Liverpool Transfer Rumours

03 Jul 2026 13:44:34
Being linked to Nusa now if the Diomande to PSG is still happening.
But unfortunately I’ve seen links to Savinho, Neto, Bowen and Kevin as well. 🤦🏻‍♂️

03 Jul 2026 14:13:05
Nusa is decent, knowing Leipzig and after the World Cup he is having, they probably want 90 million. 😅

03 Jul 2026 14:38:35
Nusa is also a right footed left winger, the same as the lad from Spain, we've literally just bought. The options I've heard about are:
Said El Mala
Matias Fernandez-Pardo
Minteh

I also wouldn't be surprised if Karim Adeymi and Yunnus Akgun pick up some interest.

What happened to our interest in Johan Bakayoko from last summer?

03 Jul 2026 14:39:20
Nothing wrong with being linked with Bowen if price is decent, English, PL proven, can play across front line.
Ok, not ideal age profile, but him & an up & coming talent for RW wouldn't be the end of world.

03 Jul 2026 14:53:16
We are not a retirement home, so we don't need Bowen.

Might as well have kept Salah.

03 Jul 2026 15:05:22
Bakayoko hasn't kicked a ball for 11 months due to serious injury, mate.

03 Jul 2026 15:10:10
Nusa doesn't improve us, move along.

03 Jul 2026 15:24:23
Arne, Ah fair enough, yeah I thought it was weird, that makes sense, there was a lot of talk about him 12-18 months ago. Shame, as physically he's the blueprint of what we need.

03 Jul 2026 15:50:42
Robred, Salah wanted out & was on huge wages, so with that situation would you want to keep him? Bowen might not be Salah quality, but he'd be on less money, help our HG quota, and at 29 not quite over the hill.
I'd not want him as primary target, but I'd take him along with youngster, particularly if Gakpo leaves & Hugo injured long term.

03 Jul 2026 16:07:45
If Bowen was like 30 mill, I think it'd be a no brainer. The press are saying 50 mill plus though, for a 29 year old with no resale value and who won't be a starter, I'm not so sure that's a good move. I am kind of curious how much Summerville would cost though.

03 Jul 2026 16:09:10
Brentford felt his knees were bad enough that it wasn't worth investing good money in him. Notwithstanding that Nusa's end product isn't particularly impressive. Looks like World Cup hype to me.

03 Jul 2026 16:36:12
Agreed, VV.
I've always said I like the bar you set. Have you anyone you like as an alternative to YD? It's a poor market for the right side. Huge shortage of left foot widemen.

03 Jul 2026 16:39:41
Why can't we just buy a left footer for the left wing and a right footer for the right wing? Get behind defences! Why do we need someone to turn inside into traffic and leave our massive centre forward stranded, waiting for a cross!

03 Jul 2026 16:42:01
Nutter74, the way the market is atm, and with the lack of talent available at RW, I would actually take Bowen right now. Prem proven and so experienced that he should be able to slot in immediately. Sure, he's not the right age, but he's reliable and he buys us a few years to find a long-term 'Salah replacement'.

He would bring a bit of bite to the team as well as much needed leadership; he's got grit, determination and work rate. He could be our "Hendo on the wing".

03 Jul 2026 16:43:49
World Cup fever indeed.

03 Jul 2026 16:50:52
Don't understand the negative views of Bowen. He gets around one goal and one assist every 3 games for the last 3 seasons for a crap team. Runs all day and hardly ever injured. Yes, he's 29 and he's not the speedster or shiny new thing, but he's a v good player and top pro.

03 Jul 2026 16:55:55
@PatrikBurgher, Summerville intrigues me too, would be a good squad player. I expect we'll buy two right wingers, and he'd be a good backup, being able to play on either flank. Could probably twist West Ham's arm on the price.

03 Jul 2026 17:26:01
Yes, I think he'd be a very good squad player and have always quite liked him, Sangria. I think he did decently well on the right side for the Netherlands too, if Koeman wasn't such an awful coach, I'm sure we'd have seen him do more going further in the tournament.

03 Jul 2026 17:36:38
As others have said, could do a hell of a lot worse than Bowen.

If we can't get our top 1 or 2 targets, I'd definitely take him over the alternatives like Minteh, Pardo, El Mala etc, and it would buy us a couple of years to find the ideal Salah replacement.



Bowen would guarantee at least 20 G/As for the next couple of seasons, the alternatives aren't getting any where close to his output.

