Liverpool Banter Archive August 21 2013

21 Aug 2013 23:00:31
Arda just showed how he can work in a Rodgers formation for me played a fantastic triangle passing move before being released where he showed a decent burst before assisting Villa who may I add finished superbly. Would be annoyed as an Arsenal fan to have not pressed on for Villa if some reports are true, also think we should look at Arda in my opinion

Not seen him much but he has had a very good game. Not just a skilful attacking player but puts in a good shift, made a great saving tackle in his own box. Maybe not that quick but I wouldn't be worried about him adjusting to the premiership. I'd be happy to see him at Liverpool.

Not sure if he`s what we need but I could be wrong

I like arda too.

I think he would be a great addition, but if we were interested, surely we would have moved for him by now? Doesn't look likely sadly.

21 Aug 2013 22:29:37
Credit where it's due vrcomp, good post yesterday that I reprinted below.
________________________________________
Expect an offer in the region of £12mill for Martin Skrtel in the next 48 hours from Napoli.

vrcomp
Y.N.W.A.
vrcomp
________________________________________

Top man, vrcomp you were spot on!

Will be keeping an eye on your future posts.

Ed's- this is a good idea. Is there some way we can recognize those that actually have solid rumours? {Ed002's Note - We really don't have the time to sift through all of the posts to do that.}

21 Aug 2013 22:16:38
Agree totally con, no abuse from me! We can all clearly see our rival for fourth place in tottenham are running away with it, they are willing to go that extra mile and bring in quality! What we have now isn't good enough! I just hope these these so called interests in the likes of mkhitaryan, diego costa and wilian weren't just bids knowing full well the clubs would refuse our low offers but in the process keep us fans sweet and thinking that a quality signing is sure to happen! Then they can say oh well we tried! Hope i'm wrong but we all know what's going on here! 5th at best is where we'll be! No more signings will come, mark my words!

If signing players left, right and center w/ very little idea of how to play them all or how long it will take for them to gel means they`re "running away" with it then you (and Spurs) might be in for a rude awakening.

Hate to say it but I completely agree. We learnt our lesson from last year and got our business done early. Then we waited to see what would happen with Suarez and meantime kept the fans spirits up with leaked interest in players and bids that would never work. Looking more and more like a load of flannel that we have money to spend. We might have a little but not 'marquee' amounts whatever they are!

21 Aug 2013 21:47:12
Is it true we turned down 10mil for Skrtel from Mr Benitez

21 Aug 2013 21:30:06
can you see us making a bid for damiao, sakho, yarmolenko or turan really hoping for some good news on transfers

21 Aug 2013 21:09:19
Liverpool have rejected a 10 million pound offer from
napoli for skertel, worried about coates fitness according
to reports.

I don't think Coates will be 'fit' for a while now.

21 Aug 2013 21:05:03
I've been wondering - how do agents manage to have such control over a transfer. Admittedly I don't know if it's complete carp or not, but if this difference of a few million is about agents fees, despite the player (we are told) being interested in joining Liverpool, why can't a player get upset with his agent and kick up a fuss (like run off with another man or tell him to put his dick back in his pants)?

Is this realistically a question of the player being interested in the best possible deal rather than his 'preferred choice'?

Or does a player perhaps sign a contract with an agent meaning they can't just change agents or have as much power in a negotiation?

What's the trick? {Ed001's Note - players are usually contracted to an agent for a period of time.}

21 Aug 2013 20:59:59
Lets forget talking about all these players with massive price tags on their heads. we won't be signing anybody if they're over the 15m mark, and I feel even that's pushing it!

Everybody's talking about Turan. it won't happen! no way on this earth will we sign him! a week ago it was Willian a month ago it was that mkhitarian or whatever his name is fella.

This doesn't mean i'm not happy! there's too many peoples going off on one about us not signing these expensive players, was Coutinho, Sturridge expensive. and when Coutinho came in I was like, 'who?' signing big names isn't the be all and end all let's get behind the team we've currently got!

I think we'll do well this season, CL? no chance. let's not kid ourselfs, but 5-6th i'll be happy with, why? because its an improvement! anything more is a bonus to me!

My guess. and its a total guess because i'm not in the know in any way shape or form. We will sign Llori! I seriously think that'll be it! no more after him.

Of course i'd love to see us splash the cash and go for a few more. but I don't think its happening! (just my opinion)

Hope all is well! good evening #1 & 2

So you're basically saying you're happy that we're not going to sign any more players to push for top 4? Where has the ambition gone people.

People keep talking about get this player, that player. WHERE ARE THEY GOING TO PLAY? Spurs are buying players BUT if they don`t gel quickly, AVB will be in a mess. Based on what I saw at Palace, they have a lot of work to do. We need players who are GOOD ENOUGH for the team that will get us over the hump and those don`t necessarily cost money. An attack of Sturridge, Aspas, Coutinho and. SUAREZ will give any defence fits. If we can add to the team, I`m all for it BUT not at any price for the sake of making a "marquee" signing.

How can you say we won't buy anyone over 15m? We just bid 24m for Willian!

Scouse_tommy. yes we BID for Willian. did we buy him? . Mark my words we won't sign anybody over that mark. and as I previously said, even that's pushing it!

People are holding onto things that won't happen, then everybody at the end of the window will be slating FSG, BR etc. be realistic.

21 Aug 2013 20:38:11
For all those who think Kolo is Liverpool's new Emlyn Hughes, let's see how quick he is on Saturday.

Why are you wanting to pull down one of our own players? Especially one who has only just arrived, and been nothing short of exemplary in his commitment to the cause. No one has said he's the new Emlyn Hughes and you know it.

That's what I like to hear a bit of enthusiasm for our players ;).

Are they racing? My monies on Kolo

Toure will be our best defender this year comparing him to emlyn maybe because he is very enthusiastic like emlyn

I have total confidence in Kolo and bet you he would not be bullied by Benteke the way our other CB`s look terrified of him.

21 Aug 2013 20:16:06
Cheeky bid for Demba Ba?

Go home your drunk.

I said he would be another andy carroll at a big club and I was right.

21 Aug 2013 19:58:01
Just read a few comments that Daniel Agger made about moving to Barcelona, very classy and committed footballer and all round top guy, I think one day we'll be talking about him in the same breath as carra

21 Aug 2013 19:39:42
I said yesterday morning there was a problem with the Willian deal but the club thought they could overcome it (Banter 20 Aug 2013 10:20:55 ). Later got ribbed by you glorious readers that the problem was Spurs. No it wasn't - it was money pure and simple. Not European football, not bigger wages, just money. We couldn't reach agreement with his agent (Kia) over the agent cut - we needed him to drop what he wanted to a more realistic level and so we couldn't afford the full deal. Greedy agent.

Agent fees come's out of the players wages, as far as I know {Ed001's Note - no, they don't. }

I'd say let him eat cake,
let him go to Spurs.
He could have been an idol
now he's just a footballer
in a white shirt.

We've learnt! Glad in a way we showing strength in deals!

If that's true, I'm even more delighted that we didn't sign him, just on principle. We somehow spent over £50 million quid on NOT having a brand new stadium built, and I am glad that we didn't pay someone 5 million for him doing not much more than making a few phone calls and whatever else that a 'super agent' does. If all clubs took this stance the footballing world would be better off without these sharks.

If that is the case, then I think the club did the right thing.

Don't tell me Kia the guy who was Mascherano's and Tevez' agent. the slime

Well said ''Ace''!

5m for one agent? You can sign a player with that kind of money. If that was what happened, then Spurs can have all our targets, for sure. God bless em.

Fair play you were right

21 Aug 2013 19:24:47
Don't understand the obsession with Spurs, they've bought well, so what. It has nothing to do with our club so why all the noise!

Will spurs signings impact our next game or the following game - no! Did Spurs get more points at the weekend for their win than we did for ours - no!

Liverpool will achieve as much as they believe they can achieve, no more and no less, no matter who Spurs ( or anyone else sign).

Looking forward to the window closing!

I don't really get it either. We only play them twice so what they do has little impact on how we do directly. If we win the next 37 games 1-0, we win the league regardless of what others do. Not saying it's even remotely going to happen, but our result against Aston Villa this weekend is the only one that matters right now.

Perth red, I agree with 70% of your post, but don't believe BR and Ian Ayre and fsg are blameless in this fsg chose to change the way our clubs run so if its 8/10 in the league the question has to be asked . E.g spurs are similar to us with clubs ticket sale and mechendis, yet they can spend near on £90 million, our owner believe BR can do the same job with no money spent .have to see but don't fancy our chances .

Kingluis. Not sure why your reply ended up here.
I totally agree. I didn't say I wouldn't be calling for fsg or ayres head. Just not rodgers.

Yes but they are spending money that they will receive for bale. let's say 85 mill. so they will have spent 5 mill.

would like rid of Suarez now but not sure it will happen till next season.
so if he puts in a 28 goal plus season with no controversy what would we be able to demand for him then? strikers will be in demand next summer aswell

Spurs are selling Bale, that's why they can afford to bring in these players end of.

Kingluis, I don't really like comparing net spend between two clubs as it's pretty irrelevant, but I really think it's unfair to do so before the window has closed.

Do you not think Spurs are spending the Bale money, they are playing this very well, give Spurs some credit .

