Liverpool Banter Archive August 10 2017

10 Aug 2017 23:20:12
With klopp coming out and saying couts is not for sale at any price does anyone think that fsg have told him to say this and they will stand firm? He is worth the same money to Liverpool as neymar is to barca.

11 Aug 2017 01:08:45
I still think there's a chance Coutinho will push for the move and Barcelona will continue to up their bid until it becomes untenable. unfortunately.

I sincerely hope we don't sell him though as it'll weaken the team almost regardless of who we bring in as they'll still need to settle and the team will need to adapt.

10 Aug 2017 23:12:10
Eds or anyone, what's the odds on us getting another left back, say Danny Rose! He's willing to move up north, would be a great addition to our squad.

{Ed025's Note - not very good mate...he wants to win things..

10 Aug 2017 23:30:43
Np Danny Rose is playing Jerry Maguire with his club and his agent right now, "Show me the money! "

11 Aug 2017 00:10:23
This is why I think the Walker deal is massively dangerous for Spurs. On the face of it he's a player that was out of favour and so they got £50mil and moved him on. He will though still be in contact with a number of Spurs players and no doubt bragging about how much money he's now earning and how great it is to be playing with Silva, Aguero, Yaya Toure and under Guardiola. Serial winners. It's only a matter of time before the other players say hang on I want a bit of that too and start agitating for a big money move. Rose is just the first more will follow unless they change the wage structure. A footballer's career is short they will always go where the money is whilst they can and who can really blame them.

11 Aug 2017 06:35:23
I think Spurs have to show some ambition if they want to maintain their recent strong finishes in the PL - the problem for them is Levy insists on a rigid wage structure (which is by no means unfair) but this automatically means certain players will not sign. Add to the fact that Tottenham, not unlike ourselves, seem to lose their best players periodically (Modric, Bale, Walker - though personally I think Walker is overrated) which makes players at the club question the ambition of the club. I think they will find a bigger player exodus IF they do not bring in some significant additions and fail to perform to standard (entirely possibly since they're playing at Wembley) . And if the exodus happens then for Spurs, as it is for us, they will struggle to find suitable replacements for their best players.

{Ed025's Note - i cant argue with any of that seano..

11 Aug 2017 07:00:36
Well said Seano - they've done very well by growing their first team and sticking with players as they've developed (not to mention Poch), but if they lose a few of their top talent they'll struggle to replace like for like.

11 Aug 2017 08:19:46
Ed 25 your comment on Rose wanting to win things would look like a dig at first but in fairness it's the truth. We have won 1 trophy in something like 10 years and that was the Carling cup. Surely a team is measured on success, LFC fans will say stop living in the past when we mention past mistakes but as far as success goes that's all we have to live on. We still class ourselves as a big club but that is down to income and fan popularity. I'm sure I read something the other day that Utd had won something like 18 trophies in the last 7 years. Things need to drastically change on the trophy front for us to be considered a top team again. This probably looks like a massively negative post but there is nothing in this comment that isn't based on the truth.

{Ed025's Note - you always look just that little bit short to me jayden, you are a very big club but as you say mate teams are judged by what you win and thats not much in recent years..

10 Aug 2017 22:43:28
In the Coutinho case I have an opinion; Liverpool fc has to make a public statement and clearly explain that the player is our player by 2020 and is on sale for 150 million euros. So Barcelona knows for what amount I can have, coutinho is also happy because the club does not try to block it . but the sale will be done in terms of club FC LIVERPOOL. That's how the club said to coutinho: here you want to go . ok, but Barcelona must pay 150 million euros . the transfer depends on them . you have to be professional and train yourself.

10 Aug 2017 23:01:43
Good idea Romanian. Only downside is we will definitely lose him then this year as they will meet the price I reckon. If we're willing to sell though your idea is good.

10 Aug 2017 23:04:44
How can he be our player until 2020 but on sale at the same time? We just need to tell Barcelona to give us £100 mil plus Messi or do one!

{Ed025's Note - i had a little fart then i was laughing so much..

10 Aug 2017 23:25:51
Haha! If an Everton fan farts and no one's around to hear it does it make a sound?

{Ed025's Note - it was silent but deadly...like sandro ramirez..

11 Aug 2017 00:01:26
Who? Sorry Ed never heard of him ;-)

{Ed025's Note - you will shortly mate..

10 Aug 2017 22:02:05
Evening Ed's.

Was Rose ever considered as LB?

Cheers,

{Ed025's Note - not by liverpool Mc..

11 Aug 2017 07:26:55
I'm sure rafa tried to sign him in his last season in charge of us.

10 Aug 2017 22:31:06
All looking good for coutinho staying BUT if those darn Barcelona boys come back with silly money and some sort of agreement is reached, If I was Mr. klopp i would bang the whole lot on Sanchez.
I don't think arsenal could afford to let him run his contract out.

10 Aug 2017 23:08:20
Good shout but I don't think they could afford to sell their best player to the team that pushed them out of the top 4 either. Sanchez has plenty of suitors they would just sell him elsewhere.

11 Aug 2017 10:19:36
And I don't think he'd come to us.

10 Aug 2017 21:53:51
Can anyone tell me they've actually watched Luan play? I've never seen the guy play but I've he's dubbed the new Ronaldo or Ronaldinho (which is the type of thing no one listens to) .

But I just wondered if anyone could tell me what he said like?

10 Aug 2017 22:30:53
Not seen him but apparently similar to Firmino.

10 Aug 2017 23:24:36
yes I have (even though some random guy on here said I haven't.? ) I think he is incredibly average. the whole 'new ronaldo' thing is just bonkers. He is indeed similar to firmino imo but is slower and worse in most departments that I could detect. Based on that I don't believe the rumours are true because he is no better than kent, solanke, sturridge etc and klopp prides himself in not bringing in players for the sake of it.

11 Aug 2017 07:21:29
Nothing random about me josh.

I just call bullsh@t when I see it. Come clean, how many games have you watched him play?

I didn't even know Brazilian league football was aired on tv? Which channel? Does the 6 hour difference make it tricky to watch the games?

10 Aug 2017 19:58:34
So Coutinho has apparently said that the only club he would consider leaving Liverpool for is Barcelona, even then he's not really trying to force a move.

So everyone seems to think we could get 12 more months out of him and then he's off.

However Barcelona have also said to little Phil that it's now or never, and forgive me if I'm wrong but I think ed002 said a move to Barcelona next year would be unlikely.

So in theory at least, doesn't that mean if we keep him this summer, and actually start competing in Europe and the League, then he could be ours forever?

10 Aug 2017 20:35:29
It would get my back up getting an ultimatum like that. I know the ultimatums I'm ever likely to receive in my lifetime aren't quite so significant but still.