03 Jul 2026 17:38:10
Bowen would be a very good signing. Can play across the front 3, prem ready, HG, and will give 100%.

03 Jul 2026 17:58:54
Asking Viktor for an alternative is like asking your wife where she wants to go for dinner. She'll make you pick somewhere, then complain about your choice.

03 Jul 2026 18:37:34
He Drank Sangria, I don't expect us to sign 2 RW at all. We already have Rio and Munoz who can play as backup or in rotation on either side. So what we need now is proper starter for either wing. As it stands, I expect Gakpo to cover for Ekitike unless he moves on.

03 Jul 2026 13:34:34
Just got some new info.

Understand it is almost impossible to tell which club Xavier Parker ends up at. Obviously it’s between Manchester City and Liverpool. Liverpool offering the best pathway, Manchester City offering the best money.

Not that City won’t offer him a pathway, but it’s clear that Liverpool offer the best one, cause if they didn’t, it wouldn’t be a difficult choice to make for Xavier Parker.
Right now I believe that the longer it takes, the more likely it is he stays at Manchester City.

You’ll hear more from me.

03 Jul 2026 14:43:04
Do Liverpool really offer the best pathway for youth players now? I'd argue City give way more of an opportunity to youth players. We sell ours as soon as they've grown some hairs on the chest. Never forgive Slot for letting Morton leave.

03 Jul 2026 15:04:53
I'm sure Slot will be emailing you to apologise.

03 Jul 2026 15:13:24
Tic75, I agree, we've a habit of giving them a few cup games and flogging them off, that or we manage to injure them. Hopefully that changes under Iraola.

03 Jul 2026 12:46:14
Hi all,

We are moving for Wharton - that is true. I've long stated this and have firmly believed it to have been in the pipeline from midway through last season.

Barcola position hasn't changed either. There has been whispers of talks opening with PSG but I cannot confirm nor deny that as I am unsure, to be honest.

03 Jul 2026 13:28:43
Still the same on YD Vic?

03 Jul 2026 13:43:33
As far as I am aware, yes. There's every chance PSG can't reach an agreement with RBL but I have reason to believe Liverpool's interest was used as leverage by Yan's agency.

03 Jul 2026 14:27:57
Cheers, VG.

03 Jul 2026 14:34:48
Can't see this happening either!

03 Jul 2026 15:10:49
Thank you, Victor

Wharton is likely to be expensive, is there a good chance?
And Barcola is not progressing because of the high price?

03 Jul 2026 15:12:10
I'm guessing that means MacAllister's on his way out then.

03 Jul 2026 16:11:03
Wharton has expensive mistake written all over him. Once again, a bodge job on midfield, failing to adequately address the lack of defensive midfielder.

03 Jul 2026 16:24:55
I agree, VV - We need a Fabinho type robust midfielder.

Lamine Camera we have scouted for.

03 Jul 2026 16:45:12
Wharton would be a good signing imo, as long as he's not our only midfield signing. I suspect he won't be.

03 Jul 2026 16:46:06
As far as the clubs concerned, Vik, Grav is the defensive midfielder the fanbase is crying out for, hence why they tied him down to a 6yr deal at £280k pw.

I did mention at the time he got his deal that it would mean bringing in a proper DM was highly unlikely. Let's hope Iraola can get him to step it up a gear or two.

03 Jul 2026 17:32:17
I don't get the reluctance for Wharton. We are in need of a controller in midfield, who has the creativity to get the ball to Isak. He would be an upgrade on Mac.

Grav and Szob have their qualities, but they are not astounding passers.



I reckon Wirtz will be first choice on LW / Inside Right. With Munoz covering all front 3 positions, and Rio as cover on both wings - but starting more games.

03 Jul 2026 17:44:09
Hughes needs to change how he negotiates with Palace, it needs to be price and deadline, and take it out, leave it. Palace's negotiations in bad faith left us exposed last year, and it shouldn't be forgiven. There should be a premium on the Harvey transfer as well.

03 Jul 2026 17:46:07
Find it very hard to believe that we're serious for Wharton. You'd struggle to find a midfielder less suited to this current squad and the new manager. For starters, you'd have to ditch either Grav or Wirtz for Wharton and that's not happening. We need to bring in a midfielder who actually complements what we've already got.

