Liverpool Transfer Rumours

12 Aug 2026 13:03:04
Seen more Iliman Ndiaye rumours floating around.
Anyone else heard/seen anything?

12 Aug 2026 13:17:10
Not seen much of the lad myself but I know Whitney Houston always loved him.

12 Aug 2026 13:41:38
Nice one, Chicken Staff, spat my dinner out laughing there!

12 Aug 2026 14:04:30
The Ndiaye who scored 4 non-penalty goals last season, despite being 26 years old, and the man who most of Everton's attacks went through? You might think he must be a creative winger then? No. Just 3 assists, and in the bottom 22% for chances created.

He does work very hard, and is good at protecting the ball under pressure. I'll credit him where it is due, but he's just not Liverpool standard. If we signed him, we'd need Iraola to pull off a coaching miracle. Reminds me of Wijnaldum, actually. Average winger but maybe he could be turned into a half decent midfielder.

Anyway, avoid.

12 Aug 2026 14:12:41
Chicken Staff, best reply of the day. 😂

12 Aug 2026 14:13:16
Love it, Tcs! Albeit, annoyed you beat me to it!!

12 Aug 2026 09:13:50
Ed do you know who might look to if Jones leaves for Inter please?

{Ed001's Note - no, sorry.}

12 Aug 2026 10:19:45
I'm guessing Trey has forced his way into that support role now with sheer hard work.

12 Aug 2026 10:26:57
I have to say I've never really seen why Nyoni is rated so highly by the club, but in this preseason he has really impressed me.

He looks to have come of age and found his position at the base of the midfield. His passing through the lines has been exceptional. I could see him replacing Jones's minutes this season and wouldn't be against it.

12 Aug 2026 10:39:37
Trey deserves it!!! Hope he gets it!

12 Aug 2026 10:40:34
I agree, Silvered. If Jones leaves, we should be replacing him with Nyoni, given Jones is probably the 5th choice in midfield behind Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Mac Allister and Gravenberch. Nyoni is ready to be the 5th choice of the 6 main options (with Endo 6th choice).

However, if Mac Allister also leaves, I think we'd absolutely have to go and sign someone. Ideally someone of a different profile like Camara.

If Endo leaves, then Iraola has a decision to make on McConnell and Bajcetic. I personally do not think either is even up to being a 6th choice midfielder. I think you'd struggle to find a decent midfield player willing to come in and sit behind Grav, Dom, Wirtz and Macca as well.

But if you signed one who would start, then you're going to create an issue with whichever one of the 4 who becomes a sparsely used squad player.

A lot of people are overlooking the importance of keeping players happy. Jones is a local lad, and even he is fed up sitting on the bench behind that quartet. I personally think we should keep Endo and Nyoni as the backups and then rotate the 4 starting options through the 3 positions to keep them all fresh.

Squad management in real life isn't like it is on FIFA. They're real people who can cause you real problems if you do them dirty and waste a year of their already very short career.

12 Aug 2026 10:41:58
Absolutely going to happen.

12 Aug 2026 10:44:09
Nyoni will get minutes this season, and rightly so, but we really don't know yet if he can handle the amount of minutes Jones covered last season. If Jones goes, I'd really hope we bring in someone. Doesn't need to be a superstar. Surprised we never pushed for Joao Gomes tbh

Gravenberg, Dom, Macca, Nyoni, Wirtz to cover 3 positions seems one player light.

I know we've Endo, Mconnell etc, but they don't appear to be good enough.

We would be one bad injury away from another disaster if we don't replace Jones imo.

12 Aug 2026 10:48:55
Still think if you're trying to build a squad to go at four comps over a hard slog of an English season, then Trey replaces Endo. Jones and, most likely, Elliott should go towards funding a MF signing, so you would have Dom, Grav, Wirtz, Macca, new signing and Trey.

Obviously, if Macca goes, we replace him also. We'll have likely 60 games this season. Everyone will get plenty of game time.

12 Aug 2026 10:58:14
I would also be mad if MacAlister from last season was in front of me in the pecking order.
Jones also didn't help himself with his performance. I mean, you praise new manager (Sloth ;)), and then you play bad.


Also, he wanted to be captain or be second or third in line for the armband. That fight with Tsimikas was probably the day he decided to leave. I mean, in what universe does Tsimikas get the armband????

12 Aug 2026 11:04:26
Wirtz is now very much part of an attacking 2 partnering with Isak up front, and it seems to be working.
That leaves Szobo, Grav, Maca and Nyoni to cover the 2 midfield positions.

But it begs the question as to who covers Isak and Wirtz?
I don't see Szobo or Elliot being able to do what's currently asked of Wirtz.


Possibly, Gakpo could do it at a push, but there's question marks over his future.
Jones leaving means another home-grown goes.

12 Aug 2026 11:07:07
If we play all kids in Carabao and FA Cup, we may well play just 48 games, Florian.

12 Aug 2026 11:12:56
Ginger, I'd say that if Isak gets injured, then right now Gakpo, Chiesa or Munoz would play up front. If Wirtz got injured, then it would probably be Szoboszlai or Mac Allister who cover behind the striker.

I'm not sure he's ready, but Koumas also seems to be well liked by Iraola, and technically Elliott hasn't left yet either.

12 Aug 2026 11:12:56
I reckon there was a bit of miscommunication in the armband situation: "Give the armband to Curtis" could have been interpreted as "Give the armband to Kostas" with all the background noise etc.

12 Aug 2026 11:15:59
Honestly didn't get the hype with Nyoni but has impressed in the preseason.

12 Aug 2026 11:37:08
There is defo no way MacA could do what's being asked of Wirtz.
He doesn't have the legs.

There is no indication that Chiesa or Munoz could do what's being asked of Isak either.

12 Aug 2026 11:40:05
Fatwallet, there is something that most teenage midfielders tend not to have and that is pass appreciation. They will just hit the ball in the general direction of a team mate regardless of whether it plays them into trouble. As long as the pass reaches them, they'll consider it as a good pass, and a pass completed.

Nyoni has a rare skill with his passing. He always tries to play his passes with the right weight, he typically plays them to a team mates stronger foot, he also plays the pass ahead of them when it is needed or to their feet when that is more sensible, and he rarely ever hits a pass which is bobbling or bouncing awkwardly.

Players with this ability make everyone else look better because it's easier to take a first touch from a good pass, which then opens up the game for others. Even when Nyoni looked physically way off senior football I always picked up on this skill of his, even though at youth level his team mates often weren't good enough to take full advantage of how much Nyoni could open up the pitch for others.



Liverpool have not produced a midfielder in my memory with this level of pass appreciation. It's typically not something England are good at, but something Spanish midfielders have been the best at in recent times. The last teenager in the Prem who I saw with this level of pass appreciation was Cesc Fabregas.

Nyoni obviously still has no guarantees. No kid does and this may be a very exciting skillset, but you need so much more to make it as a midfielder in the very unforgiving Premier League. If Nyoni doesn't apply himself, he'll still fail to make the grade. Getting the right coaching and the right advisors around him is crucial still. Not to mention a lot of luck with injuries and physical growth. Luckily for us, he seems like a well grounded kid and Iraola seems like a good coach so unless his body lets him down, I think we've got a real player on our hands with Nyoni.

12 Aug 2026 11:43:08
Ginger, that's why a good coach doesn't ask players who come in as cover to do the same things. We can't realistically have a player who can do everything Wirtz can or everything Isak can sat on the bench, can we? If Haaland gets injured for Man City, who do they have who can do what he can do?

12 Aug 2026 11:51:58
We're likely gonna wanna play a 60/70 game season.

Wirtz and Isak can't play every min of every game.

The football we're gonna play is gonna be much more intense.

Options are very much required.

I'm not talking exact like for like replacements, im talking about players with the same/similar skillset, fitness, ability, mindset etc etc etc.



They are not currently in the squad.
Ekitike could very well do it but we're not gonna see him until 2027.

What Im seeing suggested over and over again across multiple positions is "sure he can cover that a bit".
That house of cards will come crashing down very quickly.

12 Aug 2026 11:57:20
The problem is Ginger, what I said right at the start of this thread about squad management. Say you sign another striker with a similar skill set to Isak and Ekitike. That's what, £50m minimum? £150k a week minimum? What are we doing when Ekitike is back and we have 3 strikers who all want minutes?