10 Aug 2017 20:43:51
With Onions on this, suspect if that is true it could be because their previous way in, Neymar being on hand to chat about it, is now gone so they need another approach.

10 Aug 2017 20:50:37
No, its fair enough from Barca. They are not going to wait, so if they don't get Couts then they will move on to another target. I don't see any issue with their position.

10 Aug 2017 21:06:37
Barca need to replace Iniesta now. They want PipCo but cannot go a season with a hole in their team.

Therefore, he has to go now to fulfil his dream, or it passes him by.

10 Aug 2017 21:56:12
Where's iniesta gone, has he retired or something, complete Tosh, they'll be back.

10 Aug 2017 22:04:15
Barca just trying to get a cheap deal. They thought the ultimatum would force the issue. Coutinho is ever the professional though.

They got caught out. They didn't expect the Neymar deal. They are looking at Cout and Dembele but have offered pretty low offers given this market.

100m on players that are under 24 and as good as cout and dembele isn't that much really, however Barcelona want a deal on there terms as they players want the move. These players will give Barcelona there career 10 years more than likely. 100m isn't that much.

Barca if not careful are at risk of aging quickly. They will know this and they will be back with a bigger offer.

It's really up to Liverpool to get alternatives. My choice would be Max Meyer. Even if Coutinho doesn't go this year I would still go for him and let him settle next to Coutinho because it is really only a matter of time before he goes.

10 Aug 2017 22:04:15
Barca just trying to get a cheap deal. They thought the ultimatum would force the issue. Coutinho is ever the professional though.

They got caught out. They didn't expect the Neymar deal. They are looking at Cout and Dembele but have offered pretty low offers given this market.

100m on players that are under 24 and as good as cout and dembele isn't that much really, however Barcelona want a deal on there terms as they players want the move. These players will give Barcelona there career 10 years more than likely. 100m isn't that much.

Barca if not careful are at risk of aging quickly. They will know this and they will be back with a bigger offer.

It's really up to Liverpool to get alternatives. My choice would be Max Meyer. Even if Coutinho doesn't go this year I would still go for him and let him settle next to Coutinho because it is really only a matter of time before he goes.

10 Aug 2017 19:33:26
DEAR ED's and members, How do you think FIFA Financial Fair Play will Factor after the transfer window?

{Ed025's Note - it wont mate..

10 Aug 2017 21:03:01
The what?

10 Aug 2017 19:19:04
A question for everyone, if you had a choice between
(a) having phil for this season (him leaving in the next summer window) and not getting keita, or
(b) Phil going to Barcelona in this window and getting keita
Which would you chose?

10 Aug 2017 19:39:04
Gotta be keep Coutinho as wa don't know how Keita would settle, where as we know already what Coutinho can do. I doubt he would be a sulker if he stayed, he's professional enough to get on with his job.

10 Aug 2017 19:34:05
keep pipco, barce won't come back next year so we keep him, no way should we sell him unless he forces our hand.

10 Aug 2017 19:56:01
(A) rather he stayed and moved next year as i think we would need time to fill his boots. which will be hard to do anyway. also not to sure about kieta as iv only heard of him since we were interested. all happening to fast for my liking as with Barcelona and neymar.

10 Aug 2017 19:59:43
Hard question bruv. Tempting to choose Phil. But. I still think Barcelona are going to be interested in signing a player of coutinios quality whether they need replacement or not. This year, next year, whenever. Players like him don't come along often and if you think if we manage to keep him this year then it's all over regarding Phil and there will be no more big money offers for him again you are deluded. Psg probably go for him next yr if no one else does.

For that reason I'd take kieta on a five year deal now.

Let me be clear. I ghink Phil is the better player and would rather have him in my team but would rather have z player who is dying to play for us than one who has had his head turned. That said, coutinio has behaved impeccably over this saga and has endeared him to me even more.

Tough question.

10 Aug 2017 22:48:26
Keep phil no question.

10 Aug 2017 23:51:49
Berg. The question was keep Phil for one more year. If keeping him another year means we miss out on kieta in this hypothetical question the I'd rather have a brilliant player (kieta) ;on a five yr contract than have Phil on a one year contract essentially.

Would you take Phil for one more year if it means missing out on kieta. For good.

I'd rather have both and I think that is a possibility now. If we do well this year we could well keep coutinio for good.

I don't know why I'm arguing, it is a tough question.

15 Aug 2017 22:43:16
Ha ha ha super i would have kept for coutino for a year you know what your working with kieta would be good but beddi g in would he work in the prem e. t. c and you have a year to identify a replacment plus couts has 5 years on his contract which as we now know means diddly squat sorry for late reply o ly just read this.

10 Aug 2017 19:06:13
Just checked out team pictures on the lfc site. Interesting to see who those wearing the old kit. Maybe tells us something about outs?

10 Aug 2017 19:17:56
Sakho and Markovich are player we want rid of. Priced them out though.

We should have just cut our losses.

10 Aug 2017 19:35:23
They will both be gone before the end of the window.

10 Aug 2017 20:58:58
Hope so for all concerned, they're young lads coming into best years and should be playing somewhere just happens that it won't be LFC.

10 Aug 2017 18:45:47
On August 10th 1977, LFC signed Kenneth Mathieson Dalglish, for £440,000 of your English pounds (£2.9 million in today's funny money) .

Incredible.

10 Aug 2017 18:57:13
Wonder what dalglish would cost in today's inflated market?
£150m?
£200m?

10 Aug 2017 18:25:37
Edds regarding the ketia rumors posted by macca I really carnt see this happening ragnick has said he ain't going nowhere this season so were is this coming from I'm struggling to understand or this also he thinks vvd will sign love it to happen but again with or the bad blood with Southampton they won't do business with us so what's the edds think will happen please once again thanks for the hard work you guys do on here.

{Ed001's Note - I have no idea how willing RBL are in reality to do business. It would be guesswork on my part. He wants to join us and we want him, it is all down to convincing RBL to sell him to us.}

10 Aug 2017 18:36:22
Thanks for the quick response ed001 your take on vvd what do you think and with courtinho go or stay?

{Ed001's Note - I assume you mean, by my take, whether he will join? I have no idea, I certainly expect him to leave Saints, though they have shown themselves to be stubborn when it comes to sales that don't suit them so it is impossible to say for sure.

Couts I think will go but hope he stays.}

10 Aug 2017 18:52:54
Thanks ed001.

{Ed001's Note - welcome.}

10 Aug 2017 19:21:43
Is that because actually think he'll go ed or is it self preservation just in case he does go?

{Ed001's Note - I have no idea what you are saying, sorry.}

10 Aug 2017 17:56:18
Hey Ed how close are we to your player and manager review for Liverpool for last season. Very close to new season but would love to see your opinions for last season before we get caught up in the next roller coaster.