03 Jul 2026 12:42:56
Just seen Kayode has extended today until 2032. So I think we can rule that one out.

03 Jul 2026 13:29:04
Unless extended to inc a release.

03 Jul 2026 16:55:14
For me, when a decent prem team gets an elite DM, they win the league. The year Leicester had Kante, then the year Chelsea had Kante, then when we had prime Fabinho, even City with Rodri, and then look what happened when Rodri got injured.

No league titles. For me, it might not be 100% the remedy for success, but getting an elite DM will guarantee we get closer to our goal than without one. Just my opinion though.

03 Jul 2026 11:28:08
As predicted, PSG still not stumping up the money for Diomande.

RB not remotely happy at being low-balled by PSG and agents. Will not accept a penny less than value. PSG will not meet valuation.

Liverpool - still proactively courting Diomande.

Liverpool / RB - offer waiting.

Once those stars align...

03 Jul 2026 12:54:52
If he doesn't want to play for us, walk away.

03 Jul 2026 13:09:13
100 gmil. If it's just games between agents and LFC, etc., then fine, but if Diomande truly has his heart set on PSG then we walk away.

Peculiar saga. PSG don't seem to be moving on him, and also weird that Joyce hasn't come out with a piece on this like with Zubimendi, Jude, Caciedo, etc.

Something says it's not over yet. My head says he's simply off to PSG. But maybe Barnes is onto something.

03 Jul 2026 13:14:33
Can't sign someone whose heart is not in it. We nobodies 2nd choice. Made up he's getting messed around.

03 Jul 2026 13:37:20
Do we really want to be signing a player who apparently actively wants to play for PSG over Liverpool? Surely we walk away. If we sign him and he explodes, what's to stop PSG unsettling him a year or 2 down the line, and doing a Madrid and try get him to run his contract down. Good riddance in my opening.

03 Jul 2026 13:39:11
Seems like PSG think they can bully RB into selling off the back they think because he wants them, then there's no other competitor to drive up the price, so come in with a low-ball offer. RB have made it clear to us there's a price tag, their price tag, not PSG's price tag.

03 Jul 2026 13:40:05
I don't want him.

03 Jul 2026 14:40:24
Quite pathetic of us if we're still courting him. Paying an exorbitant fee for a player who led us on, and there being no guarantee he would be successful for us, because of how raw he is. Find someone else, focus on strengthening the other areas of the squad.

03 Jul 2026 15:11:37
Didn't the same situation happen last season with Wirtz?

03 Jul 2026 15:15:20
I've lost interest tbh, I don't take kindly to being messed around. If he wants PSG and his agents are playing games, I would walk away and avoid Rocnation like the plague for the foreseeable. I never expected PSG to meet the valuation, as they've moved away from that whole 'blow as much money as possible' model they used to have.

03 Jul 2026 16:13:35
Nobody knows for certain Diomande's views on it. One report says he doesn't want us, and everyone jumps on the bandwagon saying it as gospel. I doubt he is a priority for PSG, bearing in mind who they have and who they have signed.

So, I doubt they will meet Leipzig's valuation. Only if he doesn't sign for PSG and stays at Leipzig will we be able to say he doesn't want us.

03 Jul 2026 17:42:26
During a live stream in January Yan was asked, "Do you have a dream club?" he responded, "Yes, I want to play at Anfield, for Liverpool... I'm a big fan of Liverpool... My father's dream is to see me play at Anfield. So that's my dream, to fulfil my father's dream."

Followed up in mid-February by a statement "People called it my dream club, but it's really my dad's; he loves Liverpool FC, the Anfield atmosphere and always praised Steven Gerrard. I was too young to watch him and we didn't even have a TV."

Then more recently in an interview with Telefoot he said, "Paris Saint-Germain is a team I've loved since I was a child.

My father supports Paris Saint-Germain, and it's a team I admire as a football fan. It would be a pleasure for me to come and play here with one of the biggest clubs. It's always a pleasure to come here because, with French being spoken, I think adapting wouldn't be difficult. But why not?"


Leipzig can keep him, he's as loyal as a stray cat.

03 Jul 2026 08:45:15
Back with some info.

With the McAidoo news, being that he’s potentially leaving Manchester City, I’ve got a closer update on it.

They’re just looking at offers at the moment, and if he were to move it’s likely abroad. Liverpool not possible.

Also hearing that the club have kept a close eye on a Newcastle United U16/U18 player, who’s also a U16 England youth international.

03 Jul 2026 09:42:01
We were really interested the summer we got Rio. Supposedly comparable talents. Must regret choosing City looking at Rio on the verge of the England squad.