Because they are our rivals for the Champions league and are improving fairly alarmingly while we haven't really improved the first team despite no doubt improving the squad.

The only reason Spurs can spend 90MM is that they are selling Bale for 80MM or whatever they end up getting for him. Spurs have been smart with their money (Modric sale and now Bale sale) and so they can turn 2 players into 5 or 6 really good players. FSG is only trying to fix the mistakes of Hicks and Gillette and the early part of their own reign (Carroll, Downing) etc. I for one believe that they need to sign players they believe offer value now (Coutinho & Sturridge being examples) and potentially sell on value. The only other way would lead to financial ruin.

Spurs can buy who they want. Games are won and lost on the field and not in the transfer window while buying unproven players for silly money with very little guarantee they can play within the system. It`ll be 11 v 11 and may lfc win every game.

21 Aug 2013 19:12:30
Hello eds, just wondering with willian going to spurs, miky going to dortmund and erikson not seeming to be interested, is there any chance we can have a marquee signing?

Is it as you've said we don't agree with price values (willian to spurs 30m pounds), we can't actually compete with other clubs spending or do we just not have the pulling power?

I think just to stand a chance of competing for 4th we need quality as the 3 we've missed, not just promising players, we have enough of them now.

Is there interest in realistic targets which we can consider marquee, such as turan? To be honest I can't think of any one else i'd consider in this bracket who might come!

I see us ending up with Capel, Atsu, Elia etc who have all been mentioned but in my opinion won't take us up a level.

Please tell me there is a possible nice surprise for us!! Thanks

Where do you want to erect this marquee?

21 Aug 2013 19:10:59
Just putting it out there, as the transfer window is always full of surprises, what about a bid for Lukaku? If Chelsea get Rooney, then Lukaku will be 3rd in the pecking order in a team which favours midfielders and attackers over strikers. In a world cup year as well.

Highly unlikely as he will still play a lot of games for them. cup games and ones they are comfortably leading.

would be the one player possibly available who is worth spending 30m for. what he did last season for West Brom and at his age was phenomenal

21 Aug 2013 18:54:32
Apologies for stating the obvious but the reason Willian has gone to Spurs is pure and simple. We would only go to 23.5m and Spurs have stumped up the asking price. We won't be held to ransom over players values, which is honourable but be prepared to be disappointed a lot when we're linked with the more expensive players. Forgive the conspiracy theorist in me but I'm starting to wonder if the club want to look like we're interested in high end players (without ever making a serious offer) to keep us fans sweet. Don't get me wrong, I think we have some quality in the signings we've made but I think the winger we need will end up being more Scott Sinclair than Willian or Lamela.

Rushie was ace

YNWA

If the plan was to keep the fans sweet, then they failed miserably. I haven't seen this much abuse of the club, manager, and owners since the loss to Celtic (ha).

We were prepares to go 28M and 5M in add ons. There was also a 5m in agents fees allegedly as part of the deal. Glad we walked. Quality player but just too much IMO for what he offers. Last I checked you could only start 11 players. There are a lot of midfielders at Spurs and 2 very decent young ones that look like being squeezed out in Naughton and Townsend. Worry bout us and us only. CB cover and DM more pressing for us.

Would be gutted if we ended up with Sinclair, Downing mark 2 if you ask me.

W need someone who can dispatch the chances we create and for 30m, the player had better be able to create AND SCORE.

21 Aug 2013 16:03:48
Hi Eds,
Have you heard anything on João Carlos Teixeira being loaned to Bologna {Ed002's Note - I am not aware of anything.}

21 Aug 2013 18:13:48
hi eds,
just wondering, is there any real interest in diego capel? I doubt it but was just wondering if you hadan inside story {Ed002's Note - Search engine.}

21 Aug 2013 17:59:41
Hey EDs, first and foremost, Thank you for your hardwork and patience, you guys are the best.

Second, I was wondering if there's a chance FSG are happy to have brought early signings and are keen to end this transfer window with a small profit + heavy wages off the bill.

Thanks for the time,
SKJ. {Ed002's Note - What small profit would that be?}

Unless we know details to the contrary and going off published figures then they have made quite a profit on transfers. {Ed001's Note - well then you are reading false figures, because there has been no profit made on transfers. This is the same bull that used to get spouted regarding Rafa, when he in fact made huge losses on transfers, but people think the fee is the be all and end all.}

Top post, ed. Rafa was buying players for stupid prices and conned fans w/ the "net spend" BS.

21 Aug 2013 17:57:07
Is it just me or is off now becoming a laughing stock. Every player we seam to be interested in an lodge a bid spuds beat us 2 it. Ok we got some good buisness done at start of transfer market but. Now we have let pure players go and only brought 4 in and not 1 is a marquee signing even teams like Southampton are buying. Top players. There goes another year of no European qualification. Dnt get me wrong I think Suarez is amazing player but a grade a nugget and a back stabber. With his attitude towards us but can u blame him that he wants to go when we can't even compete to buy top players we are always getting Palmer of us fans I think if Ian Ayre concentrated more on the club than driving his Harley then we might get some were I say enough is enough he should either sort himself out or go pure players we have lost due to Ayres negotiating and not wanting to pay the price for the player ok every 1 loves a bargain but look at Dempsey we wouldn't pay 6 million last year went on for ages spurs buy him use him for a year then get rid total joke and b4 people ask no I'm not saying Dempsey is world class but come on we are a laughing stock. Times have changed we need to sort our club out asap please post in rumours eds. So we can see if people actually agree with me. Thanx eds and great site keep up the good work guys as always

Who's laughing at us. Press coverage of our opening day win included lots of people saying Liverpool could be dark horses and we are "under the radar". Why so negative?

If I was a united fan then I would totally agree with you

Looks like you are on your own spartacus! To say Liverpool are a 'laughing stock' is a joke

So we are a laughing stock because we won`t get mugged by clubs, players and agents? Good one.

21 Aug 2013 17:52:18
Either that or it could have been the fact Anzhi wanted his 5m signing on fee back.

21 Aug 2013 17:48:15
Since last week's pre-match report was well received, I thought I'd do another to lighten the mood after "missing out" on another signing. Last week my 4-1 was not too accurate though if both sides had taken some chances it could've been much nearer.

Thank The JORD (another crappy tabloid headline):
Aston Villa 2-3(1-1) Liverpool
(Benteke 8", Weimann 49") (Sturridge 33", Coutinho 57", Henderson 87")

After great wins against Arsenal and Chelsea, Aston Villa's perfect start to the season was ended by a late Jordan Henderson strike to seal Liverpool's second win in as many games.

The home side made an instant impact, starting off where they'd finished midweek, and before the first ten minutes were up, Paul Lambert's side found themselves in the lead, courtesy of Belgian, Christian Benteke.

After Steven Gerrard wasted possession with a speculative effort which was never going to trouble Brad Guzan, the Villa Keeper cleared the ball up to Benteke who's heavy touch fell right into the path of Fabian Delph. Delph then proceeded to cut the ball just past the outstretched leg of Daniel Agger for Benteke to chase. And the striker left no doubt, blasting the ball past a helpless Simon Mignolet.

Liverpool then started to find their feet in the Midlands, and Guzan did well to tip Coutinho's curler around the post.

Villa though maintained the pressure, and following a slip on a wet pitch from Jose Enrique, Gabriel Agbonlahor broke with the ball before floating it back to the unmarked Delph, who failed to hit the target with a free volley when maybe he should have scored.

Daniel Sturridge was loath to be outdone on the scoresheet by his striking counterpart, and the young Englishman claimed the ball off a weak looking Kieran Westwood on the Liverpool right wing and started charging with incentive. He then ghosted his way past Karim El Ahmadi before smashing the ball in off the underside of Brad Guzan's crossbar from near-enough 30 yards; much to the American's disappointment.

Things started to quieten down as the game reached half time, but as the teams re-emerged from the tunnel the game fast became a fast, hectic and very open affair.

After Ron Vlaar thrashed Coutinho down with a horrific challenge, the Dutch defender was sent off with just 47 minutes gone.
But when Steven Gerrard's floated free-kick was nodded away by Vlaar's centre back partner Antonio Luna, Benteke found he was unchallenged in reaching the loose ball and had time to slip a neat pass into Gabby Agbonlahor who was bursting down Villa's right-wing. After leaving Lucas Leiva for dead, Agbonlahor found himself with only Mignolet to beat. But after patiently composing himself, Agbonlahor calmly stroked the ball to the unmarked Andreas Weimann who tapped the ball into an empty net. A wondefully orchaestrated counter attack. 2-1 to Villa.

Liverpool had by no means started the second half weakly and Villa's lead could have lasted even less time than it did, had Iago Aspas not fired way over the target from just inside the penalty area, when a Sturridge drive stung the the legs of Westwood and the ball fell straight into the Spaniard's path and he really should've done better.

Aspas did make up for his error though, feeding the lively Phillipe Coutinho who flicked the ball through helpless Antonio Luna's legs before dummying his way around Brad Guzan to roll in his first goal of the new season.

Liverpoool continued to test Guzan with both Gerrard and Henderson hitting the woodwork.

But it was the home team who gained the next real oppurtunity, as Gabriel Abonglahor showcased his pace once more to fly past Jose Enrique, who could only bring down the advancing Abonglahor and had no complaints when a penalty was awarded and he received a yellow card.