Cheers mate.

{Ed001's Note - I am currently in the middle of Arsenal, so hopefully not long now.}

10 Aug 2017 21:03:11
Giggiddy.

10 Aug 2017 16:57:27
Just want to say that IF we do fend off Barcelona and keep hold of Couts AND get VVD on board (think Keita/ Ox would be bonuses) then not only will we have a fantastic team but it will also be a real statement of intent that Liverpool are serious about reclaiming our place as one of Europe's elite clubs and taking proper runs at winning league and European titles over the coming years. I understand that's what Klopp wants to do and we'll never achieve that status by selling our best players. Alonso, Masch, Suarez, (less so Sterling, Torres), enough is enough. Putting the foot down and saying no means NO is a hugely admirable stance and really sends out the right signals. And for anyone that says Southampton are right to do the same, it's not like they'll be in the Champion's League any time soon, is it?
Thanks for reading.

10 Aug 2017 17:15:52
I agree. What Klopp wants and what he gets might not be the same thing but you cannot doubt his intent. VVD to add to the current squad would be a real improvement on last year. Tactical mistakes and a bit of bad luck last season led to us missing top 3. If he has learnt from his mistakes and gets the players he wants I think top 3 plus a trophy this season.

10 Aug 2017 18:04:10
Love a good ' statement of intent' lol just need a few more 'some screens' on here.

10 Aug 2017 18:56:35
A well known sports breakfast show were saying the same this morning. All the big clubs want someone to stand and say no to the PSG, Barce and Madrid big boys, maybe Klopp is the one to do it.

{Ed025's Note - and i thought superman was fictional..

10 Aug 2017 20:56:32
It's a good thing you're funny, Ed025. Because Ron ain't winning any charisma awards anytime soon. But hey, good luck with winning that league of 14.

{Ed025's Note - you lot wont be far ahead im sure mate..

10 Aug 2017 21:27:28
Not all heros wear capes 😂 God save the klop. I like ed 025 he gives some friendly banter on this page it's good but some of you bite like Suarez.

11 Aug 2017 08:50:59
Oh I too enjoy his bantz. And the best part is watching (reading) thin-skinned people having fits and going into hyperdrive of spitting and screaming and crying. :)

10 Aug 2017 16:13:18
Ed002 you might be able to answer this one? if we do sell coutinho would Inter be in for a slice of the transfer? What I mean was there any sell on clause when we bought him from them?

{Ed002's Note - I don't know but I would think probably not, certainly not one that survives now. He is too old for a Solidarity Contribution to be required.}

10 Aug 2017 17:18:40
Cheers Ed 👍.

10 Aug 2017 17:20:48
Just out curiosity what is a solidarity contribution Ed?

{Ed002's Note - For training as a youngster.}

10 Aug 2017 16:01:05
Is anyone else like me and scan through the team training photos on the Liverpool website to see if Coutinho is training? I do it with any player that's in a transfer situation.

I couldn't see him.

{Ed002's Note - He is injured.}

10 Aug 2017 16:10:08
I bet it's the same injury Sigurdsson and Sanchez have.

10 Aug 2017 16:46:52
There's a lot of it about PC.

10 Aug 2017 16:50:02
What injury is that? Itchy feet?

{Ed002's Note - Backache.}

10 Aug 2017 16:50:22
They aren't injured.
Additional strength training in the wrist for when they have to sign all those autographs. ☹.

10 Aug 2017 15:07:24
My friend is coming out to Spain today and is flying from Liverpool. And he's just messaged me saying he's seen 3 men in suits accompanied by someone from Liverpool (name badge or whatever you wanna call them) so I think there is going to be some sort of movement regarding transfers. Countiho? Or Keita? Can any of the eds or anyone confirm if this is true what my friend has told me?

10 Aug 2017 15:47:25
no mate your friend is lying. he's not coming to spain he still in bed. sorry pal.

10 Aug 2017 15:51:17
It's not unusual to see men in suits at an airport. Perhaps it was the airline crew.

10 Aug 2017 15:52:09
I walk round the airport with a little Liverpool badge on my uniform so may have been me. 👍.

{Ed033's Note - Were you walking around with your thumbs up saying Fan-Naby-N'Zonzi in a wee Scottish accent?

10 Aug 2017 16:24:59
Well the fact he's now in the air flying. Don't think he is in bed mate👍.

10 Aug 2017 17:25:46
The men in suits (black suits I presume? ) are from a highly specialised task force who are dealing with an apparent alien threat in the Liverpool area.

Apparently the alien life forms (ALFs) are disguising themselves as small plastic name badges and attaching themselves to people's clothing.

Be aware if you live in the area.

10 Aug 2017 14:48:13
Philippe Coutinho, The playmaker, The genius.

10 Aug 2017 15:48:07
Thats like rubbing salt in to the wounds that post.

10 Aug 2017 16:40:50
and some people want us to take the money?

10 Aug 2017 16:59:57
soon to be barcelona genius.

10 Aug 2017 17:05:27
this is actually 'porn-inho'.

10 Aug 2017 14:21:34
hello,

With the reported interest in Dembele by Barcelona and the obvious interest in Coutinho. is it a case of one or other for them? particularly if the price tag keeps on rising (which seems to be the case) .

{Ed002's Note - No.}

10 Aug 2017 14:34:21
Dembele to replace Neymar, Coutinho to replace iniesta.

10 Aug 2017 14:08:40
Interesting developments with Danny Rose.
He's unsurprisingly met with some stinging criticism, for both form and content of his "outburst".
It raises some interesting questions.

1), Footballers are essentially employees at work, like many of us. So is it inherently bad/ wrong for them to primarily look to prioritize maximising their earnings, at every possible turn?

2) Is it inherently wrong/ bad for footballers to see their club as primarily/ merely an employer; their career merely a job? Or are they necessarily obliged to have an affinity with the club? Share same dreams as club/ fans?


3) Is it reasonable to expect a player to view football and particularly his relationship with his parent club thru the same lenses as the fan? Is it inherently wrong when this is not the case?

4)Is it inherently wrong for a player to see and use a club as a "stepping stone"? Is the very concept of "stepping stone" automatically bad and justified of its negative connotations?

5) The CONTRACT: Wantaway player.

Fans: "Well, he happily signed a new six year contract only just 10 months ago"; "The club should hold firm and force him to honour his full contract. "

These are some of the things normally churned out in cases when a player wants out. Is there merit in these? Is it the correct way of going about things?
Let's flip it and put shoe in the other foot.

The CONTRACT: Club wants rid of players Klavan and Sakho.

Klavan: "I have 3 years left in my contract and I fully intend seeing it out. Liverpool should honour the full years. I'm going nowhere. "

Sakho: "My deal has 2 years to run. I want club to fully honour it and I intend going nowhere".