Sometimes you have to find solutions within the squad to cover for injuries.

You can't just have 3 starting quality players per position in case of an injury.

12 Aug 2026 11:59:33
True, Rome. 😂 Look, I'd settle now for 5th if 5 teams are getting in the CL, quarters of the CL, and no domestic cup trophy. Anything more is a bonus for me this season. But I also won't be on here moaning like a lunatic if we are struggling, like loads of people will. If someone is happy to have six players cover the 3 MF positions, and two of them players be Endo and Nyoni (two players with less than 500 league mins between them the last 2 seasons btw), then good luck to them.

But we would be a coupla MF injuries from really struggling. Having to run the remaining top class midfielders into the ground.

12 Aug 2026 12:07:39
A good coach at a top club is provided with the tools to compete.

We have no idea when in 2027 Ekitike can play again.

Ekitike, I believe, could play either position, but as previously mentioned we've no idea when that is.

We barely have a squad to find solutions.


We were light last year and it hasn't improved much.
Again, as mentioned previously, we're gonna play a 60/70 game season. Plenty of game time for everyone even without injuries.

Currently, we do not have the squad to compete.

12 Aug 2026 12:32:51
Ginger, I think we still need a natural RW option for sure.

Other than that, I'm pretty calm. I'd be happy to swap Gakpo for Barcola, but I can live with that not happening now we have Munoz to push Gakpo for his place.

I'd also like to swap Macca for Camara, but again I'm not desperate for that.

The clear gaps in the side were mostly rectified.

We lost Jota to tragedy. We've signed Munoz. We missed out on Guehi, we've signed Jacquet. We lost Konate on a free, we've signed Araujo. Robertson left for free, we've recalled Tsimikas. If Jones does leave, we can promote Nyoni.

Everyone has been replaced except for Salah. That has to be the priority for me.

12 Aug 2026 12:40:02
Pass appreciation - is that when you admire one of your own passes?

Regardless of names, you need one midfielder in your ranks who can win duels when things get ugly, smell a game, slow things down when needed, and close down threats/put fires out.



Other than Endo, we have nobody with any interest in this kind of thing. And Endo was bought as a stop-gap 3 years ago. A great attitude is not enough in this Premier League.

12 Aug 2026 12:46:23
FPF, I think Macca is more than happy to put a boot in and do the ugly work. He just hasn't looked fit enough for about 18 months. Ideally we sell him and sign Camara. If he stays, we have to hope Iraola gets him back to his best.

At his best, he works very well alongside Grav, as we saw the year we won the league and only narrowly lost out to PSG in the last 16 on penalties.

12 Aug 2026 12:47:17
The only RB we have is Frimpong, who's actually a wingback.

Again, we see the old "but Araujo can cover there".
Can he, though?

He's played less than 15 times there in 4/5 seasons, mostly for a very specific job against a very specific player, namely Vini Jr.

There's no right sided attacker.



We need to build a squad not just an XI (which we don't have).

There's very strong links for loans/moves for Ramsay, Scanlon, Morrison, Ndukwe, McConnell, Chambers, Koumas.

Where's the squad?
Where's the options?
I'm not even going into the strength in depth.

12 Aug 2026 10:42:25
A question for Ed001 and Ed025 please. Could you ever see TAA coming back to Liverpool and if not where would he go instead?

{Ed001's Note - I don't see him coming back, but you never know these days I guess, it just seems unlikely the club would want him back. I can't think of anyone that is likely to go near his wage demands to be honest.}

12 Aug 2026 13:24:22
Good question Barry, and one I've pondered given that we need a RB.

For what it's worth, if Trent desperately wanted to come back, I wouldn't be against it, but I think it would be a difficult one for both sides - with fairly hefty slices of humble pie to be swallowed.

12 Aug 2026 13:55:54
If Jones is sold, I would be more than happy to see Nyoni step up and take his minutes. If we can get £35m or close to that for Jones with a year left on his contract, that is good business. Nyoni has been very good in pre season, and looks to have developed well physically. He's looking strong enough and quick enough. His passing has been positive and accurate, and, along with Koumas and Ndukwe, he has really stood out during pre season.

Other players in the squad, I'd be happy to see moved on, would be Endo, Elliott and Chiesa. As much as I have a soft spot for all 3 of them. They just aren't going to get the game time, and we could look at getting some money in for them, saving on their wages and freeing up 2 non homegrown squad spaces.

So we could move on Jones and replace him with Nyoni. Move on Chiesa and replace him with Koumas. Then we could look at bringing in another midfielder to replace Endo like Camara from Monaco. We could look at replacing Elliott with a versatile attacker who can cover the wings and 10 position.

If possible I wouldn't be against signing someone like a Guela Doue who can play right back and centre back areas where we could have issues if injuries occurred to right backs or centre halves, which is a concern. Ramsey could then be moved on, and I think he may have taken up a non homegrown space last season. I could be wrong though.

Or we could even target a Neco Williams, who can cover right and left back, is homegrown and club trained, and we could move on Tsimikas and Ramsey.

12 Aug 2026 14:11:19
Macca cares more for his mate and hairline than he does doing the dirty work. Even for Argentina, De Paul was the one protecting him.

12 Aug 2026 13:46:56
Rat has run his course, last person i ever want to see in our famous shirt, please don't start conversations on this.
Fluent Spanish on his Madrid intro when supposedly he didn't know what he was doing for the whole of his last year, kept us all hoping he'd stay when he new he was leaving on a free, konate just followed his lead, probably cooked it up between them and followed it through with no intention of signing a new deal.



Not bitter just don't like the urine being taken out of fans and club when undeserved.

12 Aug 2026 04:39:29
Early morning, gents,

We enquired about MLS, but player + club rejected us, so that's the end of that.

Was told Barcola & Mbaye is almost done. We'll then move on to outgoings before possibly signing a midfielder. Jones is very very likely to leave, and we're very interested in Pedri.

Barca is keen on Mac, so an offer of Mac + cash might test Barca's stance. Wharton won't happen this summer, but keep an eye out for January or summer 2027.

Oh, and Gakpo stays.

Signing out,
Iraola's areola

12 Aug 2026 06:12:59
Interesting rumour. A bit disappointed about Lewis-Skelly though, think he would thrive in a TAA role at Liverpool.

Pedri huh? He's a fulcrum at Barca. A proper heir to Xavi. Would he fit in Iraola's tactics, gameplay and the intensity of PL? I don't think so.

Unless we go for a hybrid Heavy Metal like Slot's 1st season; possession first half -> direct and vertical 2nd half.

12 Aug 2026 06:38:17
The idea that Barca would swap their academy midfield fulcrum for Mac is laughable.

12 Aug 2026 07:36:57
First of all, I think it highly unlikely Pedri is going to England, full stop, let alone to Liverpool.

Good news on Barcola and Mbaye - I just worry that it will be Mbaye vs Rayan, and I don't really know which is best.



I have read reports this morning that Liverpool have walked away from the deal. Not sure how accurate this is, and take into account that there haven't been any leaks in the two transfers already completed.

12 Aug 2026 07:38:22
Another ITK.

12 Aug 2026 07:44:54
Not saying Pedri is a sure thing. It's a very difficult deal and we're just testing the waters. If anything, this shows that we're 100% looking for a midfielder. Would be stupid not to.

Latest news, Palace enquired about Jones, but his priority is Inter. If he's open to move to Palace, I assume Wharton would be part of the discussions.

Signing out,
Iraola's areola.

12 Aug 2026 08:16:48
Why would we look at someone that came out and said Barcelona is his dream and he wants to stay for his entire career. He just signed a new contract until 2030, just over a year ago. Doesn't seem right to me.

12 Aug 2026 08:44:07
Andoni, the Pedri part seems a bit sus to me cos why would we inquire about a guy like that. It's like inquiring about Xavi or Iniesta's availability from Barca back in the day.

That being said, I hope you are right that Barcola and Mbaye are done/close to done esp. if you consider that PSG have essentially signed their replacements.

We shall see.

12 Aug 2026 09:11:40
Another ITK on here!!

I've followed this site for over 10 years easily and I've never known it to have so many ITK's.