Up stepped Benteke for his third penalty-kick of the season, but Simon Mignolet, penalty-saving hero of Liverpool's victory over Stoke, repeated his glorious antics of the previous week to push the ball away to his left. Only this time he managed to avoid having to make a double save as his palm away was a strong one.

From then on Liverpool seemed to spend the final 15 minutes of the match camped in Aston Villa's half, but Paul Lambert's ten men held firm as the visitors chances repeatedly presented themselves, only to be spurned. In fact after the 75th minute, goalkeeper Guzan made three strong saves off Daniel Sturridge alone.

But the breakthrough finally came in the 87th minute as Steven Gerrard's corner was flicked on by Kolo Toure and Jordan Henderson was able to place his half-volley into the roof of the net to earn a crucial three points for the Reds.

A great game played between two very attacking teams. Although a Liverpool victory was probably deserved, Paul Lambert still felt unfortunate to come away from the evening kick off empty-handed, and its hard to disagree with him.

That said, with Liverpool deep in talks with Roma Winger Erik Lamela, after Spurs failed to conclude a deal, and Schalke defender Kyriakos Papadopoulos over possible moves, maybe the Merseyside club's top four hopes are more realistic than they first seemed.

- you've gone into some effort there! I hope you're right with it.

:toppa: for the work!

Haha, that will be a good game, but I hate winning against 10 men.

Enjoyed last weeks preview, this ones better!

bless up yourself sir

21 Aug 2013 17:26:47
Any interest in Kevin Prince Boateng? Bringing him and Sakho in would ensure we would not be bullied out of any games as it would give us the power we need right down the spine of the team to grind out results when we need them, pushing Gerrard up and moving Coutinho wide? {Ed002's Note - Not from Liverpool, but he is available.}

Cheers Eds, maybe put a suggestion in to BR? ;)

KPB is a terrible player, I would avoid like the plague!

21 Aug 2013 17:20:21
Reading today that Spurs remain interested in Lamela and once Willian deal is complete they will pursue his signature! IF spurs complete both these signings, 1st of all Bale is SURELY gone, and 2ndly they will have a VERY strong team! So we MUST sign another player or two if we are to compete for that 4th spot! Don't get me wrong I am really positive about our squad this season for the first time in years, but surely another CB and an attacking player is needed.

Great site btw!

So you know for definite that Willian and Lamela will rip it up in the PL in their first season?

21 Aug 2013 17:17:35
Seb Coates injured ACL. Out for up to 6 months. looks like we may need to buy to cover. Get well soon.YNWA

21 Aug 2013 17:13:22
Message for alvy,

Sorry it took me a while to reply to your question. I'll do a comparitive STAT ATTACK post for you if you like. Always happy to oblige.

Willian
Konopylanka
Turan

Did I miss anyone? Let me know and I'll add it to the list and post it on Friday midday for you. I'll add your name in the post to make it easy to search for

Nevada

21 Aug 2013 19:44:07
They were just the first few names to mind. Looking at rumours since that post, Lamela and Yarmolenko (spelling) might be good additions as well
Thanks Nevada, hopefully it might help me and others see why we're prepared to spend our money in the way that we seem to be.

21 Aug 2013 17:12:48
Good Afternoon Eds & fans

Just been speaking to my brother who was down at Melwood with his lad autograph hunting. He said he was speaking to some of the guys on the gate & they were saying don't expect any business until after the game on Saturday, the schedules are all marked out until then & that even with transfers although they don't know who a lot of the time, there is protocol for when players are coming in & can usually tell when players are coming in a few days in advance. They also said from what they've heard around Melwood from staff, players ect is that there is a lot of excitement for next week & expect a couple of signings & an announcement that will make fans very happy. He also said that there was a French speaking English teacher booked in next week, but didn't know if this was to do with Aly Cissokho or to do with any new arrivals. All this could be rubbish by guys thinking they run the club in their high vis vests at the gate, but I do imagine they might know a little info, like any workplace things do get around the place.

21 Aug 2013 14:55:03
Hey eds,

just wondering, what do you think is a higher priority for LFC right now - an attacking player or a centre back? Do you think we will sign 1 or 2 more players at most between now and September 2nd? {Ed002's Note - I would think that one or two will be it. I have no opinion on "priorities".}

21 Aug 2013 13:57:02
Eds can I ask a silly-ish question

I am just curious if you think players may be more likely to sign for teams like Spurs (for example) not just because they are willing to pay bigger wages and offer more attractive deals, but also as they may well be seen as being more proactive and ambitious in terms of making quality signings?

Silly-ish question because I guess you will say it depends on the individual and what attracts him but I thought I would ask as you probably know a lot more in terms of what players really look for, other than just money, being in champions spots and maybe clubs history etc {Ed002's Note - You answered it yourself.}

21 Aug 2013 16:17:47
Good afternoon Ed's

I know that Marko Marin has been sent out on loan by Chelsea.It was rumoured we had interest in him a while back prior to is move, Do you think that he could be someone we could be interested in signing if he became available?

appreciate your thoughts on this as too much Will I AM crap being spouted on here, Just get on with it fellow REDS, what will be will be {Ed002's Note - I have no idea who Liverpool will be interested in next summer.}

21 Aug 2013 14:24:15
Afternoon eds. quick question regarding Turan do ye think we have a big interest in bringing him in, and could a deal be done to get him in at this stage of the transfer window.
Thanks in advance.

21 Aug 2013 15:53:12
Hi Ed
Heard Coates has done his cruciate. Would be very surprised if we don`t add a CB as priority now. What are your thoughts.
ROYZERED {Ed001's Note - we were looking to replace him anyway, so it has changed little in real terms, other than lowering the funds available to do so.}

21 Aug 2013 17:04:47
Not to fussed if we don't buy anyone else this window.

If you can't get your first couple of choices then just leave it, which is where I think we are.

Think are squad is a little lite, but with ibe stepping up and sterling improving, we have two young lads that can come off the bench and do a decent job for us.

Ed said willian want on our list of targets . he just happened to becomeavailable so I would assume we have our first choice prior to his sudden availablity to go for

Agree - but have to say I would still like Sakho.

Totally agree with you Lavers. I don't think we should panic buy since we didn't get our first targets. That being said, I am always optimistic for our team, but I really think it will take a miracle to be top 4 this year. Tottenham just look too strong, and they have a good coach too. Hopefully we will get 5th, get back in Europe, and then continue to develop our young stars to compete at the top in 2 to 3 years.

Think we can compete for 4 th this year.

Spurs have made what appear to be good signings, but it depends if they all settle and get use to playing in a tough league.

Bale is going simple as that and he carried that team last year

21 Aug 2013 15:50:57
Eds thanks for all the info over the last few months was just wondering now we have lost out to spurs for willian is there any chance we will rekindle our supposed interest in atsu? Me personally I would love turan but can't see it happening personally {Ed001's Note - it would seem unlikely, I suppose it depends on Porto, they might be more inclined to strike a favourable deal late in the window. Portugese clubs are struggling more than the Spanish in monetary terms, the players union there had to cover wage payments for a large number of players.}

21 Aug 2013 15:38:27
Hi eds
I have not seen 1 paper/website linking us with Lemela.
Where is everyone getting this from? {Ed001's Note - I don't know where everyone else is getting it from sorry, you would have to ask them!}

Di Marzio the Italian journo and Barrett said we have looked at him, another journalist from the Guardian, not sure if it was Bascombe though who is the most reliable

21 Aug 2013 16:38:39
Hello Eds I asked you guys yesterday if you knew anything about Yarmolenko! Asked around and it seems Milan & Madrid are interested. Madrid view him as a cheap alternative to Suarez but will only bid if Di maria goes! I think we would do well to get him for around the 15 million mark but personally I don't see why we don't bid 15 million plus Borini for Lamela Cheers PDLFC

Wish you were in place of Ayre. Reckon they'd take that. Lamela is quality

21 Aug 2013 16:16:14
ive been saying for the past 2 weeks we won't buy anyone else, its because the way we do buisness we go for a player and bid a stupid amount of money instead of the price they are valued at, we could have had any of the 3 players we have missed out on, if only we payed the asking price deigo costa, mika and william could have been ours if only we made the correct amount, at the time we were in for them, willian even said he would come here,
we have 12 days left we need a CB and there is 2 who we could get papa and sakho toure and carra both showed we need experience in this position, I really hope i'm wrong but I doubt it, because while we are negotiating other clubs are paying the asking price and this is the reason why we never get our quality targets I would be made up if we get sakho because he can play def - mid as well so he can cover lucas if lucas gets injured

But we signed Cissokho in the last two weeks.?

We agreed to meet diego costa's release clause did you think hm would have chosen us over dortmund?maybe wllians rep informed us he would choose spurs over us and decided not to match their bid
Its not about the money, more likely where we are as a club. like you said there are 12days wait till the 13th before you start complaining

Everyone is paying the asking price?

Check out the Arse & Manu pages.