Fans react: "Bloody leeches. They are a disgrace. Let them rot in the reserves. "

What does a contract mean? Does it mean that the both player and club SHOULD and intend fully seeing it?
Is reality as mechanical as the contract envisions?
Is a strictly legalistic, rather than pragmatic (reasonable), approach to matters, desirable here?

Wouldn't adopting such an approach result in rather absurd situations which would soon be pretty much unworkable, to the benefit of no one?
I believe that it is down to reason and pragmatism that so much business is (sometimes) seamlessly done.


Clubs have their own ambitions, granted. And they would like to hold onto their important players, understandably. And there's a contract in place, sure. But then the player has his rights and entitlements, maybe more so morally than legally, depending.
Is it just and fair for an employee to be held against their will?
Would it be fair and just for a club that wants rid to be lumbered with that player refusing to leave, because of a contract?

Surely the reasonable, moral and just position is that of granting the employee/ employer their wish so long as reasonable and due compensation is paid?

Appealing to reason seems to me to be the sensible and most workable rout than this inconsistent insistence on the principle of "he signed a contract. Force him to honour it".

Of course, other factors come into play, crucial among them being timing. It obviously has to be right for the selling club.
It would be unreasonable and frankly absurd to expect to Spurs to just sell Harry Kane should Madrid rock up with even a £200m offer tomorrow morning.
However, it would be absurd and unreasonable of Arsenal to reject advances for Sanchez even NOW given that they've known, and thus had time to make provision for this eventuality. They would, however, be within their legal rights to do so.

The stance of a club like RBL, from the point of view of not having had sufficient time to make provision for Keita's departure, would be perfectly reasonable. In light of Rangnick/ their coach's recent pronouncements about a sale being likelier next summer, I'd think this is pretty much the case.
On the whole, RBL cannot be deemed to have been unreasonable in the Keita matter.
The timing may have been a problematic issue, hence the unshakable stance.

I'm a strong believer in reason, pragmatism and moral justness. This is why, as much as I want Coutinho to stay and Liverpool to keep all its best players, I accept that may not always be practical.
Football is not much different from life. People will always be ambitious, thirsting to rise and keep rising.

You starting out at this one company don't necessarily mean you wanna stay there for a long time. Same with football. Let's not demonize footballers for being human.

Nothing wrong with Coutihno or any other player wanting to leave Liverpool for Barcelona. But you never going to make peace with it so long as you expect footballers to view thru your lenses and to share your ideals. When it happens, it happens, great. When it doesn't, it doesn't, no big deal

Apologies for the long post.

10 Aug 2017 14:28:16
No matter what I reply with, its going to seem insignificant. I lost you about halfway down the post, but I do agree with your points around Football being a "job" to players. This is where I sometimes struggle with transfers, because the whole football world and way of operating is so far removed from the real world. I think it was Ronaldo (when he was pushing for a move to Madrid) that said he felt like a modern slave. To an extent I can understand it, but the ridiculous wages they earn just makes me not care a single bit haha.

10 Aug 2017 14:39:56
I scrolled down looking for a response in red.

There wasn't so kept moving lol.

10 Aug 2017 15:15:04
I feel that was too long. I read it, but I'm not sure what I read.

10 Aug 2017 16:26:36
to the OP: your post was a pleasure to read, thank you.

10 Aug 2017 17:30:44
I challenge you to an essay-off! These boards aren't long enough for the both of us 😉.

10 Aug 2017 17:37:22
Suku great post mate.

10 Aug 2017 13:24:17
Ed001- in the likely event Phill does go, could you see us bring Either Max Meyer or Manuel lanzini in as replacements?

{Ed001's Note - no idea mate.}

10 Aug 2017 17:05:09
Neityer are playmaker and I don't see a genuine reason to buy them!

10 Aug 2017 12:55:15
Question for ant of the eds

A while ago it was mentioned that Liverpool are miles behind in terms of the way the run/ market the football club.

Does this new sleeve sponsor with us being the first to do it I believe help us make good progress to start catching other clubs up in that reguard or is it still a long way to go.

cheers.

{Ed001's Note - we are not the first and it is just keeping pace with the others that have already done it. It was only allowed for this season and it is likely only Arsenal will not have one and that is because of the deal they have with Emirates.}

10 Aug 2017 14:46:50
Ok thanks Ed, Seems the media are reporting it as a new thing only we are doing, my bad for believing anything they print, I should know better by now.

{Ed001's Note - Man Utd are closing on a deal with Tinder as their sleeve sponsorship partner. Wizard's sleeve maybe?}

10 Aug 2017 15:05:39
HA ha ha! UTD on tinder 😄.

10 Aug 2017 12:30:36
Good afternoon ED01 and ED02.

A lot has being going on in the last 24hrs or so in regards to rumoured transfers and offers being submitted and rejected.

I have read the site thoroughly but could not find any such confirmation from you guys in regards to what is being reported in the news etc.

Do you know if this so called Barcelona "Delegation" actually submitted an increased offer from there first offer fro Countinho at the Liverpool Offices in Hartford, and in turn has been rejected by LFC representatives? (I am not interested in the amounts)

Apologies if you have already confirmed this, there has been that much traffic on the site since yesterday its hard to keep up it all of the time, especially in work.

Best Regards.

{Ed002's Note - A second offer was made that Liverpool declined. The Liverpool offices are in London. The Hartford offices belong to a company that spend their days sifting through football web sites, blogs, newspapers etc., to determine how the club (or another clint's club or team) is percieved by the poublic for the purposes of helping to maintain a good image. They have been recruiting recently to deal with additional work that has been handed their way by the likes of Liverpool, teams worried about the Mitchell Report, and no doubt others that I cannot think of at the moment.}

10 Aug 2017 12:39:54
Ok Thanks ED002, and for the info on the Hartford offices

Much appreciated.

{Ed002's Note - Liverpool has also made use of London-based researchers Populus to conduct surveys and that is what resulted in the Tony Barrett supporter liaison process.}

10 Aug 2017 12:44:12
If I may, what is the Mitchell Report?

{Ed002's Note - Doping in baseball.}

10 Aug 2017 13:27:26
Thank you.

10 Aug 2017 13:28:17
Tony Barrett being the guy Liverpool have employed as a Liaison between the club and fans / season ticket holders?

I read somewhere he will be starting fan forums throughout the season to listen to what they have to say about the club, ground, ticket prices etc

Which I thought was brave because all he will get is negativity and moaning I would imagine

Cheers ED02.