What's the chances of that then? So many people following this very site who just happen to be ITK??
Can we just stop with the b**lsh*t now please as it's making for hard reading on here! If you are posting something on here that you have read on said social media platform then state the source - don't make it sound like you know something from the inside because clearly you don't.

TheFields, Carra, Robbo, VG etc (apologies to those I've missed) have proven to be credible - there's no need for others to try jumping on the bandwagon.

Rant over
Have a good day all

Love Karen

12 Aug 2026 09:20:42
Pedri? We need to be realistic.

12 Aug 2026 09:37:47
Yes and we are bidding for Neuer as well.

12 Aug 2026 10:24:43
Welsh,

It's coincided with the rise of AI. I'd wager that some of these ITKs are just asking AI for an aggregated summary each morning and passing it off here for attention.

12 Aug 2026 10:52:42
Give me all the current names being linked with Liverpool and the latest reported fees, thanks AI.

"





Latest reported fee

Liverpool likelihood

Bradley Barcola

LW/RW

PSG

EUR150-170m (£128-146m) demanded

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Ibrahim Mbaye

RW/FW

PSG

EUR40-50m (£34-43m)

🔥🔥🔥🔥

Ezri Konsa

CB/RB

Aston Villa

~£60m

🟡🟡🟡

Djed Spence

RB/RWB

Tottenham

~£35m

🟡🟡"

I am an ITK!!! Woooo

12 Aug 2026 10:47:56
This classification of "ITK" is a recent phenomenon but people have always been sharing rumours they heard or came up with. When this site was still new, we've had taxi drivers, gardeners, air control officers, real estate agents all claiming that they've seen this player or that player in and around Liverpool.

This isn't any different to that. We have been spoilt by Ed002 who was a try ITK but this wasn't and isn't a site just for "ITKs" to post. Just take everything you read with a pinch of salt and you'd be happier for it.

12 Aug 2026 10:58:55
What's a try ITK? He was the real deal!

12 Aug 2026 11:42:54
I meant to say true instead of try. Thanks for catching that, LeBoeuf.

12 Aug 2026 12:21:18
I love Karen as well.

12 Aug 2026 12:26:57
Andoni Areola might be right about Pedri, as VGD did mention about a midfield marquee signing.....

12 Aug 2026 12:35:51
Karen puts the biccies in the usual place when she's been down Lidl and feels naughty! Treats for the gals!!!

12 Aug 2026 00:31:35
It seems PSG are trying to finalise the deals for Godts and Torres before an announcement about Barcola to Liverpool. Torres looks nearly done, and Godts has agreed personal terms, but talks are set to continue about the fee after Wednesday's game. I reckon an announcement will be after our Como games on the Monday.

12 Aug 2026 06:46:35
Feels like Liverpool is funding the PSG purchases.
We might as well have gone for their targets and got very good players for the price of Barcola.

12 Aug 2026 07:23:32
I'd actually find it quite funny if we pulled out of the deal after they purchased all these new players and leave them in a ton of debt and a bloated squad.

12 Aug 2026 07:41:31
A bit like when we sold Coutinho and used the funds for other players! Who knew. 🤷‍♂️

12 Aug 2026 08:07:15
We should definitely pull out of the deal in this inflated market and revisit in January when they are more desperate to offload.

12 Aug 2026 08:38:11
On the whole, player prices will only increase over the next few years, not go down.

12 Aug 2026 08:47:16
Was gonna say the same thing, IR. We didn't care when Barca's dough funded our signings, so why should we care if we are funding PSG's signings, which, btw, is not completely true?

12 Aug 2026 09:41:25
"Funding PSG purchases." Shock horror, clubs buy replacements for a player before a player leaves.

12 Aug 2026 10:37:19
Not sure about that, 1jj.

These prices are reliant on a chain and clubs taking the attitude of "if player 1 is worth x, our player 2 is worth x + 1".

Very few clubs are using their commercial revenues to fund these transfers. I don't think it's sustainable as revenues are reaching their limits now. There is a good chance that there isn't much growth left in the football industry.



Are clubs like Barcelona going to be allowed to keep adding to their gargantuan debts in perpetuity?

I think prices will eventually come back down to be more proportional to the revenues clubs are generating as transfers have become like the housing market. The transfer market isn't liquid enough.

12 Aug 2026 11:10:54
Both players available for a combined cost that would be less than the price of Barcola; it's a no-brainer, but so is Hughes.

11 Aug 2026 23:55:41
Guela Doue being linked to Liverpool again. Right back from Strasbourg who also plays for Ivory Coast. Rumours he's on strike because he wants a move to Liverpool. Was linked to PSG earlier in the window for around £20m.

Interesting one as there weren't many reports in the media on Munoz or Araujo before they signed.

12 Aug 2026 04:25:22
I would happily happily take him. It probably means that Bradley will find it very hard to come back as a starter.

12 Aug 2026 06:07:41
Better for Bradley, Strada. Giving him more time to get 100% fit and optimum as well as the required challenge to improve himself.

But honestly, I've never heard of this RB. Gonna go watch YouTube to find out more hahaha.

12 Aug 2026 06:44:39
Aren't we struggling with the amount of non-HG spaces we have available?

12 Aug 2026 07:02:56
Guela Doue is the younger brother of Doue from PSG. He was linked to us during the World Cup too. I'm not too sure we will sign a rb as our new signing Aroujo can cover there, but never say never.

12 Aug 2026 07:39:33
He's really good from what I've seen, and he was fantastic for Cote Divore in the WC. He must be really desperate to go on strike for us and I really think he'd fit well.

{Ed025's Note - football players going on strike...the world has gone mad..

12 Aug 2026 07:49:51
Swoozer, I think I read Barcola would take the final non HG place as Mbaye wouldn't count due to his age. For me, Tsimkas, Ramsey, Chiesa and Endo would be gone to free up a few more places if needed. I doubt they will feature much next season.

12 Aug 2026 08:23:52
Racey, you nearly got something factually correct, keep trying, I love you my friend.

12 Aug 2026 08:48:39
Tsimikas is going nowhere as he is there to cover for Kerkez at LB.

11 Aug 2026 18:38:51
So Barcola is training with PSG and in the squad for tomorrow's game v Aston Villa, so it's clearly not done. Else why would he be in their squad 🤔. Last night Anfield Agenda guy Craig Houlden said it's done from his 2 or 3 sources — clearly more bull from him.

My opinion: Liverpool will pull out of the race for Barcola. Why is this? 🤡 Hughes still negotiating transfers, it's obvious he's clueless at it.

11 Aug 2026 19:10:58
Oh sweet mother of Fowler, here we go again.

11 Aug 2026 19:16:08
Well, we just don't know, do we?
Maybe it's the player's preference to play,
The chance of another medal before he leaves. Maybe he's not coming.
Or, you could ask him when he gets here.
Who knows?

11 Aug 2026 19:17:08
Good. Why wouldn't he be training with the squad? We all saw how hard it was to get Isak fit because he wasn't training with the squad before his move. I very much doubt he plays tomorrow, even if he is in the squad. They have already made their excuses by saying he has been ill.

11 Aug 2026 19:18:10
Chewy, scroll past then because some of the crap you write. 🤔

11 Aug 2026 19:18:46
Most people say he is a done deal, but for me it's clear that it's not a done deal. Around 10 days before the season starts and we don't have a right wing, how is that even possible?! We don't have a defensive midfielder too, we don't have a backup for Isak.

Pretty sure this season is gonna be awful because of our bad work with transfers.

11 Aug 2026 19:21:09
My guess is we'll find out in a few weeks how it all pans out.

Will he/won't he. Only time will tell.

I think he leaves PSG for somewhere though. They are buying a lot of players in that position.


I think we have a decent enough chance of getting him.
But it wouldn't shock me if Arsenal end up getting him.

Gut feeling is we're favourites.

11 Aug 2026 19:25:10
I do enjoy reading some people post about Hughes like you've known him your entire life and how negotiating a deal in football works. Look, the ITK have said he's pleb whatever, so now everyone just thinks, yep that must be how he is, but what do you expect in negotiations with such high money? Just to go yeah, we will just pay what you want, if not more, and not try and get the best deal for LFC.