03 Jul 2026 09:56:43
I really don't get this total love in with Rio. For me, he has an awful long way to go. He shows some intent, of course, during his time on the pitch, but he's far from the player we require to challenge for the big titles.

I don't see anything extra special about him whatsoever. Perhaps he'll improve under Iraola's tutelage. I'm unconvinced he will, myself. imo.

03 Jul 2026 10:10:27
He's not even 18 yet and made more of a positive impact than most of our squad last season.

He's a kid, a proper kid. Give him time before you write him off.

03 Jul 2026 10:12:46
Shanklys Ghost, to be fair to him, he's 17 and he has been limited to training 2 days a week to protect him physically. He's quick, can go either way when playing on the left, and has a pretty decent shooting accuracy. Yes, his decision making and off the ball work needs to improve, and he will need to add aerial battles to his game given the way the game is going.

Plenty of time to refine him though.

Should be a dream player for Iraola to work with if he's willing to work hard for it.

03 Jul 2026 11:09:54
Shanks, he's 17. Seventeen. He's a boy.

For a 17 year old kid, he's very very good at football. You'd expect him to improve over time as he develops, and I think that's what fans are seeing.

03 Jul 2026 11:22:57
Rio does have a long way to go.

He is 17 after all.

He is potentially 10 years away from his peak. I'll be in my 50s by then. Geez that's scary lol.

So yes, that would qualify as a long way to go.

03 Jul 2026 11:35:10
I agree with Shanks, but recognise the points other posters have made about his age. He has a lot to learn, but he has time to learn it. Losing the unpredictability will help. Gakpo gets criticised for cutting on his right foot, but basically, that's what Rio does too. He will never reach the levels required or get sufficient goals if he doesn't learn to run in behind, too.

At the moment, he wants everything to feet so he can do stepovers. Stepovers are useless if they don't contribute to actually beating the opponent. One of the advantages Barcola has is that he can come short for the ball to feet, but he is rapid and can run in behind too. However, Rio has got 5 years on Barcola, so he has time to add that to his game, as well as being able to beat his man on the outside as well as cutting in.

Hopefully, Iraola will be the man to coach Rio to the next level.

Liverpool messed up last season by not replacing Diaz because 'they didn't want to block the path for Rio'. That was just an excuse not to spend more money, but Rio was nowhere near ready to be the first choice starter. Neither is he ready to be a regular this season either. He needs to earn that pathway. I am not saying he won't, just that he still has a lot to learn and will develop better without the pressure of being the one everyone looks to for goals and assists.

03 Jul 2026 11:57:31
For a young lad that barely played all season, he made a massive impact on the England squad pre World Cup. We should be lucky and excited to have him in our team instead of constantly writing him off before he's had a chance to show his full potential.

When I write this and read this, it seems mad. I have to bear in mind he's 17 years old.

03 Jul 2026 12:01:57
Shankleys Ghost, completely agree. I really don't see it, he's all step overs and not much else. I don't see him making it here.

I also think he will drop the club as soon as he gets a better offer.
And before anyone starts, this is my opinion.

03 Jul 2026 12:25:27
An absolutely extraordinary contrarian take from @ShankleysGhost! A lad who has broken through to the 1st team of one of the biggest clubs in the world, and in many appearances has been the one bright spot, and you're writing him off based only on evidence that he's already pretty bloody good!

I mean, it may surprise you to know that even Messi had room to improve when he was a teenager!

03 Jul 2026 12:30:47
Breaking News: 17 year old has "a long way to go".

More to follow.

03 Jul 2026 12:32:04
I don't think he's as good as people make him out to be at this very moment, but he absolutely has all the tools to make it to the very top of the game. Probably isn't exactly the same level as Sterling at the same age, but he might really have a higher ceiling than Sterling.

What I would say is that he has a lot to learn off the ball, and his decision making when he isn't going for goal himself leaves a lot to be desired, but that's just par for the course for a young player.

03 Jul 2026 12:27:28
I get the love in. He's not Lamal or an Owen or Rooney but Rio is well ahead of the curve for someone his age. He's playing in the best and most physical league in the world for a huge club that struggled last season. If he was playing in France or Portugal sauntering around some RB no one has heard of inn a compilation video people would be dying for us to sign him.

The site is always very contradictory when it comes to Academy players. There's always calls for more to get a chance but then on the other hand if they aren't playing like a seasoned professional before they are old enough to drink it's not good enough.