{Ed002's Note - Endless hours of fun for Waro.}

10 Aug 2017 14:05:38
Eds 2 do you know if any premier league footballers read this site?

{Ed002's Note - I have shown the site to a number of ex-players and I would thik some have looked at it.}

10 Aug 2017 14:25:27
Thanks Ed2 I think if I were a pro footballer I'd take a look.

10 Aug 2017 12:20:44
If we're offered £130 million or more for Coutinho, we simply will need to cash in - nobody is bigger than the club. I'd rather we let the boy fulfill his dream and move on. When FSG saved our club, (make no mistake, they did) they said they'd follow a plan of buying and developing good, young players and selling for profits later if they go beyond us. Coutinho represents an absolute success in this sense and we can strengthen elsewhere. I know it'll be an unpopular post but hey-ho. All clubs, even Barcelona are now losing players - money talks in football today and I'd rather be financially secure than hanging onto a human being against their wishes and life-long dreams. We've had him for 4 years, he deserves his shot, he's never caused us any issues and has created some great moments.

10 Aug 2017 12:47:05
Irrespective of the money offered, we should only sell phil if he want to leave. If he wants to stay we should reject any and all bids. But if wants to leave we should part company on good terms. He's been a model pro, always given 100% for the team, has given us some outstanding moments. It's only fair that he gets the move if he wants it.

10 Aug 2017 13:34:03
Seems like he wants to leave and if so, I wish him the very best because he has represented us magnificently. Always worked his socks off, scored, created, dictated play and no sendings off or misdemeanors - he's a rare breed so you got to admire that in this day and age and leave him have his dream if he so desires it.

10 Aug 2017 13:35:50
But we do have to take fees offered into consideration first sadly, this is the way this game has gone unfortunately. Pretty sure he understands this too as he wants this to end amicably as has been widely reported and would sum up his character 100% - a true pro!

10 Aug 2017 11:22:23
A question for ED002, with our poor management of players and with the tapping up of multiple players including a young 13 year old kid, our action resulting in significant hardship for the kid and his family, what steps would you suggest the club take in order to prevent such disgraceful behaviour from happening again?
Also, it almost always happens that agents overstep their boundaries, what line of action should be taken to prevent it.
Thank you.

{Ed002's Note - The club needs to clean up its act and stop behaving like this. In the case of the illegal approaches it needs to stop now. In terms of the lkids the club needs to make changes right away and bring in someone to oversee recruitment and to make sure the rules are followed.

In terms of agents/intermediaries overstepping the mark, there has been a major clampdown but you will never get riud of it completely. Most clubs can generally live with how it is. There was talk about a three strike system but that does not address the "super agent" situation. Clubs also want to self-regulate more and may get that latitude if the bahave responsibly.}

10 Aug 2017 12:13:14
Ed002 do most of the clubs have someone to oversee recruitment?
And if so why haven't LFC brought in someone?
Which club would you suggest as a model club with regards to recruitment activities.
And I also think the FA should impose harsh punishments, like bans and heft fines and penalties for such behaviour, which may act as a deterrent for all the clubs in the future.

{Ed002's Note - The club Secretary at all clubs is responsible for ensure compliance with regulations (ensuing banned players are not played, ensuring the strict rules for kids are followed and ensuring that the club does not abuse transfer rules etc.). Some clubs additionally use the Director of Football or Sporting Director role to oversee all transfers across the club, others don't. I wouldn't want to call out any one particular side as being a role model for others, but if I did it would likely be a German or Dutch side.}

10 Aug 2017 12:13:33
Are we allowed to name and shame these two individuals on here who brought this about? Don't want to cause any undue hassle.

{Ed002's Note - No we going to get in to that, particularly given the pending court case.}

10 Aug 2017 12:15:23
i think they should start by clearing the family's debt.

{Ed002's Note - It is unfortunately not as simple as that.}

10 Aug 2017 12:27:38
No problem, that's understandable but people can easily do a quick search on the good old interweb and they can see for themselves. Can I become a Tranmere fan instead? Are there surgeries that can assist me with this type of transformation? Fooook me, this has messed my head right up today ha!

10 Aug 2017 12:29:18
STEP 1) stop doing it

STEP 2) don't do it again

STEP 3) repeat steps 1 and 2.

10 Aug 2017 12:59:16
Enough of the witch hunts. 'Naming and shaming' why? So we can fuel more hate towards the club. Jesus Christ. As 87 red has said it's a simple process to clean up our act.

10 Aug 2017 13:30:01
Cool down Swishcleaner, how would naming and shaming fuel more hate towards the CLUB? If anything it would take the emphasis off of the club and place it firmly at the feet of the INDIVIDUALS who caused this mess. We were clearly told we can't do it anyway. It's very simple, you should never be allowed to muck around with a kid's life - end of!

10 Aug 2017 13:57:51
Ed I understand the club can't pay the families debts, but couldn't the premier league just fine us and that money, va the PL be then given to the parents?

{Ed002's Note - The rules don't allow for anything like that. The family are taking Liverpool to court and Liverpool are contesting it and that is increasing their debt significantly.}

10 Aug 2017 15:34:45
Olrish, I think there is enough hate towards most of our playing squad, throw in FSG hate for various reasons and even some towards klopp . Do we really need to add more To that!?

10 Aug 2017 18:11:53
Haters going to hate no matter what you say or do sadly.
We're not allowed to name the individuals involved, this has been made clear and not once have I attempted to do so. but just imagine if this was your life or your kid's life that these idiots messed with, wouldn't you want them removed from their roles so they couldn't repeat their actions? They would PROBABLY have to be named publicly for that to occur most likely. I understand what you're saying but are you suggesting these individuals should just get away scott-free after doing what they did without repercussions?! Where's the justice or deterrent in that? I don't wish ill on anyone but sometimes an example needs to be made of offenders who not only did what they did, they then asked the kid's family to lie for them, it's unbelievable man.

10 Aug 2017 11:15:10
Eds excuse the negativity but any idea what happens if worst case scenario Hoffenheim dump us out of the CL. What I mean is, is there a contingency plan for that. 23rd of august and we are out of the CL. If we still haven't nailed our top targets and are still clinging onto Count with dear life then are our targets going to drastically change and will our chances of keeping Count Deteriorate.

{Ed002's Note - Nothing will change.}

10 Aug 2017 11:40:32
That's the answer I was hoping for.

10 Aug 2017 14:16:23
Who is Count Deteriorate?

10 Aug 2017 11:10:45
Why are the club not actively seeking a naming rights deal for the new main stand. Surely this could offset the cost of a new anfield road expansion. The commercial manager said they are likely to seek a naming rights deal for the new training ground. We were advised that a deal would be announced in 2017.