11 Aug 2026 19:30:04
I trust the respected ITK accounts, but honestly, if for some reason we did walk away because PSG are demanding closer to the £140m being spouted, I wouldn't blame them. You're talking about potentially the 4th largest transfer fee in history there, for a player with 2 years left on his contract and, with no disrespect to him because I'm sure he's a fantastic player, someone not even close to achieving the levels worthy of that fee.

I'd definitely walk away from that and try and spend the same amount of money on Rayan/Mbaye, a top class DM, and likely still have change.

11 Aug 2026 19:33:56
He'll probably play, get injured, and then PSG will say "Oh LFC, you can announce it now".

11 Aug 2026 19:45:53
Must be great being you Ron. 🤣

11 Aug 2026 19:56:53
Yeah, I'll be honest, and of course I may very well not be understanding of how the football world works, but the idea of us paying over £100m on an asset that we can't have until the sellers announce their signings so they don't get ripped off is a madness.

We're less than two weeks to kick off, he should be training with us. A couple of weeks back, maybe I would have accepted that, delayed by a couple of days, but it's been weeks now, apparently. If we are actually going along with anything like this, we must be mad.

11 Aug 2026 19:58:35
The reality is, the ITKs only know so much. Nobody knows for absolute certain Barcola will come. He probably doesn't know himself where he's going to end up.

Just ride it out and be patient.

I'm excited to see how Munoz does in RW this weekend, it'll be interesting to see who plays there against Newcastle.

11 Aug 2026 19:59:14
Or he will play a blinder and then not be allowed to go anywhere.
We've wasts too much time on this one signing, big mistake (hopefully not), and time is a ticking.
Seems other clubs are just going and getting players without this protracted dilly dallying.
Think PSG have taken the water with this one.
They're signing their players and whilst keeping us hanging on.


I'd get Barcloa and tell him, stay where you are and we'll either sign you in the spring or next summer at a much lower price and throw in a nice treat for you for being patient and playing the game, then we know where we are and know to quickly move on to someone else for now instead of running out of time and getting nobody.
Do a Madrid !!!

11 Aug 2026 20:11:41
I support Chewy. Constant stream of negative nonsense. Why keep speculating the negative?

11 Aug 2026 20:12:32
Would you rather him be dropped from training and matches... The talk about Isak is completely different, as he pulled himself out of training, etc. You want him partaking fully in pre season and getting up to speed if he does sign. Not to mention he's only just back from hols after a busy World Cup.

Yes, he might get injured, but you can't worry about lads getting injured, he could sign tomorrow and do his ACL (hopefully not)...

If it happens now, we don't buy the player.

If he signs, great, if he doesn't, we'll survive. It's a lot of money, I can understand why we're digging our heels in, and if it saves 15/20 mil by delaying it so be it. Once he's training at full tilt he'll be a good addition if he signs.

11 Aug 2026 20:29:18
I have to admit I thought he would have had a 'bad back' or be 'ill' as some have said instead of being included in the squad.

I take people's point that it's best he keeps training to stay fit, but that usually isn't the case for 100 plus million signings because of the risk of injury.

Isak was a totally different situation; he went on strike to force a move. Barcola has apparently been done for weeks.

If we're just waiting on PSG to give the green light for whatever reason, I can't imagine we'd want him anywhere near competitive training, and nor would PSG.

11 Aug 2026 20:36:16
The idea that any buying club aren't allowed to announce a signing until the selling club has made their signings so that the selling club don't get ripped off for their other signing is nonsense for a couple of reasons.

1. By the time a sale has been arranged, most people know about it anyway, whether public or not.



2. Why would the buying club do favours for the selling club? They're often rivals (in this case they are).

3. Clubs are nowhere near as petty and silly as most fans seem to think they are with their notions of fake bids as smoke screens and such. Real football at exec level doesn't work like a TV show.

11 Aug 2026 20:47:23
Villa aren't playing 3 top players, yes it's a cup, but maybe Barcola won't start, then the day after the deal is done.
If he doesn't sign, so what? Look at someone else.
I would love to see us win the league this year, but don't think it will happen. More hopeful for next year, plus Champions League final.
C'mon, we're all in it together, YNWA.

11 Aug 2026 20:49:55
Why are certain ppl on here so negative when something isn't happening as quick as they want it to? I bet the ones that are moaning, saying 'he isn't coming, we should pull out, it's taking too long', are the ones saying the exact same thing last summer when it came to Isak & Wirtz.

I believe Carra, Vgd, Robbo, Ned & Thefields, with the info they provide & my contacts, when they all say Barcola is coming... just sit back & be patient.

11 Aug 2026 20:50:17
That's a bit rich, that Grav, when you've just started a whole new thread to discuss the same exact crap that's been discussed at great length.

No need to get your knickers in a twist, pal, I was only having a laugh.

Cheers, Richlondon, mate.

11 Aug 2026 21:03:15
Nevada has made some really valid points here. Often, the most obvious things are the most likely, in this case, the delays to date have probably been due to us not being able to agree a fee or payment structure.

11 Aug 2026 21:12:45
I am running with 2 different theories. Hear me out.

1. It's done.
2. It's not done.

Thank me later for the info.

11 Aug 2026 21:15:41
I think negativity really needs to stop. A ball hasn't even been kicked yet.

Everyone seems so set on deciding if we are title challengers or not based on signings.

Last summer, Hughes was a genius. Saved close to £50m in not paying what Newcastle and Leverkusen demanded for Isak and Wirtz. Now he is haggling and doing what he did last summer, and he is an idiot!?

He has been at the club two seasons, one of which we won a title, the other wasn't great, but still got Champions League!?

As for Barcola, if it happens great, if not so be it.

The club would have identified numerous options, I would guess if the players they want are available and we can get a deal over the line then great.

But the club aren't generally held to ransom and will only go after chosen targets.

Araujo for example (and Munoz for that matter) had already been on a list of players that Liverpool were interested in. It wasn't a rash decision decided without proper insight and analysis, that isn't how we operate. When an opportunity presents itself at a good price we will go for them.

Let's back Iraola and give him some time to settle into his style of play, and hopefully we can have a successful season.

Looking forward for my trip to Anfield this Sunday. Who else is going?

11 Aug 2026 21:31:17
People moaning that Barcola was not done weeks ago and that he should have been training with us for weeks have missed the point that he was on holiday after the World Cup!!
He only returned on Monday.
Maybe the lad wants to say his goodbyes to his teammates and fans?
Trust the ITK guys and be patient.

11 Aug 2026 21:36:13
Chewy, you do write crap a lot though 🤣

11 Aug 2026 22:06:24
Chewy just needs something to chomp on from time to time to vent, maybe, or he enjoys turning the spoon.

11 Aug 2026 23:01:12
Come on! It happens all of the time. PSG might be pushing for more dough on their terms etc. Crazy these FIFA supporters.

11 Aug 2026 23:12:31
Well, I for one hope the Barcola deal doesn't materialise. £140 million is insane. For that I'd want one of the top 5 players in the world. If Barcola signs I'd be astonished if he even got 10 goals and 10 assists all season. Yeah he's quick, but apart from that he's just decent. He's not worth more than about £50-60 million.

11 Aug 2026 23:23:50
I believe it's done, but not because of that Knob at Anfield Agenda. I have faith in the posters on this site (and I think Anfield Agenda rips their 'sources' from here).

11 Aug 2026 23:30:45
When asked about Barcola in his presser, Enrique answered 'I don't know'.

Which roughly translates into 'yes he's definitely leaving'.

I don't have any contacts but to me it's done.

The only slight nagging doubt would be if someone else steals in at the last minute. I don't honestly think that will happen but until he's signed on the dotted line it's always a possibility.

11 Aug 2026 23:48:21
It's not done. It might get done, but anyone that's said it's already done is just straight up lying.

12 Aug 2026 00:04:12
This eclipse tomorrow seems to be having an effect on people already; back to the shadows from whence ye came!

11 Aug 2026 23:48:41
Hey Grav. So you say . In your opinion . Can I ask what you are basing your opinion on? Or are you, just like the rest of us and part of the IKFA Club

12 Aug 2026 01:22:09
That Craig from Anfield Agenda is a grifter. No idea who's watching it... Proper fans definitely don't.

Fabrizio is still keen, doesn't matter if Barcola is playing. It will be a late deal, as we don't pay the price and they haven't done all their business.

I really like Mbaye too.