21 Aug 2013 16:09:17
Reading some reports that we are linked with Yarmalenko and odds are being slashed. No idea at all if accurate and just passing on. Not much on him having done a search on here but let's see. His profile would seem to fit with what we are after. Matt

21 Aug 2013 15:51:49
Willian to undergo a medical at tottenham; hopefully one that will flop in the bpl.
YNWA

21 Aug 2013 15:13:07
The others may have better squads than us but they all have European football to contend with which can lead to an extra 10 plus games. If we look at our team player for player against any of the other teams then we are just as good. The new goalkeeper IMO is on an equal par to the others (IMO better than both manchester and arsenal keepers) our CB's are top draw, the fullbacks are no different to the others except for cole being the exception, Lucas and Gerard two of the best and then the Fab Four of coutinho, Sturridge, Suarez and Aspas. Still think its early days for aspas but encouraging signs. One more player and it's open to everyone. Rogers is the key let's not overlook this. He is getting the team to play a much more fluent game and this will guide us to the top 4.

Sounds great. let's all hope none get injured and can play 38 games plus cups and international games. Also hope no suspensions.
Hope lack of strong competition doesn't lead to complacency

Too four here we come

Very good post Red Vinny!
I think we have a very good squad including depth considering we are not in European competition this season. But it is also understandable why most LFC fans are panicking, simply bcoz Spurs are spending a whole lot of dosh on the likes of Willian and co. While these players will no doubt aid them in their quest for a champions league spot, whether they gel as a team quickly enough should also be considered. Our play against Stoke was breathtaking at times, and if we improve our finishing and add another centre half like Papa who can also cover the CDM position, we will definitely be in with a shout for top4.

21 Aug 2013 15:33:59
what about ben arfa?

No thanks. Ashley's had us over once, not again. He'd want 15-20m and then chuckle his fat chops off when HBA broke down in training and was out until Xmas.

21 Aug 2013 15:26:25
Every time I come on here I am shocked by the amount of billionaire's that come to this site on a regular bases. Giving out about the club penny pinching over a couple of million here and there on wages and not bidding that extra 5 million just to show we have the money.

To be honest if I had your kinda money I would never be on this site. I'd be spending 5 million here and there just to show the ladies that I got the cash.
No offence intended eds

21 Aug 2013 14:54:13
Good Luck to Fenerbahce today. Hope they knock out Arsenal's dream of Champions League.

I might be wishing too much but Dirk Kuyt and Raul Meireles with the goal.

Can dirk kuyt play? I heard he is injurd

I want Arsenal playing as many energy sapping games as possible. A heartbreak semi final defeat for the Gunners against Bayern would me.

Dirk got a beast of a shiner. Smashed heads with a team mate in a warm up routine. Likely ok for the match though.

Kuyt's face is a right state after colliding with De Guzman in training for Netherlands I don't know how bad it is now but at the time his eye was completely swollen over. De Guzman got concussion

21 Aug 2013 14:45:04
Aly Cissokho to wear the no. 20 shirt.

21 Aug 2013 14:42:02
I know he's not a current target, but would any of the reds fans like to see Axel Witsel in a Liverpool shirt? I would, BELIEVABLE if you agree

Believable doesn't exist. Unbelievably right?

Yup. but can happen only in fifa. I think the chance of signing someone like lamela is also limited to fifa only. hope i'm wrong. would love to see both lamela and witsel in lfc shirts

Quality player.

I wish. top class player. 1 thing for sure is 1 of these days Liverpool will have to buy a world class player like this to try and replace Stevie

21 Aug 2013 14:07:41
as much as I do agree with your point of view tsb I could understand if we were losing out like we did on carrol and downing but if all reports are true we are arguing over 2-3 million pounds now surley if the player is that good i'm sure we could find 2-3 million. there is no player in the world that would turn down more money just because he wanted to play for us.
my point is I could understand if it was 5-10 million pounds more but not 2-3. we havnt got euorpean footie so its hard enough to attract big players but if we don't attract them we will never get european football.

He was never our top target we only went for him after anzhi put up the first team for sale.we were willing to pay a certain price and spurs came in with a higher bid and we walked away from it.what if the player informed us he
Would choose spurs over us and we decided not to up our bid

Spurs have wanted willian for a while and are willing to pay for it.we don't have any bale to sell for 100m

21 Aug 2013 13:23:53
We have been battered pillar to post by fans and "experts" for paying over the odd for players over the past 2 seasons.

Yet are still complaining when we will not raise our offer for a player above our valuation.

To those fans what do exactly want? You moan if we pay over the odds and moan if do not raise our offer. You can not have it both ways!

No we moan when we don't sign good players.

There is a vague possibility that they aren`t the same people?
One group of people saying `be prudent and don`t pay over the odds` and some saying `pay more to get your targets`.
Not suggesting who might be right but it is possible.

Great Point.
Judging on the stats alone because I haven't seen Willian play enough to give a fair opinion, I don't think he is worth £30 million.
That doesn't mean I am glad we are not signing him because he could have been great for us on the left, but in terms of getting value for money, I don't think he would justify the price tag.
There is talk of Turan, if we could get him for under £20 million I think he could be worth a shout.

CC - but we have. Which players that we have signed don't you like?

The point is Ian Ayre is dammed if he does and dammed if he doesn't.

Where no longer in a position money wise or reputation wise to attract the marque signing without competition, it something we have to accept that we will lose potential signings to clubs who are prepared to offer more and pay more wages.

Its the clever signings that will get us competing again

21 Aug 2013 13:21:38
Just a question for all!

what has been the most overpriced transfer of the summer?

Has got to be Cavani for me.

Illaramendi if RM actually paid the 38m that has been quoted. if bale moves the RM for anything above 65 m that will be the most overpriced transfer

A good question. Fernandihno in the PL IMO.

James Rodriguez and Moutinho cost somewhere over £60 million, in which Rodriguez was valued at £40 million. That is another.

Bale! . .

If Real Madrid end up paying 80 million pounds plus Coentrao for Bale, it would be THE MOST RIDICULOUS TRANSFER FEE ever paid in football history. Spurs would be getting around 95 million worth for Bale, nearly twice of what he is actually worth.

Suspect in a few days Bale will fill that spot ;-)

Bale. . .

Willian .

Will be Bale to RM for 90Mil!

There's been a few. I'd have to pick Bale purely based on the fact that because it is such a ridiculous fee, it's likely going to inflate all future fee's, with clubs looking for a world record sum everytime a player has one world class season.

Yeh, to be honest I don't have a clue what Real Madrid are thinking.

They don't even need him, is bizarre, and they are really screwing are chances of getting CL giving spurs all that money.

Without any question, it will be Bale. whoever at RM thinks that its a good buy at £80/90m needs their head examining, he's worth about 1/3 of that fee!

21 Aug 2013 13:14:38
I am with many on the forum and not too fussed about not spending 30m on Willian. For that sort of money I would expect a 20-30 goal a season player. A bigger concern for me is if we missed out on a player because they felt Spurs to be a more attractive option and more ambitious than us. We need to compete in the 20m plus range for players. More importantly when we do pull the trigger we need to get it right. Carroll, Downing, Borini, Allen and Hendo represent close to 100m of spend. I would expect 5 walk ups in our 11. We have Suarez, Sturridge and Coutinho. The two players we are missing is the difference between us finishing 6th and challenging the top 3.

Let's hope we finish the transfer window with a net spend and get a couple more in to help the push.

A positive result against Villa and it will set up a belter with United

21 Aug 2013 16:43:02
Why do you want a net spend? you don't have to have a net spend to buy players as we have shown so far, good signings

You don't think Suarez, Sturridge, Aspas & Coutinho is a front 4 to savour? I do. Top notch players, all of them. Well done LFC.

21 Aug 2013 13:06:03
ed 01, everyone knows that BR wants left-side attacking player so it will aloow Coutinho to play in the middle.
Its more important for us to sign an LW as Sturridge is little bit injury prone and also we need little bit quality on bench too. If sign quality LW then we have Aspas, Hendo and maybe Borini (I am still confident he can do it) or Sterling to come of the bench to have impact on the game.
Do you think we will get an attacker as I think now it has the signs of last summer where BR will end up to play with what he have till now.
ynwa
P.S Now I understand why J.Henry told we are copying AFC model. Bid low for the player and miss out the target(Joke) {Ed001's Note - we will try, but it is not easy to get good players, clubs very rarely want to part with them.}

21 Aug 2013 13:00:17
Im really not in favour of buying these big, expensive signings. I would rather Rodgers picked the areas he thinks he needs to improve, sell the players required and buy better players. For instance selling Downing, Skrtel, Assaidi and buying players who Rodgers thinks can improve in that position. If Rodgers thinks Papa would be better for Skrtel then so be it. I know this isn't as easy as I make it look but football has to be a squad game. Much more important than buying a £35 million footballer who : a) might get injured or b) might not be all that he's cut out to be. I always keep going back to Utd because they are the bench mark for all teams. They are not awash with world class players (ffs, they still play a 40 year old in midfield), but they have players that come in without any disruption to the team and they have a winning mentality. Even when Chelse and City (and Liverpool) have spend 100's of millions over the years Utd still kept on picking up trophies. there's so much more than filling your team with the Willian's of the moment.

But in order to have a winning mentality you need to be a winner. How many of the Liverpool players are winners? You also need confidence and even players like Gerrard have said that the club needs to buy marquee signings and keep Suarez. Well if the club captain is saying it then what are the fans meant to think? Of course they will want marquee signings too and to keep Suarez too.