{Ed002's Note - Because they have been asking too much and there are no takers.}

10 Aug 2017 10:31:07
Is Derek Acorah about these days with his crystal ball?
He might be able to update us on what's about to happen with all these rumours/ sightings etc.
"Sam", "Mary" and "Dick" can surely be used as scouts too, they can see the future apparently like so no more need for big transfer fees, tapping ups etc.
Just sign them up before they can even walk and we'll all sleep better.
On a serious note, read deeper on the situation with the youth player from Stoke - wow!
Not good, not good at all, felt quite sick to the pit of my stomach in fact.
This is meant to be a sport enjoyed by young and old, it has become a money related monster.
It would actually put you close to falling out of love with the game in all honesty.
That kid's career is in limbo at best, all for what?!

{Ed002's Note - You are right, it is very, very wrong.}

10 Aug 2017 10:40:30
Don't know how true this is, but seemingly, as a kid, Derek Acorah was once on Liverpool's books. Strangely he didn't foresee his football career ending.

10 Aug 2017 10:52:30
Problem is; how do you fix what is clearly in my opinion, rotten to the very core with greed?
Money has changed the game and in my opinion, it all began in the early 90’s with Sky Tv bringing in wads of cash leading to much higher transfer fees, (higher wages for players and staff, which at the time I believed was a good thing, not so sure at all now), clubs always trying to outdo the other by cheating, diving, tapping up players etc. etc.
You don’t see it so much in other sports such as Rugby where there’s less money but maybe as it’s popularity grows, it will catch up?!
I’m from across the Irish sea, there are two amateur sports played here (little or no money changing hands) that are hugely popular with many of the locals. Hardly any cheating of any kind happens in these sports, if someone feigns injury, dives etc. he is pretty much shamed and ridiculed leading to it being a lesson learnt and never to be repeated that I’m aware of (I don’t follow these sports closely but have observed their sportsmanship levels to be extremely high even though they’re full contact and can be rough sports) . I imagine Aussie Rules Football to be similar but have little knowledge of it.
In my mind, the fans (true fans) want Football to be rid of the rotten eggs, but the rotten eggs run the sport from top to bottom so how the hell do you clean it up? Create another association such as like what boxing tried many years ago (this has failed in my opinion) .
I have rambled on enough here though.

{Ed002's Note - Rules have changed but clubs need to be responsible.}

10 Aug 2017 11:04:49
It was pathetic on part of the club. They should do whatever they can help the kid and his family. Clear off their debts and help the kid's football career to get back on track. The debt of the family is nothing for a club, the size of Liverpool. They should make it right and help the kid by any means possible because the actions of the club were indefensible.

10 Aug 2017 11:21:48
Yeah for sure, but when clubs are irresponsible as with the Liverpool/ Stoke incident for example, the offending club’s association need to stand up and be counted or else what use are they? Clearly this doesn’t happen enough. I understand rules are there to be pushed, bent and even broken sometimes so long as they’re not seriously violated but you do not mess with kids like this – it’s absolutely disgusting and I must say I didn’t realise how serious this was until I read up on it this morning, there should be absolutely zero tolerance when it comes to children.
Not only did we deserve a youth transfer ban, the individuals representing Liverpool (whom I’m probably not allowed to name on here) in this case should be banned for that time at least without pay and be fined the amount it costs for legal proceedings as well as pay the debts that the parents accrue trying to fix this poor kid’s life/ career.
He now hates Liverpool FC I have read and his dad (who is near retirement age) is in serious debt because of these greedy gangsters who represented Liverpool in this incident and still are on the club’s payroll (one of them is at least) – unbelievable!
I would urge all Liverpool fans to do their own searches on the web for information on this to be honest, don’t blindly assume that this is isolated or an innocent issue.

{Ed002's Note - Obviously Liverpool have been fined and are serving a ban and have a longer ban suspended over this matter - and they have a pending court case. But you are right, the authorities need to do more. I am hoping that in this case there can be some intervention from the FA to make an exception in respect of his registration. That would open the door for Everton to take him - but they cannot deal with the other matter. It had been hoped that Liverpool would not contenst the matter and force it in to court (particularly given there is a smoking gun in the background) but unless there can be exceptions made to untangle this mess they won't do thet. The issue now is that clubs (except for three English sides who already pay all school fees) cannot pick up the tab for the school fees for the kid without having to do the same for all other Academy players. Hopefully in this case common sense prevails and it gets resolved.}

10 Aug 2017 11:28:34
You're 100% right Shayan, I'm literally raging writing my rants here having done my own little checks on this story! Nothing short of disgusting. I don't blame the club for what happened, I blame the individuals representing the club but the club are well able to make things right or try their best to in retrospect. The courts will hopefully see to that soon anyway due to LFC's alleged inaction on it. If there's any justice in the world of football, there'll be a nice fine, debts cleared and disciplinary action taken internally on the LFC employees.

10 Aug 2017 11:50:21
I literally can’t disagree with anything said above. It’s criminal in my eyes to mess with a kid’s life like that and anyone who thinks differently needs their head checked and not to interact with me please. And to think that those involved can just turn around and continue to earn a damn good living in the game around other youth players is just ridiculous. The fine LFC received; I assume this went into the Premier League’s own coffers? If so, this is one of my problems with football in a nutshell – this money should have been put aside for the kid’s parents to pay off some or all of their outstanding and huge debts that the club representatives caused them. If the fine moneys have indeed gone to the PL (who have enough in their likely shady bank accounts), then they too should be ashamed in all honesty. I know they can say they have to fund investigations and so on, but they can well afford to leave this one go when the case is so extreme and the family are the little guys who got screwed. Just my opinion, but clearly I’m quite angry for this poor kid so it might be an unfair opinion.

{Ed002's Note - I completely agree Kev. If I hear more I will let you know.}

10 Aug 2017 12:07:29
That would be appreciated, it might drive me to complete insanity/ depression haha but any updates would be appreciated - thanks!

10 Aug 2017 10:02:34
Hi eds thanks for the great work I'm sure this one will make you chuckle find it funny myself how a lot of lads on here stating things like jog on Barcelona and Barcelona can do one when I'm sure in the same breath they have slated Southampton for not accepting our bids and the same with red bull 😂 Just thought I would share that with you

On a transfer note I know you have done this to death but do you see us realistically going for another cb if we don't/ can't get VVD personally I don't rate him that much Southampton conceded more than.

{Ed002's Note - AS I have explained before, the only other centre backs the club showed an interest in recently was a youngster and Koulibaly for which a ridiculously low bid was submitted - and I have no idea why they did that.}

10 Aug 2017 11:10:11
If we don't get another centre back it could come back to haunt us. Lucas had to fill in there on a number of occasions last season and he has now gone. Matip, Lovren and Klavan have all had minor injury problems in the past and Gomez a major one. With Sakho surplus to requirements then even with a slight injury crisis to our centre half's and we could be counting the costs. We could end up seeing Carra coming out of retirement.