12 Aug 2026 02:12:22
Lay off on Anfield Agenda and Craig. Top bloke and top channel. Keep your uninformed opinions to yourselves if all you can do is slate other people giving their info in good faith. It's a rumours site, whether they be good or no good. We all have an entitlement.

12 Aug 2026 07:31:00
I don't mind the delay if he's the player the club and manager has identified. We are talking about millions if not tens of millions of pounds here.

12 Aug 2026 07:40:59
Grav7, if you don't like criticism, think it's best you scroll past. The criticism levied at Hughes and the hierarchy, management and supposed ITK's is warranted.

12 Aug 2026 08:45:16
I don't have a problem with the delays, it's just the message that's been pushed for weeks: that it's done and we'll announce it later. Initially, the excuse was "he's on holiday" and now it's "PSG don't want to get ripped off by other clubs" or "he wants a Super Cup medal".


They're clearly lies unless Liverpool are intent on self-sabotage. Paying tens of millions for a player and his wages but letting him play for another club for a bit because the other club don't want us to announce it.

12 Aug 2026 11:20:14
RD, top channel that uses countless clickbait headlines from the trashiest outlets to drive views with absolutely no concern for the quality of the source.

Top bloke, who berates and abuses his own followers if they differ in opinion to his, gets so emotional he storms off livestreams and is renowned for his viral crash-outs.

And I'm not speaking uninformed.

11 Aug 2026 14:15:04
Arsenal shopping Myles Lewis Skelly about. I hope this is an opportunistic one we look at with Jonesy probably leaving. Homegrown, can cover LB and RB, young and prices being reported of £40m.

11 Aug 2026 15:11:45
Personally, I'd be up for this. Others, I think, are more unsure on him, but I think there's a tonne of talent there.

11 Aug 2026 15:16:50
We should be all over this. The talent is there and the price is right.

11 Aug 2026 15:19:07
Yeah, I read a few bits on X earlier saying Arsenal are possibly open to letting him leave.

Hmm. I think he's ok but not really one I'd want tbh. Each to their own though.

11 Aug 2026 15:24:33
Arsenal won the PL. PSG won the French league. Yet, here we are trying to scoop up all their cast offs so they can fund their own 1st choice signings. Is that a wise transfer policy for a club with title/trophy winning ambitions? Just a question I've been pondering lately.

11 Aug 2026 15:29:54
Lewis Skelly would be a fantastic addition if he is available!

11 Aug 2026 15:33:16
You're right, Tib.

We are shopping at Lidl and they are shopping at Waitrose.

I think we should give up, stage a mutiny against these owners who are clearly rubbish and have been for almost 20 years, and switch to supporting Arsenal or PSG.

11 Aug 2026 15:38:44
I know he has been used as a lb, but is his preferred position not the dm role? Arsenal likely looking to cash in, as he is 100% profit and unlikely to dislodge Rice to play in his favoured midfield role any time soon. He is homegrown and covers multiple positions. I'd be more than happy if we went for him.

11 Aug 2026 15:43:12
Hmmm, I would not be a fan of him. Always a bit rash for me, and a yellow/red card guy anytime I've seen him play. Maybe I'm missing something altogether.

11 Aug 2026 15:44:59
Loads of potential, so I'd definitely be happy with him. He's also prone to a brain fart, which means we will have replaced Konate.

11 Aug 2026 15:54:00
I would take Myles Lewis Skelly to replace Tsimikas and Endo in the squad.
You can say he is a bit rash, but he is 19, playing mainly out of position.
I think he would be a fantastic addition to the squad.

11 Aug 2026 16:11:00
If he's that fantastic Arse Nil are not going to sell him and certainly not to ourselves.

11 Aug 2026 16:11:29
At £40m, it's a bit of a no brainer, proper competition for Kerkez (Tsimi is good, but not great) and a non-HG space opened up in case we need it.

11 Aug 2026 16:12:15
I actually did not know he was 19 years old. I thought he was about 23 years old. That does slightly alter my perception on him. At £30-40m, he might be worth a punt to replace Endo and Tsimikas.



I think he's a pretty limited player, but could be useful as HG cover. Also, now knowing he's only 19, it makes sense why he's so rash in the tackle and all over the place positionally.

11 Aug 2026 16:13:54
Arsenal won't sell him to a Premier League rival, they would rather Utd or foreign club.

11 Aug 2026 16:14:20
Bulk, that's a very narrow-minded view. Salah was a reject, so was Sturridge, Coutinho and Robbo. Outside of Liverpool, De Bruyne, Henry, Bergkamp, and even Zidane were all considered flops at one point in their careers.

11 Aug 2026 16:18:07
Rash in the tackle and all over the place positionally says it all really, MKS.

11 Aug 2026 16:19:15
I don't think you can restrict a player's choice of movement if he is proven to be actively available to others.

That said, I'm sure there is a million loopholes to exploit to raise the fee etc.

11 Aug 2026 16:19:18
He can be a fantastic signing for us. At the end of the day we have to look at our own squad and see if he can improve us. I would sell Tsimikas and Endo. He can cover both LB and in midfield.

11 Aug 2026 16:25:46
He's very limited, I can't understand how we would progress buying players of his limited ability. He's not good at anything.

11 Aug 2026 16:41:26
Makes sense on paper, but he strikes me as a dickhead. He is very young, though, so maybe has some growing up to do, and VVD can squash his ego a bit.

11 Aug 2026 16:43:36
£40 million and £1 please.

11 Aug 2026 16:30:42
Surely he would cost £80m+? Where is the £40m fee coming from?

11 Aug 2026 16:51:33
@Zeddicus,....Oh, that old chestnut. I'm clearly not a true Liverpool fan because I question our transfer policy.

@Chewy,....Law of averages, mate. Keep breaking lumps of coal, and eventually you'll get a diamond. How often does that happen, though?

We should be going after the Kavatshelias, the Semenyos, the Yamal's of the footballing world, real quality, not hoovering up other teams' cast-offs after missing out on primary targets due to ineptitude or a unwillingness to pay the price.

11 Aug 2026 16:51:41
At least he is prepared to stick the boot in. Unlike pretty much all of the midfielders we actually employ, and he can competently cover full back positions, he doesn't have to be a world beater, but a Swiss Army knife Milner type player can't be sniffed at. I'd say he'd be a more effective squad member than a certain Curtis Jones in fullback and midfield in that respect because he can actually defend.

He's 19, so being a wee bit rash is to be expected, but he's not scared of making a challenge. And being home grown too, it makes sense.

11 Aug 2026 16:52:54
Very good teenage footballer with two years experience at probably the best team in Europe. Can cover two positions we could use someone in. Don't think it'd happen, but if we were to be interested I certainly wouldn't complain.

11 Aug 2026 16:54:51
I've always thought he's a bit of a t***, but if he had our Red shirt on that's fine.

11 Aug 2026 16:55:38
I'd give him a miss personally....

11 Aug 2026 16:58:27
Chelsea are looking at him. Arsenal need to make space for their new signings. But don't want him to go there.
The boy started in the Champions League final, so he can't be as bad as some are making out on here.
Worth a punt for us, I say...... but I'm only a rough arse fan!! What do I know!!. 🤣🤣

11 Aug 2026 17:02:35
And where will he play cos he is not a lb and we are well fornished there?

If it is in midfield, then how do we know how good of a midfielder he is when he never played there consistently at Arsenal?

11 Aug 2026 17:04:01
Lewis-Skelly is a cheat. He makes Macca look robust, the kid just spends most of the game on the floor.

Perhaps that is a tactic forced on him by Arteta, but based on what I've seen, he's not the kind of player I would ever want us signing.

11 Aug 2026 17:07:53
I have heard that he has been offered to Man U and Chelsea, which makes me think that maybe he doesn't really fancy us.

But if we get him, he will have my full support.
YNWA.

11 Aug 2026 17:30:01
Covers fullbacks and DM, 19 years old, home-grown, and in today's market a reasonable fee - sounds far too good to be true?!?!

11 Aug 2026 17:39:18
Not for me, thanks. Far better options out there. We need to sign starters to improve the team, not replacement utility players.

11 Aug 2026 17:55:56
People have to remember when judging him at lb that most of his games there would have been when he was just 18 years of age. Put it this way, if we had him after coming from the academy and breaking into our squad, going on to start in a CL final, we would be absolutely raving about him.