21 Aug 2013 12:37:57
Dont get me wrong a few million is a lot of money in my pitiful existence, but for a player we have obviously courted for a few weeks, in a two horse race for his signature, surely we would match the offer if the player prefers a move to us and we see him as a good fit, you would think in a world cup year it will be us who can guarantee more pitch time, and I don't buy the europa league being a draw surely a team chasing top four wouldn't even play their record signing in it. Confused red!

What makes you say he preferred a move to us?

21 Aug 2013 12:19:59
Strange how everyone suddenly become experts on the finer details or transfer and contract dealings when we supposedly miss out on a player. For what it's worth here's my two pennies worth!
Firstly, delighted with BR, his footballing philosophy, seemingly happy to put faith in youngsters, "team" philosophy etc. Think FSG are also doing a good job. As far as our summer work is concerned I feel it has been excellent. Good signings and in toure a very shrewd signing. Think Aspas could be one of the leagues signings of the summer in terms of value for money. As for the ones that got away. it's well publicised we missed out on HM and now supposedly willian. I didn't know a great deal about either if I'm honest. But why just because we have offloaded some players and cut wages should we just overspend on players just to please people who demand a "marquee" signing. Can I just ask people who over let's say the last ten years do people regard as our best transfers. I'd argue that most of our best bits of business over that period were hardly "marquee". To name but a few.Hyupia, Reina, Lucas, Gary Mac and more recently sturridge and coutinho. Even the likes of Alonso and Masherano were hardly massive names when we bought them. And do people really believe that the management and board at a club like Liverpool are really so poor at their jobs that they are continuously missing out on players? It's a competitive market. if a top class player becomes available it's only natural that a host of clubs would be interested. So from that respect does it not stand to reason that we will win some and loose some? From my understanding the HM deal didn't happen due to us not being allowed access to the player? And from what I can see the willian one may not happen as we obviously do not value the player highly enough to get into a bidding war with a club that are due to gain 100mlillion shortly on a player sale. Is it not good business sense to not overpay for players and spend more wisely improving the team than recent years? I'd hazard a guess that the people demanding we overspend on willian are the same people who were outraged that we should pay big money for downing and hendo (who in hendo's case I'd argue in years to come will be worth every penny). Anyway, let's see what the next two weeks brings. Can't wait for the next game! YNWA

I like BR and his philosophy, I love FSG that "saved" us from catastrophy, but on the other hand I dislike the way they are contacting business because they knew what they were getting all along. A huge name.
If they are happy with mediocrity or if they are happy with how Arsenal is contacting business then I don't want them running the club.
It is not about pleasing the fans, it is about being smart for once. It is their chance to get top 4, CL, attract better players and then go for PL title.
I've been saying this since we got Suarez. We are in desperate need of a player of his calibre.
We were lucky to get Coutinho that cheap(we knew about his football abilities), we were lucky to get Sturridge that cheap(we knew about his football abilities) but these instances are very rare. Sometimes you need to cough the money even if you don't think the player worths it.
For me Willian/Mikey/Costa were the key for the 4th position(with Suarez in the team).
Without an addition of such a good and versatile player it is very difficult to achieve our goal.
So for me it is very simple: You pay the extra 3 mil that will give you a far better chance for CL, thus giving you extra money in the future. Or you are playing Scrooge and thinking "no big deal" and lose once more the CL and the extra money.
We are far better than last year and I'm satisfied with our dealings so far(I consider Cou and Sturridge new players). But we still need that key player that will give us the better chance to have a real go for the CL position. Why throw our chance away for few millions?

21 Aug 2013 12:16:40
Why is everybody so worried about Willian? Personally I think he only had one good season, there is plenty more players out there for that kind of money!

21 Aug 2013 12:09:33
i see howedes from schalke hankering for a move abroad. From what I've seen he's a very solid defender and good with the ball at his feet. Any chance of a move either in this window or the future?

Papadapoulos is the only centre back from Schalke worth buying IMO.

21 Aug 2013 12:07:19
So far there is no evidence that Willian has signed for anyone.

It is not on the Spurs pages, so until it is a done deal just lay off the abusive posts.

And even if it turns out he does go to them being abusive and nasty is out of order.

BR should really learn to keep his council though. When he states repeatedly that he is confident of bringing in players for the first team, they should already be signed.

We signed early, and we signed cheap, and maybe that will turn out more positive for us.

KBL

21 Aug 2013 11:58:51
I cannot help thinking that Spurs are doing exactly what we should have done in Jan 2010. I think once in a while a club gets a huge transfer fee for one player and the opportunity for a club to go to the next level presents itself if the money is invested properly. I really think that the players they are going after are proven quality in the likes of Willian, Lamela and (now) Sakho will elevate them to challengers and could all but cement the top 4.

It does appear that the whole experience of buying Carroll, Downing et al, is bearing heavily on FSG and has made them almost scared about overpaying on players. Whilst I agree in principal with not overpaying, sometimes, in this hugely competitive market, you will have to overpay and I this is the first "slight" gripe I have had with FSG since they took over.

21 Aug 2013 11:16:21
Has anyone ever seen Willian play? I wouldn't have known who he was 3 months ago. He has a few youtube videos that excited me but that's different from an actual game. We will see won't we. I don't understand where he would have played anyway. doesn't it make sense to have sturridge as ST, suarez as LW, coutiniho CAM and then us get a left footed RW?

If Suarez stays, I doubt he will play on the wings. Coutinho will be shifted wide to accommodate Suarez in a central role, like last year.

21 Aug 2013 11:13:59
i think instead of a big spending player coming in our main aim is to keep Suarez. The way we played against Stoke and if you add Suarex to the mix surely that will take us a step up again. Think we just need another centre half with abit more physical presence in both boxes.

We made serious attempts to sign Mkhitaryan, Diego Costa and then Willian. There is definitely interest in bringing in another attacker, regardless of Suarez.

21 Aug 2013 11:08:59
Spurs in for Sakho

Spurs have put in a bid to sign FSG.

21 Aug 2013 13:49:01
Along with lamela & if adebayor leaves they will push forward their inicial offer for el shaarawy also bale stays?

I think he will end up at AC Milan personally.

Good. They can't sign everyone on the planet.

19 Aug 2013 23:05:56
hi eds, can you tell me who is the better defender out of papa or sakho, I've never seen either of them play but what I've read about the 2 is they are both good defenders and either one would be a good signing, I hope we get sakho just because papa has had a bad injury, but demba ba was supposed to have a bad knee and he is still playing and agger had a lot of injuries but they have cleared up, I've always thought that agger could be a good def-mid and I think sakho can also play there so with the signing of sakho he could be cover for 2 positions anyway as always thanks for all your hard work and time and effort you's put in, i'm starting to have a feel good factor and on the transfer deals its nice that we have a good squad and with 1 more player at the back then never mind 4th let's go for the number 1 spot :)) {Ed052's Note - I believe that Sakho is better}

I wish if we fail to get anyone else we would go all out to get Sakho. I would be satisfied with that alone, even though I do think we still need a winger

21 Aug 2013 11:04:26
What is this obsession about foreign players and paying a lot more than what club believe they are worth br will not enter any bidding wars, when you have a club willing to bid 5 million euros more, what is the answer we offer another 5 million euros then we have offered 10 million more than the club believe he is worth, if you look at last season spurs won so many games simply through a wonder strike from gareth bale he will be history almost certainly before the window closes then all there players have to gell and that could take 2 games it could take 10 games I for one am v happy with the way the club is been run no crazy prices for players its always nice feeling when you sign someone but we have learnt from carroll and downing YNWA

Well said.

NO you offer the same. You match exceptable bids that's all.

21 Aug 2013 10:50:24
Another thing about that word "Marquee Signings". More often than not its used to describe overpriced, Big name, LAZY attacking players with high salaries. who don't do much running let alone tracking back and tackling. If anything that's not what LFC want. We need technically gifted yet hungry and hardworking players who would be part of a team and do their fair share of pressing the ball. Coutinho and Sturridge were not described as Marquee yet these are the kind of players we should be getting more of.

Arda turan

On the other hand, big marquee signings such as Aguero, Buffon, Ferdinand, Figo, Ronaldo, Rooney, Van Persie, Zidane (to name but a few) have been worth every penny and proved invaluable to their clubs. {Ed001's Note - none of them were 'marquee signings', they were all bought because of their ability, not because they have a big name and excite the fans. There is a huge difference.}

21 Aug 2013 10:47:07
Spurs now in for Sakho

21 Aug 2013 10:42:04
why is it that I can't find anywhere reports of Willian at White Hart lane? No comments from BR about missing out on Willian either. Probably being naive but still haven't ruled Willian out yet.

Yes. being over optimistic

21 Aug 2013 10:33:43
I agree with Ed001 in that our options appear to be thinning out with time ticking. We still have quality throughout the spine of the team, and by the looks of it, a very good team spirit, but perhaps lack the 1 or 2 signings that would have really seen us challenge (assuming things stay as they are). Delighted with the players we have brought in but the overhaul we needed over the last two years was massive, and we remain a couple short. BR’s target will of course be top 4 but I hope they adjust that particular KPI and let common sense prevail given the bigger picture and the way the market has played out to date. We need a points improvement and anything in the region of 8-10 on last season’s haul points more would be fantastic, irrelevant of 4th spot. I think Spurs have done a great job over a number of years which has now culminated into where they now find themselves. Nothing is a dead cert, but if the window was to shut tomorrow Spurs look best bet for 4th with us challenging Arsenal for 5th (they’ll be there or thereabouts at the end of the season despite last week). I could try to bring myself to say that with so many new players Spurs will struggle. But I’m clutching at straws, aren’t I. Take care fellow Reds and enjoy the game against Villa. Matt

But as time ticks on it looks more like LS is staying (for now at least). Why do we need another forward then other than one better than Assaidi (Ince or Atsu?) Ilori to cover Coates and one for the future like Will Hughes would do me. Loan him back to Derby until January and then integrate him gently for 6 months.