10 Aug 2017 09:29:39
Kloppe should pick Couts for Champions League qualifying match - there's one comp he then can't play for anyone else in. Be an interesting test of nerve, do the owners want success or will they settle for a ridiculous amount of money and a well poked-off manager?

{Ed002's Note - Yes he can.}

10 Aug 2017 09:42:57
Ed2, I read in the paper today that.

"Barcelona are desperate to sign the midfielder and they will be watching developments, particularly as Liverpool immediately head into a Champions League qualifier against Hoffenheim after Watford. Barcelona do not want him cup tied. "

You say above that he will not be cup tied. Please can you clarify the rule for me?

Many thanks.

{Ed002's Note - Unless the rules have changed again for this season, I have not checked, he can play for Liverpool in the in qualifying round of the Champions League and then represent another side from the group stages of either the Champions League or the Europa League. The rule prior to this was that he could represent another side from the Group stages if the side he first played for had been knocked out in the preliminary, play off or qualifying rounds. Prior to that it was as you suggest above. It seems unlikely they would have reverted to that. Did the paper mention Gaston Ramirez nailed on for Liverpool?}

10 Aug 2017 10:41:12
Haha ED2 loving the throwback to the Gaston Ramirez days.

10 Aug 2017 11:42:36
Thanks Ed. The paper mentioned that I was going to have a trial - so it must be true.

10 Aug 2017 08:49:01
Wonder how many times I will check this site today. Keep up the excellent work eds and macca. Roll on Saturday afternoon can't wait.

10 Aug 2017 09:23:42
Well said cobra.

10 Aug 2017 08:38:48
Ralph ragnick as been talking about ketia saying he will probably leave next season but not this think finishes the rumors now.

10 Aug 2017 09:08:08
Does it though? I think not.

10 Aug 2017 09:34:41
Macca disagrees with Ragnick.

10 Aug 2017 08:17:48
"The Reds have partnered with Western Union - our first-ever shirt-sleeve sponsor! "

Jeez. Do we need the money THAT badly.

Looks bloody awful.

10 Aug 2017 08:27:22
I know people may think FSG are awful owners when it comes to getting the check book out or not giving money's to the manager but look back and see how much investment has come in via sponsorships to what we had under moored and the other 2 roudestone cowboys.

10 Aug 2017 08:38:09
They paid by the square centimetre.

10 Aug 2017 08:51:15
5 mill a season apparently.

10 Aug 2017 09:08:34
If we want to get into the same league financially as United and Real, then yes we do need it THAT badly.

10 Aug 2017 09:19:03
Football is all about money these days so the more we can get the better.

10 Aug 2017 07:41:40
Whilst £90m is a lot of cash, Couts will be worth to a lot more next year, especially if he has a good domestic season and World Cup and Barcelona know this.

Barcelona offer an ultimatum to Couts, it's now or never to unsettle him even more.

We keep him for one more season and we will be in a much better position to replace him or st least try to, if he still wants to go come next season.

Teams like PSG have the cash so we could be much better off if we stand our ground.

Whilst Suarez was trouble, I felt we sold him to cheaply imo.

{Ed002's Note - Barcelona has no interest in next year - their interest is in replacing Iniesta now - this summer.}

10 Aug 2017 07:54:14
Ed002- is Veratti not available? Wasn't he their first choice? Cheers mate.

{Ed002's Note - PSG don't want to sell Verratti but as you know they have made one significant purchase this summer and they need monies coming in now - particularly with at least one more major purchase to come. Whilst Di Maria, Lucas Moura, Blaise Matuidi, Jese Rodriguez, Hatem Ben Arfa, Serge Aurier and Grzegorz Krychowiak can bring in a good amount of money, they need to sell between now and next June - and that may logistically prove difficult, particularly as they would like a lot of those moved on this summer. Hence, even though they want to keep Verratti and give him a new deal, they could ewnd up being backed in to a corner.}

10 Aug 2017 08:10:48
So Ed002 are you saying that Barcelona will move on and buy their 3rd choice Iniesta replacement this summer instead of waiting for Veratti or Coutinho next season.?

{Ed002's Note - I don't know what their plan is right now but they had some other options thay had been considering, but they would certainly prefer Verratti or Pipco.}

10 Aug 2017 08:16:00
Cheers for that Ed002. Is comical though if PSG have said he is "not for sale" and so have LFC ref Couts, but Barcelona insist on coming back in for Couts, albeit their second choice behind Veratti. Doesn't this just sum up how other teams see LFC as a selling club?

{Ed002's Note - It is not "comical" as such Tilly, it is simply business as usual.}

10 Aug 2017 08:16:56
Ed002 correct me if im wrong (as usual) but PSG didn't pay a penny for Neymar. As far as i know neymar payed his own release clause from the money he got for the deal as an amabsator for the world cup. He got 300mil (probally Euros) and payed €222mil to Barcelona and got the rest as a siging bonuns.

That means PSG payed a total of €18mio this transfer window and don't need to let go of any of their key players. Veratti made it clear (as he said way before he knew about neymar) that he wants to stay which is why they stept up their interest in Couts.

{Ed002's Note - No, the money came from PSG and it was unrelated to the "release clause", but the same amount. I am not sure where this story comes from but it is incorrect. PSG are trying very hard to move players on right now and well aware by the end of next June they have to be accountable.}

10 Aug 2017 11:04:58
Ed you mention quite a few high profile names at PSG there - are those names they actually be prepared to entertain bids for?

If we really can't keep Coutinho and get Keita, surely someone like Matuidi would be a good shout!

{Ed002's Note - Yes, they are all available. Matuidi would be an alternative to Jeita perhaps but it would not be both.}

10 Aug 2017 14:26:36
Yes sorry, that's what I meant. as possible alternative to Keita.

Thanks for the response.

10 Aug 2017 06:51:47
Hold steady, lads, hold steady.

10 Aug 2017 05:48:37
I no what macca as said about ketia just carnt see it happening they have clearly said he's not FOR SALE so what as changed like I said in a previous post (keita not for sale reported on fans corner twitter german paper blid) so don't no were the story as come from so what's changed also the vvday story im afraid they won't sell to us in belive he'll end up at chelski or even arsenal fans on the fourm seem to be buzzing with maccas coments again but if these don't happen well let's see what appears on the fourm think the eds might be in for a bumpy ride.

10 Aug 2017 06:46:16
Marv, you will just have to learn that the Eds and Macca know more than Twitter and Paper Gossip.
Southampton would do business with us if we smacked a load of extra money down, and I think we should, we need a CB more than any of the other top 6.