11 Aug 2026 18:00:46
Puts his foot in, wow. He couldn't tackle a fish supper. I can't believe some of these comments, it's like he's Steve Nicol, in reality he's Curtis Jones. You only think he's better because you watch Jones and his limitations more.

11 Aug 2026 18:06:06
Agreed, Westwood.

11 Aug 2026 16:47:45
Ed1, I remembered you choose him as a player to have breakout season right? Is it true Arsenal would sell him? He is versatile and pretty much can cover both LB and Midfield and also HG. Would be a no brainer if he is available.

{Ed001's Note - yes Artet a prefers more experienced player.

11 Aug 2026 16:50:13
I don't get how we can big up the likes of Koumas in here then have people saying Skelly is limited a year younger and a league winner with loads of Premier League experience.
There is no wonder ed025 says about our red tinted glasses.


He should have been in the England squad in the summer.
Arsenal probably looking to sell him because they have not sold anyone for decent money since Ox and you can't just keep spending without selling.

11 Aug 2026 18:30:19
The recent game against Monaco showcased a similar strategy to Klopp, where Frimpong tucked into midfield at times (TAA). Of course, it didn't work with a profile like Frimpong, but Lewis-Skelly would fit in nicely, as he is a midfielder, capable of playing at RB/LB.

At 40m, I'd take him, no questions asked (only medical required).

11 Aug 2026 18:32:25
He is available, but thankfully we have zero interest.

11 Aug 2026 18:47:19
Tib, not questioning your Liverpool fandom, I just think your views are rubbish!

11 Aug 2026 18:47:32
A player with a good ten years ahead of him, who's already a league winner and very, very nearly a CL winner too at £40m. Like I said, it won't happen, but I would take him if the chance was there for that price. No brainer.

11 Aug 2026 19:03:46
Ok, Bulk, you know best, off you pop, sign up Kvaratskhelia for us, or Lamal, maybe even that Semenyo lad, let me know how you get on mate.

11 Aug 2026 19:06:18
It's utter nonsense. Loads of average players have been in title-winning squads, you just don't sign them for the sake of it. Where is he going to play cm, instead of who exactly? I can't even picture how weak a midfield 2 we would have.

11 Aug 2026 19:36:33
Think you've been a bit harsh, Mark. People love having Endo in the squad, but I'd take Skelly over him without hesitation. The likes of Macca, Guimaeres or Enzo had never played a game outside South America at his age, and Caicedo, a hundred million pound plus man, had only played a dozen loan games in the Belgian league in Europe.

Skelly is not the finished article. There should still be plenty of improvement in him. People also complained Slot didn't use the squad enough. Having better players would make it easier to do that.

11 Aug 2026 20:12:45
No thanks. Too many dumb bookings/reds. And that time he tried to mock Haaland by doing his goal celebration just made him look like the pretentious adolescent he is.

11 Aug 2026 20:24:49
Zed, we will have to agree to disagree.

Chewy, there was a time when we were linked with Kava, and probably could have got him if the will was there.

We should be aiming a lot higher. That's all I'm saying.

We are still a major pull in world football, yet for some reason, we're being linked with every stocking filler player imaginable. I can't see how sucking up everyone's rejects is going to get us the league.

11 Aug 2026 20:42:23
"We should be going after the Khvaratskelias"


You mean Napoli's cast offs?

Exactly how are you defining cast off? As a player, the selling team no longer wants, with that being defined as the selling team thinks the money is more useful than the player? Here's a list of a few who've been in that position -

Cannavaro, Pirlo (twice), Zidane, Baggio, Salah, De Bruyne, Baresi, Messi, Figo...



You have to remember that unless a team is forced to sell (release fee for example) then the selling team has always decided that the money is more useful than the player.

11 Aug 2026 20:46:14
Skelly not a reject, it's just Arteta wants players for the here and now. He's the kind of manager that would have turfed Trent out all them years ago when he had his s**** show against Rashford at Old Trafford. Not everyone's a Jurgen willing to give youngsters the time to iron the weaknesses out of their game.

11 Aug 2026 20:56:35
TIB, we're talking about the same Barcola here? The guy Arsenal wanted but got told do one for us? The same guy PSG want to keep so have priced too high?

Isak and Wirtz weren't exactly stocking filler players, now were they? And even if we were shopping at "Lidl", where did we sign Mo, Mane, VVD, Bobby, etc. from?

You don't need a starting 11 of world class players. Look at PSG, they had all the talent in the world, did nothing with it, sold them and shopped at what I expect you consider as "Lidl" and have now gone back to back in the UCL.



You need a mixture of genuine world class talent, and multi functional hard workers ready to put the graft in wherever they are put in the team. Like us under Klopp, as stated the likes of Mo, Mane, Ali, VVD, Bobby, with a mixture of Gini, Hendo, Fab, Matip, Robbo.

Some players just need a move to jump to the next level, like all of those stated above.

11 Aug 2026 22:08:57
Bulk, we aim plenty high, we couldn't have gone any higher last summer, and whilst we're still good financially, we can't just go out and drop 100m on every position. Besides, we're talking about a lb here, it's not even a legitimate concern atm, not compared to the other ones anyway. An upgrade on Tsimikas would be nice but certainly isn't critical.

Let's not forget we only bought the best up-and-coming lb in the league last summer. Why would we go out and blow the bank on another one? Somebody with Lewis-Skelly's type of profile is ideal, fairly dynamic, young, relatively cheap, and Prem-experienced, although a little more experience would be nice.

12 Aug 2026 01:42:48
Lidl has some great products, at really good prices. Not everything in Waitrose is either worth the money, or superior to Lidl.

11 Aug 2026 10:25:18
Just a reminder to everyone not liking my comments on transfer business. There are lots of well respected accounts on here saying Barcola to Liverpool is done. If it were done, Liverpool would not be allowing him to travel with PSG to the Super Cup, nor would PSG risk him.



Talks are progressing. The fee, particularly the add-ons, continues to cause issues.

It is absolutely not done... yet!

Cheers

DjimiT

11 Aug 2026 10:48:41
Sorry if this sounds rude and insensitive, but I do not regard "Robbiegod" as a respected account. It's pretty obvious it's not done.

11 Aug 2026 10:49:50
Lad has a point.

11 Aug 2026 10:55:20
You have a point, but you don't need to take a swipe at the respected accounts. You can just post your info without any of that.

11 Aug 2026 10:55:51
It seems that Barcola is "ill" and will not play in the Super Cup.

11 Aug 2026 11:22:01
Don't worry about who does or doesn't like your post.

Definitely don't start a pis***g contest with trusted posters.

It's not a competition.

IKFA.

Chewy.

11 Aug 2026 11:46:17
Definitely in the IKFA camp here, but if the Barcola narrative is "not to be announced until PSG secure their targets" then, as PSG, it would make total sense to have Barcola travel with the team.

Whilst it might be risky for LFC, if he travels and just trains with the team to maintain fitness, then what's the issue? Sure PSG might take the risk, but if they want the smoke and mirrors approach then they have to also hold their public face and all the risks that come with it.



Just grabbed this from a report: not saying it is gospel or even true at all but

"Barcola has been ill in recent days and has not completed all the sessions. He might not feature much in the Super Cup."

Which would tie in with the keeping face side for PSG.

11 Aug 2026 11:42:44
DjimiT,

If a pissing contest is what you want, a pissing contest is what you'll get.

On the 25th July you said Arsenal have got in contact with Barcola and his preference is London. You also said Liverpool believe they've been stolen a march. What happened there?

11 Aug 2026 12:06:39
Well said, Victor. These guys ain't got a clue. Stick to the script and they will be weeded out after the transfer happens.

11 Aug 2026 12:29:33
If you don't like people not liking your posts, then don't make them public like.

"Care about what other people think and you will always be their prisoner."
Lao Tzu.

But feel free to like this post.

11 Aug 2026 12:31:15
Does no one remember last year when Isak essentially was on strike and not training or playing, and then ended up being injured and unfit for us as he had no pre season? If PSG want the smoke and mirrors and play him, and he doesn't get injured, it suits us as well, as we have a player who is still match fit and has been working.

Don't see the issue with a player who isn't officially our player playing games and training for the team he is contracted to.