21 Aug 2013 10:31:20
Hi eds. how good exactly is turan? Can't exactly confess to ever see him play. in my head imagine he's like maxi. just wanted your opinion. Thanks Tom {Ed001's Note - I haven't seen him play recently, I do remember him being similar in style to Maxi, more about touch and technique than pace and power. Not necessarily a bad thing.}

21 Aug 2013 10:17:34
To people moaning we missed out on Willian, we already have a pacy skillful winger who lacks an end product. His names Assiadi. I believe he cost £3- £4m Willian would cost £30m+, I for one am glad we didn't match Spurs bid. Sterling and Ibe although young, will have more of an impact IMO. YNWA.

Scootinio, you put it perfect. I believe £30 mil is a ridiculous amount for someone who has no end product. I think Sterling and Ibe are the same level of skill i.e can beat players and have the pace, but are young and will learn to make assists and score more and won't cost us £30 mil.

Don't waste your bandwidth on Assaidi. He isn't going to make it.

21 Aug 2013 10:03:27
If Willian is such a great player then where are Arsenal? Everyone knows they have money and need players. So why don't they match Spurs bid?
Or Man Utd, Man City, Chelsea, Bayern, PSG, Monaco?

The point being it seems only us and Spurs think he's worth a bid. There are many CL clubs across Europe with the cash who are not bidding. Are they all wrong about him?

Finally, I'd like to know if there is any remaining interest in Alexis Sanchez. I think he's better (and cheaper) than Willian, it's just Barca don't play a system that utilises his talents optimally.

Well you really can't use Arsenal as an example. can you?

Sometimes its not just about how good the players are. Its also about how good a team will the player make and how he will fit in the team. There are some player in the clubs that you mentioned that would be completely waste if they were to play for another club.

Chelsea and Man City were seriously interested.

I posted something similar yesterday I totally agree with you and on the subject ov Sanchez your spot on I watched him play against Iraq and at the weekend for Barcelona and he was absolutely class he would be a great signing! Whether he would come to us I very much doubt it but u never know!

21 Aug 2013 10:27:52
With Willian apparently off to Spurs, no doubt attention will shift to the perennial transfer target Arda Turan. Personally, I don't see it happening as pace is not Turan's specialty, and Rodgers definitely wants a pacey, goal-scoring winger to add to the attack. Any possibility of resurrecting interest in another self-proclaimed LFC supporter and long-standing target Andre Ayew? He surely ticks the boxes mentioned.

21 Aug 2013 09:55:22
Ed001, let's do a bit of a conspiracy theory. Cissokho, a long time target who always talked about going to Liverpool has finally joined us on loan with a view to buy. Similarly, Turan, a long time target who always talked about joining Liverpool MAY join us right? ;)
Anyway, Cissokho is loan to buy right? Also do you personally believe that we just might go for Turan?
Cheers {Ed001's Note - I have come to the conclusion that anyone I want us to get, we don't get. As I am not convinced by Turan, not sure that he would improve the team, I don't really want us to buy him. So that means there is a chance. I just don't see it happening though, for starters what would people moan about if we got him??}

21 Aug 2013 09:51:02
I think the thing about not signing Willian and a few other big names of late is not the fact that we did not sign them it's the fact that Spurs did. Basically we are sitting by watching them get stronger. Man city Man united chesea and Arsenal are all nearly nailed on they finish above us, this year Arsenal are struggling to make signings so our chance to stregthen and maybe get ahead of them seems almost a waist of time because Spurs suddenly start to make these bigger name signings. Ok they will possibly lose Bale and that's a big loss, but they do look to be making the right ajustments to stregthen and maybe push Asenal out. It just looks like we will be treading water around 5th-7th unless we can make a couple of better quality signings.

21 Aug 2013 09:45:08
Hi Eds
Just wondering in your opinion do you think Liverpool will get a marquee signing this summer? I think we need to strengthen our team to compete with the likes of spurs! if so is there anyone Liverpool have confirmed interest in?
Thanks and keep up the good work {Ed001's Note - I hope not, I would rather we didn't sign a big name, they are always on huge wages and cost too much. I would rather we signed them before they were big names.}

21 Aug 2013 09:41:21
Saw Adam Maher yesterday for PSV and wow what a great attacking midfielder he's going to become. maybe a player for the future we can buy now. Also eds I remember this really promising winger Marc Albrighton from Villa who was breaking into the first team a couple of seasons ago. Looked a very good player, any idea what happened to him? {Ed001's Note - Albrighton was completely one dimensional, and that one dimension was weak - he gets out wide and whips a cross in, but that cross tended to be wayward. So now he has been shown to be lacking in ability, he sits on the sidelines at Villa. I expect he will drop down the leagues when his overly large contract runs out.}

21 Aug 2013 09:26:29
All week I have been praying that we don't go and waste 30 million on Willian. I hope to god that he goes to spurs. seen Willian a few times and he has a tendency to drift in and out of games and also doesn't track back enough in my opinion. I don't see the sense in spending 30 million to bring him to Liverpool. Waste of money. Jordan Ibe has great potential, is younger and plays in the same position. I believe that Rodgers & scouting team have done an excellent job so far bringing in young technical skilled players with high workrate and energy. Aspas & Coutinho especially fit in this category. Surely there is a young player on their radar who will cost under 10 million that has the potential to be better (than Willian who will cost 30.)
I have a lot of admiration for what rodgers has done since joining the club. He knows what kind of players he wants and gets them young and at a good price. stick to this philosophy untill a truly marquee player comes along at the right price. Utd got Van Persie for 24 million. Hope we don't buy Willian.

Nice post. agree with every little bit of it. The attempt to buy Willian doesn't make too much sense IMHO. It smells like an attempt to bring some portion of the fan-base onside.

21 Aug 2013 09:16:07
Why do spurs always pinch our signings sick of it every season it happens. Willian set to have medical today at spuds. Agger wants to stay at Liverpool and not go to barca bit of good news.

Lfc red I assume you are only 19 can't you remember only in january spurs were in for willian, which technically makes us the front runners not you, however siggy and dempsey you could be right on. I think had we scouted those two more thoroughly and not panic bought we mayed have not bothered certainly with dempsey. all the best I know you guys will have a good year this time around

Look at it this way. If we had signed Dempsey & Sigurdsson last summer, chances are we wouldn't have signed Sturridge & Coutinho in January.

I know which two players I would rather have at LFC.

Spurs did not pinch anyones signing. To BRs credit he did not believe Willian was worth the money being asked so didn't match the price. LFC have spent above the asking price too many times and it got us nowhere.

Let Spurs spend big on unproven players in the premier league and let BR and LFC spend wisely on players that might be unpoven, but have potential and don't cost a fortune.

Haha yeah Dave, guess you guys took the bait! And yes, you were ahead of us in the Willian deal. I'm sure you guys will have a dashing season as well!

21 Aug 2013 09:09:36
Money doesn't matter.

As we approach the close of the transfer window I thought I'd make a quick post about money. In recent times we receive more information than ever before about transfer fees and wages, this has created a strange and unusual problem for the clubs. Fans now expect to see record fees and wages, and many times this is all fans want to see.

When I was growing up we rarely got that much information about fees and wages and so we never cared How much a signing cost as long as they were good players who fit our requirements. I see so many posts on here asking when we will spend vast sums of money, asking for oil sheikhs to invest billions, asking for marquee signings on high wages, but rarely are there posts from these people actually taking into consideration whether these players will fit our system or be good enough. Surely this should be the goal of buying a player? Not How much he cost or whether his signing is a 'statement of intent '

I Honestly wish we didn't get information about these things because as fans it's irrelevant information which just creates confusion. When we look to sign a player I rarely consider the cost, I just try to objectively assess two things. 1 is he good enough for us? And 2 does he fit our system and requirements?

Few people understand the complexities of modern football finance and even less understand sports and entertainment employment contracts, perhaps these things should be ignored by us fans as we are mainly ignorant of their workings anyway.

We constantly ask the wrong questions and get upset when we get the wrong answers. Start asking the right question. regardless of price, is he good enough? Not, is he good enough at this price, not does his skill match his price? Not, does his price make a statement? Just the simple question, is he good enough?

Thanks for reading everyone, comments appreciated as always

Nevada

We'll said!

Shame the board see it differently

Excellent post Nevada. Talk of financial details and 'marquee signings' is a tool of procrastination that serves only the media who need to fill airtime and column inches with increasing abundance in a digital world. Why have a transfer totaliser? What is the purpose of reporting agent based rumour as if it constitutes actual news? AND THEN why complain that agent fees are so high when those fees have been media driven by complicity between journalists and sports agents and representatives? The whole thing seems a bit of qa media merry-go-round to me and that's why I only really enjoy coming for hard evidence to the Eds on this site!