10 Aug 2017 06:53:35
Macca is regurgitating what twitter has said.

10 Aug 2017 06:54:26
How many times have we seen a player with a ' not for sale' quote from his club only for him to be sold not long after. Could yet still happen with couts. Anything can happen. Macca has said basically it's not dead in the water yet.

10 Aug 2017 06:57:52
Think we will get VVD. Southampton will knuckle down eventually and accept a deal to sell VVD to us and I trust Macca about Keita. Rangnick's comments indicate the player would like to leave and LFC will probably be his preferred destination.

10 Aug 2017 07:03:39
Personal opinion : Couts will go but only when he hands in a TR. Keita will not be sold.

But whatever the outcome, we're still going to crush Watford 🏆😎.

10 Aug 2017 07:35:03
You, Ron. You're the kind of supporter I like!

10 Aug 2017 09:42:47
Cou has hinted that he will not do that, Ron. At least for now.

09 Aug 2017 23:09:36
Ed001, sorry if you've already answered this mate.

How good do you think Coutinho is? Pretty subjective question I know, but I'm struggling to gage how bad it'd be if he went!

Cheers.

{Ed001's Note - he makes us tick mate. It is not just because of what he does, but the way opponents treat him that he is important to us. With him on the pitch, 2 or 3 opposition players are constantly distracted watching him, trying to stay near enough to challenge him when he gets the ball. That creates more space, even if only one of them actually does the closing down at a time, the others are distracted and are more likely to let our players run off the back of them.

People moan he goes missing sometimes, but he is still causing problems for the opposition simply by being there.}

10 Aug 2017 05:58:09
Couldn't agree more, and his ability to turn and wriggle out of tackles and run into the space between the lines causes havoc. Defences can't afford drop back and give him a free shot from distance, but if they step up if leaves space in behind for others. Look at his wriggle out of the tackle and release vs. Herta, and also how his receiving the ball vs. Leicester immediately created panic in the CBs to step up, leaving space in behind for Salah to run into and score.

For all their talent, our other midfielders don't create that sort of fear and panic that leads to the opposition abandoning their defensive patterns.

{Ed001's Note - exactly mate, there are very few players that inspire that kind of fear in other players, when you have one it changes things. The key is having a team around them that can exploit it.}

10 Aug 2017 06:29:25
With the pace in our team now mainly with mane and salah I have a feeling that teans will have to sit deep, even more so then last year, we will need his creativity and quick thinking more then ever. I also believe can can be a big player for us this year (maybe grujic too) for their ability to beat a man or 2 from midfield and score.

10 Aug 2017 06:33:50
And we have more options in the team to exploit it this season with both salah and mane with their pace and movement not to mention the already good link up with firmino, if we manage to keep him he could be even better this season.

10 Aug 2017 07:00:20
Its very simple actually. Keep Coutinho and we see the very best of Mane and Salah. If we sell him, we may never know how good Mane and Salah can actually be. Coutinho is one player who reads a forwards' game better than most and will pick out their runs between defences at every opportunity. The same cannot be said about our other midfielders who rely more on their workrate to boss the midfield.

10 Aug 2017 08:33:27
If count stays and plays through the middle this season then I believe he would go missing less (as previously stated by Ed) and would probably have his best ever season with us. It's far easier for opposition to close the space down In the channels and count doesn't have the pace to alter that. Through the middle he would be at the heart of more or less every attack and would get far more ball and space to do his damage with.

10 Aug 2017 09:47:13
Spot on, Ed. Those who say Cou is inconsistent or drifts in and out of games clearly don't watch him closely and the impact he has on the way the opposition play us. Some say that "mane is our best player", Rubbish! W/ o Cou pulling the strings in behind, there is no Mane. Which is why we signed Salah on the left side so Cou can have both him, Mane and Bobby to play with. If we sell him now, good luck picking the locks of parked buses as non of our CM's can do wehat he can creatively on the pitch. He must not be sold this summer at any price.

{Ed001's Note - he works so well with Firmino, it is joy to watch those two link up.}

10 Aug 2017 01:40:35
Listen I know this is going to be unpopular but in all honesty the game has changed and what has just unfolded with neymar DOES change things bear in mind the transfer fee record has been smashed. now we have a player who is wanted by Barcelona . ok. so we also have him locked into a 5 yr contract with no minimum release fee so some reds were saying before the neymar deal that if Barcelona come in with £85/ 90 mill . you can't stand in his
way so now if they come in with £150+ mill would it not make sense to cash in and let klopp decide how and where to strenghthen the squad bearing in mind we're playing in both the PL and the CL this year we've lost talisman over the years and still carried on rush, Owen, Torres, Suarez, even stevie G, this is LFC. no one is bigger than this club. surely?

10 Aug 2017 02:37:16
It's not a matter of what he's worth in the current market. It is simply a matter of what he is worth to Liverpool. And for me, he's worth just as Much as Neymar was to Barcelona. I agree with most of the complainers on here about how he goes missing sometimes. But guess what? EVERY PLAYER DOES. He's a magician and one of our best players. It's important that we keep him.

10 Aug 2017 04:30:27
it wouldn't make sense what so ever! As this transfer window has proved we can not replace him and it isn't even about money.

lost Torres in Jan 2011 we finished 6th then season after finished 8th
Finished 2nd with Suarez - season after 6th

We need to keep our best players and build a team around them, otherwise we will just be stuck in the cycle we are now, scraping 4th then the season after finishing 6th.

10 Aug 2017 06:09:07
Why would you care if we got 150m? Makes no difference to fans unless it means we perform better on the pitch.
The big question for me is whether we have a better chance of success and trophies with Phil Coutinho or with his replacement (sas) . If i was in charge, i would politely refuse Barcas offer and then go win the league and Ol Big ears in Coutinhos fnal season.

10 Aug 2017 09:53:10
OP, you are missing the point. I don't care about the fee we will get for him. You have to look at the pitch and ask yourself if we will suffer w/ o him on the pitch and the answer an emphatic Heck YEAH. He is worth way more to us than any fee Barcelona would pay for him. Why? His influence is immense and this preseason has shown that already with his goals and assists to Salah which is why we signed Salah to begin with. With no replacement out there capable of doing what he can do for us, we will be shooting ourselves in both feet by letting him go. That is the reality and Klopp knows that all too well as he has seen it himself at BVB when Bayern would take his players.

09 Aug 2017 23:49:21
Hey eds, just wondering why you think Barcelona wouldn't go back in for Coutinho? Surely if we asked one more year of him and he had the season of his life they would go back in for him? If this is what's turning his head to go this year it's understandable. If I were Klopp I'd be telling him to play his heart out this season and he could have his pick! (Obviously want him to pick LFC)

{Ed002's Note - It is not a case of "turning his head" he has been courting them. They are looking for a replacement for Iniesta, and they are looking now.}