I recall us all knowing Coutinho was Barca bound, yet he gave us 4 more months before leaving and was playing right until he left. I'm sure Barca would have wanted him earlier, but they still got a player who had 4/5 months of game time before he left, and I'm sure they weren't annoyed with that.

{Ed025's Note - the only problem CE is what if he gets injured?..

11 Aug 2026 12:35:02
VG, personally, I wouldn't worry about people trying to have a dig, it says more about them. You don't need to justify yourself, we all know how it works and also that sometimes it doesn't pan out.

Getting very sick of posters claiming to be "in the know" and knowing F all in reality!

We know who the reliable people on here are, and even if they don't want to be known as "in the know," it's how we think of them as they generally turn out to be right.

And, tbh, they've earned their stripes with previous information that they've been kind enough to share with us all.

11 Aug 2026 12:34:55
If you really want a post that attracts negativity, try writing about a world in which a shady cabal of Swedish administrators dictate all doings in world football.

11 Aug 2026 12:44:47
2 things can be true at once. The deal can be "as good as done", which some people will simply call "done", even though business has still not officially concluded, whilst others will say the only way you can call it "done" is when it's officially announced. One person could be fed information claiming it's (as good as) done with only fine details causing a minor hold-up, whilst somebody else could interpret the exact same information as there still being "a ways to go".



People need to keep this in mind before wearing out their keyboards arguing over what is or isn't. Everything on here is heard through the grapevine and so is subject to the influence of a number of opinions before it even gets to us. Something to do with whispering in Chinese.

11 Aug 2026 12:54:55
He won't play.

11 Aug 2026 12:58:23
You still flat out at the office, DjimiT. You have not got the contracts finished!

11 Aug 2026 13:05:15
Honestly, most of us don't have a clue, from random posters asking questions to pretend ITKs, actual ITKs to trutherers and whatever else we've had. It's a rumours site, very few know anything, if anything, people getting all wound up over someone else's posts is strange to me.



I like most of the posts on here, even the insane ones, keeps it whimsical.

Keep posting, you cranks, gives me something to read while on paternity! Have a nice summer, lads.

11 Aug 2026 13:08:39
Literally came on to say very similar, Chewy.

I work in sales and have a deal exactly like this. It's 'done' but currently working through all the legal paperwork. Technically it isn't 100% done but both parties are in agreement we will get there. As you say, one man's done is another's no agreement reached.



I believe the framework for Barcola is in place between all parties based on the posters that have come forward. It's just dotting the I's and crossing T's. We need to be patient for the lean, and stop arguing and d*ck measuring over semantics.

11 Aug 2026 13:18:58
Obviously last minute things can change but I believe our ITKs.

We've seen it before and very recently that things can change at the last second. If you've ever had the curse of buying a flat or house and been in a chain, you'll know the feeling. Waiting on others over whom you have zero control over, despite doing everything you need to do to get the job done.



That's how I see this situation.

For that exact same reason you don't sell a huge talent unless you've got the replacement/s in the door and physically at the club. Don't want to be caught with your pants down, do you?

Interesting that Barcola is "ill" for the Super Cup, too. ;)

11 Aug 2026 13:22:34
WYred, I can't believe you passed up the "Cross your T's and dot your... lower-case j's" opportunity. :)

11 Aug 2026 13:48:58
Standarosso, you are entitled to your opinion. I don't pretend to be something I'm not, and I certainly have no track record to be classed as a respected poster, and nor would I wish to be. I enjoy reading people's opinions on here, that's it, and I posted what I have been told.

It's up to you guys to go with it or not, information sharing is the bedrock of the site. Let's spread the good vibes, people. Ciao. YNWA

11 Aug 2026 13:51:50
VG you have said for weeks its done and here we are with Barcola still contracted to PSG..

I posted about Arsenal interest which was genuine and his head was turned. AI spoke to BB again and that was the commitment point.

Nothing I have posted is wrong. I've posted explanations but the Eds haven't posted my responses..

DjimiT

11 Aug 2026 14:27:38
As riveting as the debate about the definition of the word 'done' is, I am bored of this cr@p. We used to say 'let's wait for the Melwood lean'. Trust the ITKs and be patient.

11 Aug 2026 14:29:21
Amongst the arguments over whether it's 'done', I've seen a few dismissing the claims that PSG upholding the Barcola deal until they conclude other business first, making out as if they have no reason whatsoever to do so, so, with that;

We are keen on 2 of PSG's wingers, who in turn have targeted 3 themselves, Akliouche, Godts and Torres. That in itself should tell you all you need to know. In case it's not clear, Akliouche is not Barcola's replacement as some have previously suggested, so securing him doesn't mean Barcola is automatically free to move on; Barcola plays predominantly on the left and Akliouche on the right, though he's more of an AM. Given his profile, it's likely he's been brought in to replace Kang-in Lee, who's already gone to Atletico. Godts, however, who PSG are yet to secure, does play on the left, and is likely seen as the Barcola replacement. Torres can play on either wing, but has seen more success in the central role recently, a position PSG could do with bolstering after Ramos went to Milan.



Bottom line is PSG have let EUR160m worth of players go, as well as 3 loans, 7 outgoings in total, and they've brought in just 3 fodder signings on top of Akliouche, 4 altogether, with a total value of about EUR60m, Akliouche making up EUR50m of that. Given the fact that they've already let players go without first securing replacements, on top of an already tight window due to the WC, I think it's pretty clear that PSG are playing it safe, and not going to be too keen to conclude any further outgoings until they have secured a couple of signings. We know all too well how poorly these situations can play out, just look at what happened with us and Guehi or Semenyo.

My point being that PSG have plenty of reason to hold up what could essentially be a 'done deal'.

11 Aug 2026 14:29:33
You're right - I have said for weeks that it's "done". I never said he's signed his contract or that he's flown for a medical.

I don't know how many times I need to type out the same reasoning over and over again as to why the deal is taking its time to become official.



And for the record, I did see your response where you accused me of being a chancer, which is comical, as time will tell. Your insistence on trying to insult other "ITK" may prove to be pointless.

11 Aug 2026 14:37:23
Maybe he travels but doesn't play?

11 Aug 2026 14:43:31
Cheers, Djimi & VG. Hopefully you are both right and we get Barcola. :)

VG, what are we saying about midfield? Journos like David Lynch and Lewis Steele are suggesting that a midfield incoming is unlikely now, even if Curtis goes.



Other than signing Fabinho over 8 years ago, we signed stop-gap Wataru Endo 3 years ago. Not signing DMs seems to be a cruel joke at this point.

11 Aug 2026 14:45:46
Done = registration transferred.

Not done = everything else.

"Done" has a very simple definition, people use it shabbily like the word "literally" and it's totally unnecessary.

11 Aug 2026 14:56:27
FlyPelicanFly,

There is still every intention of bringing in a midfielder to bolster the squad. I predict Curtis Jones departs in the coming weeks.

However, Trey Nyoni has seriously impressed and it remains to be seen if they want to lean on him for the time being.

11 Aug 2026 14:59:52
Just another day in the LFC transfer rumours dick swinging contest.

Why is there the constant need to undermine or belittle to be the biggest in the room?

This is why those who go back years are the most trusted and respected. VG, I include you here, pal. They understand that sources, whoever they may be, may differ in their information. Conflicting information will happen.

They just post what they know, with no butt hurt about what anyone else has suggested.

It is a rumours page. Rumours can contradict one another without having to have a pop at who posts the opposite.

It is a surprise we will be left with anyone willing to post at this rate, as everyone seems incessant on slagging each other off.

11 Aug 2026 15:06:40
I completely understand the point and I agree that people should be careful about treating "done" as fact when the clubs clearly haven't announced anything.

That said, I'm not sure Barcola travelling with PSG necessarily tells us as much as we think it does. If negotiations are still ongoing, PSG have every reason to have him travel with the squad until a deal is actually agreed and signed. Equally, Liverpool wouldn't necessarily expect PSG to leave a player out of a major fixture simply because talks are progressing.

The add-ons being an issue also doesn't really contradict the idea that the deal could be very advanced. These things can be pretty far down the line while clubs are still haggling over the final structure of the fee.