03 Jul 2026 12:42:18
At the same time, a kid of that age should not have those expectations put on him. We have also seen many times players lauded as the next big thing only to disappear into nothingness. This could happen as much as him becoming a worldie. I will reserve my judgment on him for the next couple of years, I do not think he's the next best thing since sliced bread, but will not write him off either.

I wish him the best for his future, but I don't see him as Liverpool's shining diamond and only hope for the future. If he left the club I wouldn't think all is doom and gloom.

03 Jul 2026 12:36:05
Fatwallet, he's a 17 year old who's had just 551 minutes (6 games) in the Premier League. It's far too early to pass judgement.

03 Jul 2026 13:07:30
Would his stepovers appeal more or less if his name was Connor Smith? :)

03 Jul 2026 13:20:55
I'm with Shankly, he's got some talent, but he's no Rooney/Gerrard/Owen. But the level of football these days is woeful. Clubs should not be allowed to sign kids or have any input on development until they reach 17. Let them learn skills playing with mates, not coached into same as each other.

03 Jul 2026 13:28:53
Who's Connor Smith and what's the relevance? I googled the name and got some random singer and some random baseball coach. Is he an exceptional talent?

03 Jul 2026 13:53:59
Agree with fatwallet. He needs to stop the step overs and start getting past players, make a positive contribution, not fancy Dan fannying around, which gets us nowhere.
New manager may get him to change and stop concentrating on show boating, nobody's impressed with a show off.

03 Jul 2026 13:58:48
I just don't believe that he's everything that people are making him out to be. Remember Jordan Ibe? Anyway, time will tell.

03 Jul 2026 14:01:47
@Scouse John, l8 Gerrard never made his debut till 18. How can you compare?

{Ed001's Note - Gerrard would have made it much sooner but had injuries.}

03 Jul 2026 14:16:28
@Shanklys Ghost, it's not Rio's fault that people are exaggerating what he can do at the moment.

He is just a kiddie, a 17 year old starting to get game time at the beginning of what could be an excellent career. Some people want instant gratification these days, and it doesn't work like that in real life.

He is possibly 10 years away from his peak and he has loads of aspects of the game that he needs to master. I suspect he can do it but he won't be anywhere near the finished article for a good while.

03 Jul 2026 14:13:56
Thanks ed I just feel he is being wrote off before he has even started? I personally think we are lucky to have him

{Ed001's Note - not sure how we are lucky? He is the lucky one to be at Liverpool, and to be given superstar treatment when he has not done a thing to deserve it yet. He didn't come to us out of the goodness of his heart, he came for money and guaranteed first team football.}

03 Jul 2026 14:36:08
I don't know all the ins and outs and what goes on behind the scenes, but from what I have seen I think there is potential there to be a good player.

03 Jul 2026 15:19:48
Red Gold, I would have done it soon. Not now, but not never. They get him to play 550 min n that's that. You was talking about someone else.

03 Jul 2026 15:30:03
Agreed ED01. The very one thing that nobody should be guaranteed is first team football. They need to bloody well earn it!

03 Jul 2026 15:54:31
Totally agree, by the way, that he has to work hard, produce the goods and, more importantly, know who it is he's playing for, but for me, there is deffo an excellent first team player in there given time, help and, most importantly, love!

03 Jul 2026 16:51:48
Given love??? You obviously jest, Sir!?!?

03 Jul 2026 17:14:55
I reiterate what others have said above, regardless of what our opinion on his ability is, he's a 17 year old kid starting out in his professional career, given love means being nurtured by those around him to allow him to flourish, including us fans, so we get the very best out of him. He hasn't even played enough first team football yet to properly reserve judgement, but even in that short space of time he's managed to score us a late winner at St James Park, been recognised by his national team and given his first international cap, at 17! That doesn't happen if you're not good enough.



There's also the business flip side to it, he's a saleable asset of the club, surely even from a business point of view you'd want to nurture your investment for the best possible return.

03 Jul 2026 17:27:40
Rio should never have been promised first team football, he should still be in the u18s learning his trade.

03 Jul 2026 17:54:28
Fabcruoe, he hasn't broken through to the first team though, has he?

He was promised it, that's a bit different to earning it.

03 Jul 2026 18:21:05
"He's no Rooney/Gerrard/Owen." Ah get rid so, if he can't even be up in them deadwood's league he has no future with a club that boasts Gakpo, Munoz and Chiesa as their current wing options.