Well said someone that actually understands

21 Aug 2013 10:59:17
Hey Nevada

Was wondering if you could do some sort of stat attack comparing Willian with some of the alternatives that we have been linked with. Never been to sure of him myself, and now that he's likely going elsewhere, I would like to see how he stacks up against the likes of Lamela, Turan, Konoplyanka et al.
I understand you are probably very busy. I just thought it would be a good thing to read, and I understand if you don't get around to it. Thanks either way man

Good post, which I totally agree with. I have previously stated we get hung up about certain players, some of whom would just not work in our system.

I agree that we probably get too much information, most of it is just too complicated for the average fan. That is not disrespectful, it just means that you can't expect fans to be financial experts.

I like the way our club is being run just now. Good young players who want to play for the club. players who might want to become great players as a result of playing for us.

I just hope we don't become a stepping stone club, if we fail to achieve top 4 this year. Although Agger can be partially blamed for some defensive lapses this year and last, I would be really disappointed if we let him go to Barca, as his is exactly the type of attitude we need at the club. He loves LFC, simple.

That is also why the likes of Lucas and Toure are so good for us to have. Decent, respectful men. They fit with the club because of their ability and humility.

I like our transfer policy.

I would also like us to achieve a high place in the league to justify the approach.

Great point Nevada. Interestingly your view in a strange way kind of echo's the moneyball principles of fsg. i.e not buying repuataion but buying runs ( read goals of course for football)

I will make this assertion, aspas gets as manyy assists and at least 70% of the goals return of Willian this season. We can't comete with spours finacially, FSG are Gods in my view for saving the club and consistently supporting it finacially by reaching into their own pockets, but the can't match aseson upon saeson expenditures of 100m plus, and I just hope that FFP doesn't become an utter joke and some parity is enforced back into the market in the years to come

21 Aug 2013 08:50:41
we are currently becoming a joke. what is the point of talking to footballers and not going that xtra yard . if willian wants lfc push the boat out all we are doing at mo is strengthening our rivals. come on money men take a chance.

Yes we should bend over and pay what other clubs demand. If a player might like to play for us we should give his club our accounts details and let them help themselves! As for wages everything we can afford should suffice.
Honestly can't understand your point of view if you go to buy a pint and the guy serving says £10 please you say no thanks and go to another pub even if you wanted that beer it's not worth that much to you. All alcohol as football players do the job just look for the right drink in the right pub at the right price and we'll have a merry old time

Why spend what we don't need to if Willian wants to play for us he'll reject spuds then its up to Anzhi

Have you ever been into a shop and thought 'I really would like that Mars bar, it's priced at 50p', and gone to the counter to be told, 'sorry mate, I can see you really want it, so the price is now 75p'.

Would you pay it? Discuss.

Now I know the transfer world is about differing values, and sometimes you need to negotiate. However, in going in to that negotiation you have to have a top price you are willing to pay in mind.

Take a gambling scenario. You go to the races with the intention of betting £10 a race, and you lose in all the first 5. Do you bet £10 on the last race, or do you go higher to try and recoup your losses? Personally, I am cautious, and would only bet £10. The liklihood is in negotiations I would also be cautious, and not go above my 'top' price. I think the club operate a little bit like this.

We don't have limitless funds, so we HAVE to have a budget and stick to it. {Ed001's Note - similar thing in auctions, I dealt in antiques for a while and the most successful dealers were those that set themselves a price for the items they wanted and stuck to it. It is never a good idea to get carried away and pay over the odds.}

The fans are becoming a joke with posts like this. Clueless!

21 Aug 2013 11:38:39
Come on fair go, at least we're doing better than Arsenal at the moment. We've signed 5 players already and 2 of them in starting XI already AND signed Sturridge & Coutinho in january! Not bad business as far as I'm concerned. I just hope if Turan is true rumour that we do push out the boat for him. Since it has been made public about marquee signing I wish they stick to their word on this occasion. Need LW and with Turan he's EXACTLY what we need!

21 Aug 2013 08:32:04
Eds.in my opinion that's us done for this window 5 in 8 out top earners off wage bill no marquee signing hopefully iam wrong but with spurs signings they have just grabbed 4th, 5th at best but I still believe on our day we are still capable of beating any team in prem, ynwa

21 Aug 2013 08:29:35
Arda Turan to sign soon. Reasons: Boyfood fan, wore Sahin Liv jersey last season, talks held with agent, agent saying he is Premier league bound.

21 Aug 2013 09:04:16
Any chance of us signing Daniel Levy? What a great job he is doing at Spurs.

Any chance of them signing you as a fan!
Everyone's ones a winning!

"we'll only us really"

Levy's perceived brilliance comes from the fact he never sells top players on the cheap. I think our position used to be slightly arrogant. We used to think "if you don't want to play for LFC, you can go". However, I think Ayre may be being harshly criticised. Our last 2 cases of players wanting to go are Torres (sold for?twice his value) and Suarez (£40+m bid turned down).
On the other hand Levy hasn't made the massive blunders that we have made with Carroll and Downing.

He did want Charlie Adam for £10m. Siggurdson - waste, Dempsey - waste and Levy has failed to buy them a striker for 2 years and possibly cost them champions league.

He's not all that.

Remind me, what have Spurs won in the last 20 years? Oh yes, two league-cups and a couple of top-four finishes. WOW!

21 Aug 2013 08:20:59
Morning sport fans,

Latest gossip is;

Willian is poised to be joining spurs, they just wanted him more I guess and bale will be going to real and they are spending so that they have a team in place which won't upset the fans . Fair play to them, let them have him. However I maintain that we will be bringing our own superstar to the club and this could be either Jackson martinez, Damiao, Muriel or even kaka (depending on wages), ozil or cordoza the Paraguayan . They have all been checked out.
Will Hugh is being lined up too . Very good prospect . Very talented footballer.

I will also stress that in this day and age where money talks for players and given the chance for play for arguably the best team in the world, its good to hear Daniel Agger come out with that statement.
He is a Liverpool fan and ill be honest, as much as I am a Liverpool fan too, if I was offered the chance to go Barcelona after plying my services at the same club for so many years I would have strongly considered it.
But hey, I'm not in that situation unluckily.

21 Aug 2013 08:10:18
Weekend Loan Watch

Conor Coady - Played the full 90 minutes for Sheff Utd against Colchester

Michael N'goo - Played the last 25 minutes for Yeovil who lost away at Burnley

Suso - Played the full 90 minutes for Almeira against Villarreal

Pepe Reina - Should play first League game on 25 August against Bologna

Kristjan Adorjan - Unused substitute for Groningen

Henoc Mukendi - Didn't make the squad against Hearts

Jack Robinson - Full 90 mins for Blackpool away at Middlesborough

Thanks Ritters.

Cheers mate . Has Mukendi been getting any game time for Hearts. G-Man

Thanks again ritters.

Hey ritters tois awesome any chance of making it weekly? You'd be contender for poster of the season inmy etes lol

Mukendi got 20 minutes for Partick Thistle in the Leage Cup against Ayr .

21 Aug 2013 08:01:32
Morning Eds

After seeming missing out on Willian, as well Mickey and Costa do you think we'll sign another attacking midfielder or does the lack of European football scupper any chance of getting a marque signing. Not asking for names just your gut instinct/what you've heard

thanks {Ed001's Note - we are still looking for an attacking player, not sure about the marquee thing, I would prefer we just bought a good player rather than a big name player. Personally I think we are running out of options now and am not convinced we will get one this window and might have to wait. There is still time, but I just don't really see anyone else available, except Turan, and we never seem to go for Turan, even though he has spent half his career trying to get a move to us.}

There;s still a few options out there that we could go for weather they want to come is another thing:

Hulk
Turan
Damiao
Sanchez
Muriel
Eriksen

We should of gone for Bernard in my view he would of been good for the LW.

Ed do you think if we tried to sign Turan that he would come to Liverpool? {Ed001's Note - yes.}

So there we go then Eds u seem to think we r running out of options and u r not convinced we will sign anyone else.seems very odd having bid 25m ish for a few players which we have lost out on that we just say ok will stick with what we have!? Surely we need someone? {Ed001's Note - no, we need someone better than we have, not just someone. If no one better is available, then there is no point buying for the sake of it.}

Ed's right we never seem to go for turan? Wonder why?
Seems like his heart is in the right place
And that's what we want, not people who will ultimately feel like they are doing us a favour when the going gets tough

21 Aug 2013 07:57:16
I want to get top 4 like everyone else but I genuinely think Chelsea, City, Untd and Spurs have better teams than us. Think we have a better team than Arsenal. Could be 5th for us. Also I'm pleased with the football where playing think Rodgers is doing a great job, just need a few quality players to really compete.

Spurs now have a squad that is on another level to us. They have made some great buys and have improved the first team. Even if Bale leaves now they will be far stronger than us.

If we can win games against mid and lower teams, we would be fine. we need to beat the Big boys at Anfield. Stoke was one of our bogey games and we got 3 points. we would be in the running for 4th.

If Spurs change more than half of their starting XI they will take time to gel.

Its how teams play as a unit, not just how it looks on paper.

Look at our team 4 years ago when we should have won the league.
No one would have thought that we could win it.

