and now, some are saying that LW should be his position. Again, madness.

08 Jun 2026 23:13:13
I don't think Wirtz should be played as a traditional Left Winger, but a left hand sided 10 as he does for Germany. Maybe let Kerkez be the width aspect down that side.