03 Jul 2026 08:14:27
Morning Gents

Lots of reports about Liverpool wanting Wharton.

I'm being told different.

We're going for Neil El Aynaoui.

Cheers.

03 Jul 2026 09:31:17
Cheers, Robbo.

03 Jul 2026 09:32:58
Have to say I have never heard of him. Is he any use?

03 Jul 2026 09:38:30
Watched him playing for Morocco in the World Cup and he looks like an excellent player.

03 Jul 2026 09:52:20
The Roma guy who couldn't get a game there last year?

03 Jul 2026 10:24:15
Not heard of him myself, Robbo. As long as they're the right fit for our team, I'm not too fussed.

Any further updates on Barcola, Diomande or any others at all?

Cheers for continuing updates! :-)

03 Jul 2026 11:00:37
There are no home-grown quotas.

03 Jul 2026 11:03:18
I know nothing about him but his dad was pretty good at tennis.

03 Jul 2026 11:22:02
So, we could end up with Neil and Diomande?

03 Jul 2026 11:45:33
Seems like a player who likes a physical duel in midfield.

He would improve the midfield, no doubt about that.

03 Jul 2026 11:46:09
Robbo has posted a rumour on a rumour site with information he has been told/heard rather than confirmed information from his crystal ball. What do you suggest we do?

Choose to read and follow the rumours or don't.

You are aware that, by sharing information, whatever the source, posters are contributing a lot more than the posters trying to tear them down and belittle them!

The site is for rumours.

We really need to put an end to the silly name calling and trying to undermine folk for posting as such.

03 Jul 2026 12:08:08
These people who come on here just to belittle the ITKS because some of their info doesn't come true need to be blocked as it's uncalled for. This is a Rumours site!!

03 Jul 2026 12:27:29
Thanks Robbo, appreciate it.

Cheers.

03 Jul 2026 12:56:16
So that I don't look slightly unhinged.

The post I was commenting to has now been removed.

It is not just the ramblings of a mad man!

{Ed025's Note - we will take your word for it RQ.. :)

03 Jul 2026 14:07:57
Sounds like Al Aynaoui would be a CuJo replacement (similar profiles) and I reckon Wharton would replace Macca (if those 2 head out). I hope and expect 1 aggressive DM to walk in as well (regardless of outgoings).

03 Jul 2026 15:12:46
Thank you, Robo.

Is it a higher priority recruitment than Wharton?

03 Jul 2026 17:57:58
Cheers Robbo, appreciated as always.

03 Jul 2026 08:01:59
Slightly off Liverpool news, but apparently Nagelsmann has resigned with Klopp apparently taking over the German national squad (posted on Bayern Space).

03 Jul 2026 09:35:15
Will not surprise anyone. The Nagelsman balloon has finally deflated to its normal state.

03 Jul 2026 10:07:46
The sooner Klopp gets the German job, the better. It means he will have that box ticked and out of his system, which in turn means he will be ready to return to us in a few years' time.
If Carlsberg did scenarios......

03 Jul 2026 10:25:54
He's a national hero over there, hardly a German TV advert goes by without him being on it.

03 Jul 2026 12:57:41
Can't believe there are some who wanted that idiot Nagelsmann to manage us.

03 Jul 2026 14:33:33
Why is he an "idiot", @Vik? Have you ever met him?

03 Jul 2026 16:55:34
I'm unsure of his IQ level myself, but I agree with VV. He may or may not be idiot status, but he's certainly not the football manager that we would want or need. Thank God we chose Iraola.

02 Jul 2026 23:19:43
Expecting the signing of El Mala to be announced within the next 5 days.

Someone I know that works close to the club told me this earlier.

El Mala and Wharton are Iraola's preferred targets right now.

03 Jul 2026 03:03:17
Gutted if this is true. I hope your mate is pulling your leg.

03 Jul 2026 03:57:39
Why would you be gutted at a new manager getting his preferred targets?

03 Jul 2026 04:20:34
@Shughes, you should email the club and let them know that they might be getting it wrong if @Skezza's info is accurate.

Maybe, just maybe, the club performs due diligence on potential targets and makes decisions based upon the character and capabilities of the player and the likelihood of him fitting into the coach's plans.

Then again, maybe they just pull names out of a hat to antagonise us.