We had the mighty ngog up front

Your right Kidder. They have made loads of signings which if played together will take time to gel, plus other good players won't be able to play etc

Then there are injuries. I also think we will be 5th and that we will finish behind spurs in 4th but beat Arsenal

Kidder you are a kidder. They are head and shoulders better than us.

I do agree that they all have a better squad 'on paper'. But having a better squad alone isn't enough. United had a poor squad compared to Chelsea and City last season yet they won the league. This is just one among the many examples. Spurs have always boasted a squad of very capable individuals right from when Jol was manager, but it never panned out for them. So just be positive of this season but not over-confident on our reaching the top four. I'm sure we'll be there sooner rather than later as our team ethos is on a new high in a long time.

21 Aug 2013 07:45:39
Since 2000, the premier league winners have scored more than 72 goals every year bar one. Last season was our best total with 71.
Willian has scored 21 goals in the last 7 seasons, 3 goals a year. To get 72 goals you need 30 goals from your 2 forwards and 40 goals from your 4 midfielders with a few from your centre halfs etc.
brendon said we need more goals, at last it seems we have a manager who understands we need goalscorers!
3 goals from willian for 30 mill, no thanks!
What do you think eds?

21 Aug 2013 09:11:50
how many did the winners concede especially from corners and free kicks imagine if we had a player like Fellini just to get a good mix with r smaller players and a bit of strength I feel r team needs he could play of the striker r in midfield I know its all hypothetical as everton will not sell to us but maybe a player like him what about witsel the belgian midfielder.

Willian ain't a striker. How many has Henderson scored, downing etc your stats don't mean a thing.

Completely agree. Right now Suarez & Sturridge 40-45 between them, Aspas 8-10, Coutinho, 5-8, Gerrard 5-8, Henderson 5-8, Borini 5-8 and defenders/others 5-8. There's enough goals in this team. It's more clean sheets we need.

Im glad someone has finaly said it. His assist return is not that good either, he might prove me wrong but 30 mill plus. No thanx.

Bring in Damiao, Turan or Lamela.

21 Aug 2013 10:38:59
Henderson got 6 CC
In fact, if I remember correctly he was joint 4th highest with. Own Goals

21 Aug 2013 03:26:03
Hi ED hope all is well and thanks again for a great job you are doing with this site.


What's are chances of getting Leandro Damiao please just tell me the truth .


Thanks Martin {Ed002's Note - Until Liverpool show an interest in him it is difficult to say.}

The asking price will be 25 million we will bid 22 million and loose the player for the sake of 3 million. Then Spurs will come in and pay the asking price and get the player.

21 Aug 2013 06:00:29
Willian may/may not join us. I don't care. I'm like Daniel Agger, I just support the club in any condition it is.

The fact is most good players want CL football.

Yes but the aspiration should be there the desire should be there. I support the club too through thick and thin but I want them back as soon as possible to the big times. saying I don't care is not a good attitude from the player however I realize it was said in a different spirit

21 Aug 2013 10:34:30
Dude, Willian isn't coming cause we won't pay the asking price

21 Aug 2013 04:12:44
Eds, would I be right in thinking it would probably take a significant bid to prise Griezmann away from Real Sociedad at this point in time?

21 Aug 2013 04:07:12
I'm not sure if Willian worth 30m., I guess the owners are being careful after Carroll and Downing etc., which is understandable. We still have time to go for Arda or maybe Diego Perotti from Sevilla.

21 Aug 2013 02:59:08
Heard from sources bale to RM with 95m and cocentrao making him worth 115m this is insane bt true. hence lavish spending on their part
They ll now try lamela since with rest of money still well be profitable window fr them I must say impressive decision

Bale is no way worth that type of money more fool RM for paying it the persons.

Really? Bale for 115m. This world has gone insane.

21 Aug 2013 01:39:20
After my earlier post I was accused of wanting the club to buy 'marquee' players! Dear friends, I had said I would like the club to buy 'quality' players, QUALITY! Very different to marquee!
Disappointed about Willan and now some fans say why not pay the extra 3 or 4 million. to be honest if Liverpool had bid 26 million, then they must have thought he is a good player or they wouldn't have bid such an amount in the first place. To those that say, FSG can compete with anyone in the market : 'Don't be silly guys!' We're signing players on loan! An it's not like buying something from a shop, football, if you hadn't noticed, has its own economics which do not belong to the real world.We will know soon enough where we stand NOW, right now and not twenty or ten or five years ago. I really don't want to argue with my own fellow fans!
We play Villa this Saturday, a game a top4 chasing team would expect to win. WIN. win! So there' my wish. 2 wins, one this Saturday, one the following league game. YNWA

30m and probably over 5m a year in wages for a player with those stats? No thanks. Impulse buy.

I am glad we are not getting into bidding wars. That is amateurish.

And Villa away is not a gimme for any club. Arsenal did not WIN and I fully expect Arsenal to challenge for top 4.

21 Aug 2013 08:30:29
Fire balls.
No way in hell, arsenal would be in top 4 coming seaosn, they must have to win CL this year.
they were litreally ripped apart by Aston villa, and If Liverpool wanna progress to the next level, you need to beat VIlla.
Suarez would be having a close eye for this match, you wimply won't achieve top 4, If you can't beat Villa (No dispresepct), But villa never finished ahead of us, and are suerly not challenging top 4, so you got to beat them.

We should beat villa if we won't top 4. Arsenal were unlucky, 2 pen in any match agianst you make's it an uphill battle no matter who you are playing in the premier league.

21 Aug 2013 01:13:17
For me the most important factor in our quest for top 4 isn't signing Willian, or even keeping Suarez happy, in my opinion it hinges on the fitness of Lucas Leiva! Take a look at our record from last Christmas when he played and you'll see what I mean. Yes the majority of wins were against mid table sides, but these are the points we need to win if we are to get the top 4! With him in the side we ooze confidence going forward and have more than enough to unlock the Fulhams and West Broms of this league! If we can get 18 more wins against sides below us then that gives us 57 points, easier said than done I know but in a 38 game season, certainly not impossible, that gives us another 19 games to get around 10 points from somewhere! If our midfield anchorman gets a good run, then I can't help but feel that anything's possible!

I don't see the big deal about not signing Willian. Although good player, the reported fee for him seems to be a lot anyway. Maybe we should wait until January? We need to realize we still have Suarez to come in (if he is not sold). We just have to keep up with rest of the top 4 contenders until he is back. Watching the first game, with the chemistry of Aspas, Sturridge and Coutinho, we should be able to.

Good post I have the exact same feeling . but I feel that Br has a plan(obviously) he might play gerrard there and then Allen in the bit advance role. that's why we are not at all linked with a DM. Again I feel that next transfer window DM and a replacement for Johnson will be on the agenda. I so happy to see a post that doesn't have Willian involved

21 Aug 2013 07:06:59
h. So now people want suarez to stay.
Man. You are all one of a kind.
Apart from me and Waro. No one here supported suarez. Including the Eds were against him.
Mark my words. If there is one player who would take us to CL, that's Luis suarez, Liverpool No.7.

21 Aug 2013 07:25:58
Allen as an ACM? is terrible, so as being a DM, Hendo would be picked ahead of him anyday.

Just like he took us to the CL the last couple of years, Harry?

And personally, I'd still like him gone post haste. My only annoyance is he didn't leave sooner in the window.

An the Supported Suarez Award goes to. brum roll please ed. HARRY AN WARO fair play lads go get your blue peter badges I left them in Flairs.

You are a clown!

On here bragging about supporting a player who wanted to leave the club and accused the club of going back on a deal. Tried to force his way out the club.

You. Truly are a fool of a once in a life time kind

21 Aug 2013 00:41:48
I was just watching a replay of our FA cup 4th round victory over the mancs in 2012, and the atmosphere was amazing. why is Anfield so quiet now a days?

There's no match on today mate.

Anfield isn't quiet FYI! and the reason why it may have seemed elevated in that match was because it was the return of the King.

I know mate, anfield was buzzing opening day for all of 15mins then all I could here was come on city, from the stoke fans!

It`s still TOO quiet at Anfield these days

What's there to cheer about these days? Owners are rubbish and team is average.

CC, you've got to about the most depressing person I've ever seen on here, and that's saying a lot. Perhaps the next time you run into Toure, Gerrard, Coutinho, Lucas, etc. you can tell them all how distinctly average they are face to face. Maybe a sign at match day proclaiming 'Liverpool FC- Home of the Average Player' would be a good shout?

Because its full of middle class season ticket holders and football tourists. They sing along at the beginning and the end and spend the other 85 minutes treating it like a visit to the theatre. And it's the same at many grounds unfortunately.

Depressed? On the contary I'm a passionate middle class fan who's had a season ticket for a while now. I just want the best for the club and I find even more depressing clubs like Spurs who lack our global reach pipping us to players who are potentially the differnce between 4th and 7th. We've got great players we just need a couple more. It's depressing because we've been one or two away theast few transfer windows now.

21 Aug 2013 00:02:45
eds, heard we have an interest in m'vila, can anybody elaborate on this or shall we put it in the bin? {Ed002's Note - I would be surprised.}

20 Aug 2013 23:55:06
Woah, what a bombshell the Uruguayan F.A have just dropped. Coates has damaged his interior knee ligament or something nasty and will spend some of his recovery time in Montevideo with his Family.

Unlucky Coates, hopes for a speedy recovery YNWA.