03 Jul 2026 05:55:05
WDW, why don't you just respect other people's opinions? Your constant sniping and writing off people's views is boring

03 Jul 2026 06:20:21
He's got better stats than Diomande in terms of goals and assists given their time on the pitch. It makes sense we'd be linked with him.

03 Jul 2026 07:26:24
Both Wharton and El Mala make sense based on our stats based approach.
Only strange thing with El Mala is he plays on the left, I think, and we're looking for someone on the right. Does that mean he's a replacement for Gakpo or is the plan to move him or Rio to the right.

03 Jul 2026 08:24:19
They're both very mediocre players at the moment.
Maybe Iraola can unlock some hidden potential in them. If he can, he's a genius.

I don't think either player would get on the bench for our current squad. I don't see what they're adding that we don't already have.

03 Jul 2026 08:36:55
Ron, Wharton has progressive and line breaking metrics that are best in Prem and best in Europe. That's what he offers that's different.
El Mala offers speed, dribbling, goals and creativity. Walks into our starting line up at the moment if he replicates what he's done in Germany. Big 'if', but if he does, he walks in.

03 Jul 2026 08:53:41
As I pointed out the other day, a lot of El Mala's games have been at CF so he can cover for lw and Isak. Go watch him at the Euros last year. Germany's standout player.

03 Jul 2026 07:23:37
Wharton is ridiculously over priced and doesn't remotely fix our midfield issues. After last summer we should have written off negotiating with that cretin Parish.

03 Jul 2026 09:19:33
Flange. Maybe Wdw is fed up of the constant sniping and writing off of players we are being linked with.

The facts are we are connected to 100s of players and none of it matters unless we sign someone and then give them a full season to see how they do.

Perhaps all of us can agree on that point.

03 Jul 2026 09:21:10
We have Rio, Gakpo and Munoz who are primarily left wingers and we have no players who are primarily right wingers. Why would we buy another predominatly left winger!? Whilst he is young and his stats (albeit in the German league) are impressive, surely this is a position that we really do not need to focus on right now - even if he can provide decent cover for Ekitike whilst he is out injured.

03 Jul 2026 09:38:53
If Said El Mala is coming in, I would wager that is confirmation that Cody Gakpo is off.

As for Wharton, I totally agree with posters that are concerned about his mobility/athleticism, but I can also see the vision for his Trent-like ability to assist from anywhere on the pitch. If we add the speed demons to the wide areas, as expected, and put a beast of a RB behind Wharton so he doesn't have to cover channels, it could be the ticket.



It is clear that the Premier League has become really risk averse with these horseshoe-shaped press baiting systems building slowly through the phases. Players/coaches are petrified of transition. A risk-taker like Wharton might be really suited to Iraola's think-forward first style of play.

03 Jul 2026 10:39:10
Long term view:

If you're judging players on stats, then you need to reference Curtis Jones's stats. Statistically, one of the best midfielders in the Premier League in possession.

{Ed025's Note - stats can be very misleading Ron..

03 Jul 2026 12:40:23
Wasn’t Wharton the standout England midfielder a few years back that everyone and his dog wanted, but due to injuries has been leapfrogged by Anderson? Not sure he’s that bad a signing could potentially boss the midfield if we play Grav deeper a la 2 years ago when he was touted as one of the best in Europe for that position, plus give me someone who can play more than a 5m side pass sometimes.

Not saying he’s the messiah, but maybe a little piece of the Iriola puzzle. I wouldn’t be unhappy if we signed him, just hope it’s not ridiculous with these mindblowingly overinflated prices.

03 Jul 2026 11:47:14
Precisely my point ed025.

"Progressive and line breaking metrics".

Yeah but can he play football to the requisite standard? ❌

{Ed025's Note - its a no from me Ron..

03 Jul 2026 14:18:13
Maybe Iraola wants a right footed right winger to actually cross the ball to Isak, who's actually pretty good at heading.

Maybe we're going against type from the last few seasons in that we want more goals from the centre, actually using the Number 9 to score the goals that most likely won't be coming from the wings as they've done for the longest time.

03 Jul 2026 14:37:58
@Flange, what if I think someone's opinion is a pile of b*******? Do you respect all the opinions that you have ever heard? Have you always agreed with everything everybody has ever said?

03 Jul 2026 16:06:32
Does anyone remember when we signed Mane? Didn't he play on the right? Then we signed Salah. Who also played on the right. Maybe moving one of our left attackers would be a hood move?