So I'm definitely not saying it's done, but I'd also be cautious about using the Super Cup travel as evidence that it isn't close. It could simply mean the deal hasn't reached the point where PSG are comfortable leaving him behind.

Basically, I think both sides are probably reading a little too much into the available information. 😂

That said, your insight and the insight of others is still really useful, particularly when making the distinction between talks progressing and a deal actually being done. I'd much rather have that sort of information and a bit of context than people presenting speculation as fact.

Appreciate you all sharing, as always.

11 Aug 2026 13:44:09
Awk Ed25 don't give me sound logic, I thought I made a really good point going to go back to the drawing board now.

But yeah that always is the risk just have to hope and pray nothing happens

{Ed025's Note - sorry to rain on your parade mate.. :)

11 Aug 2026 14:25:40
Never a good idea Djimi T to blame the Ed's. The post majority of the dribble people come out with on here. You sound a little bit weirdly defensive here, and i was bigging you up a few days ago.

11 Aug 2026 15:12:41
Agreed, Red, if people don't like what's been said, ignore it. It's tantamount to clickbait, don't answer and it'll cease eventually.

11 Aug 2026 15:21:25
Cheers, VG. You are now officially my favourite poster.

11 Aug 2026 15:22:38
VG, so what does "done" mean for you?
Is it just a way of speaking for something that is not done but will probably be?

Honest question, no dig or something.

If "done" for you is not guaranteed, then if it will come to fruit, will you say you were right all along and it was done for months and take aim at the doubters? Even if the done you imply now is not 100 "done".

11 Aug 2026 15:30:55
And this is why anyone with info won't bother posting, cause of all the crap they get.

Who needs it.

11 Aug 2026 15:31:13
Your all as bad as each other, your having a go at djimi for doing the exact same thing that you are doing to him. I have been visiting this site for years and every single ITK gets things wrong including the great Macca, Ed002 ( God bless), this is what makes the site so addictive.

If we only posted what we 100% know is correct, we would get about 3 posts a week and it would be very boring.

11 Aug 2026 15:51:21
Just stop, DjimiT. Please. You're making yourself look like a ginnit. You may need Google.

11 Aug 2026 15:52:10
And keep her lit, VG. I appreciate your info. I trust it.

11 Aug 2026 16:34:36
We need The Truther to settle this. But, seriously, VG has credit in the bank from his past posts. If anyone is a chancer, my money is on DJimiT. He implied in his post the other day that he was dealing with the paperwork.

If both parties haven’t agreed a deal, there would be no paperwork to prepare (not that I believe for a minute he is involved with the paperwork).

11 Aug 2026 16:34:43
BF9, for me, done means fee agreed, contract agreed, everything agreed in principle. Barring the medical and transferring of documents, there is no other work left to complete, as far as I am aware.

Timing in football is everything. Another example apart from Isak, Elliott Anderson to City was agreed between the two clubs quite a bit before the deal was formally wrapped up.



In other instances, things can move so pacy you don't even hear of it happening, which is how Liverpool have operated this summer when singing Munoz and Araujo. It all depends on the nature of the deal, the clubs you're negotiating with, the players and the budgets of everyone involved. It's layered and complex and it also contributes to why so many deals fall apart.

11 Aug 2026 16:49:31
The problem is when someone posts it's done and then the same thing is posted daily for weeks and it doesn't get done, it looks like guess work. If I was having new tyres on the car and the mechanic appears and says it's done then it's done or part done, end of.
Just dont post done if it's not done, easy, we all want what's best for the club and anticipation deflation is what's causing people to question the "done people ".


If you did this in the pub, you'd be called rotten or worse and a laughing stock no matter who you or your sources are.
We should move on to other targets or run out of time, buy available players, dont waste time with PSG and their antics.

11 Aug 2026 15:56:06
Djimi, your on quite safe ground saying its not completed yet. Your not telling us anything that's not in the media.
The other ITK's have at times given conflicting information, but have not felt the need to challenge eachother. This actually adds to their credibility, as they appreciate how these things develop and change. By choosing to challenge someone who has given reliable info before, and then having your replies culled by the eds, makes me think your your not ITK.
Referring to something as a 'done deal' is predominantly used to reference a transaction that has been agreed, but not completed.

This is a common term and the context suggests that this was its intended meaning.
I think it was one of ITK's who suggested the players themselves were aware of this 'done deal'. A point which was then independantly corroborated by ST, and we are all aware of his source.
So I struggle to understand why you would choose to dismiss a reliable ITK, is it an attempt to boost your own status?

11 Aug 2026 17:49:32
I can confirm that the paperwork has been done for Barcola.
Not for signing for us, but to miss tomorrow night's game. His Mum has sent PSG a note saying that Bradley has an upset tummy.
Apparently Mrs B can't spell diahorrea, but the club are happy that the correct procedure has been adhered to and don't want to risk him giving their first choice players the Ballroom Blitz.


Barcola is now on the couch watching Fingerbobs, eating chopped up egg in a cup and drinking Lucozade.

11 Aug 2026 17:00:15
We should settle this properly; fight to the death!

11 Aug 2026 18:16:18
I will preface this with saying I am happily in the IKFA camp.

My personal definition of a deal being done is registration player confirmed etc.

However I am extremely grateful to the ITKs and the Ed's and the IKFAs as well for giving us titbits of info etc when they have it.

I believe when people say it is "done". That what they mean is there is a broad agreement made and bar anything unusual they expect the deal to be completed. This is obviously to that individual's best knowledge at that particular point in time.

Things change quickly. I'm sure the Newcastle ITKs believed Ekitike was done to them, same with Munoz. Until it wasn't.

We all thought Guehi was done, Fehkir etc. Things change.

As for Barcola in the squad tonight. I see it quite simply. He is still their player. It is their right to bring him etc.

Realistically if the deal is as far on as we hope PSG will likely not play him in case of an injury. They won't want toto risk a multi multi million pound deal unnecessarily.

However at the same time if say Doue gets a terrible injury (hopefully not) then they will want to use Barcola and the likelihood is he won't come to us due to a season ending injury. At the end of the day why would they sell a top player to a European rival under those circumstances leaving themselves short in terms of quality?

All in all I believe the ITKs let us know the bits of info that they are privy to at that point in time. No one knows exactly what is going on minute to minute except those that are directly involved in the deal. And those people ain't coming onto the internet and risking their jobs to let a few fans know something. There are people who will hear things through various channels and they will get things right. (We are very fortunate to have a few with excellent track records). They will also get things incorrect from time to time as well. Such is the nature of the business.

TLDR. Please stop arguing over who is right etc. please keep bringing info when you get it. But don't get upset if something doesn't come off and start blaming people for getting things wrong. I like most people get stuff wrong all the time in life. That's ok. Just own it. No one is or should be expected to be perfect.

Here's hoping the ITKs are hearing the correct info and Barcola is coming. I rate the player highly. However if he doesn't come the club will manage and will continue on.

Has anyone heard any whispers on a rb at all?

11 Aug 2026 18:45:01
Showing your age there, Rigsby, Fingerbobs, that was a belting programme, that and Camberwick Green, where have all the years gone. 😳

11 Aug 2026 18:48:53
I've heard it's a done deal !!!!
Sorry, couldn't help myself, IKFA
Get my coat !!

11 Aug 2026 19:14:14
When will people learn there are no ITK, and if they were, they would be at the betting shop.

11 Aug 2026 20:35:32
Were your replacement tyres part worn, hence part done then, Darren? 😂

12 Aug 2026 08:02:29
Better if it doesn't happen, waste of money.

11 Aug 2026 00:47:53
Sorry guys but Arsenal are now in for Barcola.

11 Aug 2026 01:53:19
So said the king of France, moisture Carlos.

11 Aug 2026 02:44:21
At least make something fun up.

11 Aug 2026 06:25:23
@KC, did you put Arsenal up to it? Is it your fault? If not, don't worry, you don't have to feel sorry.

11 Aug 2026 06:53:55
Alongside Vini Jr, Morgan Rogers, and Yan Diomande, I heard Bradley Barcola has rejected Arsenal's approach.

11 Aug 2026 07:06:00
Aaawww, don't be sorry. Is the Enzo sale money still being used to buy Wirtz?...

11 Aug 2026 07:22:38
Why are you sorry. Barcola is not a rugby player now, is he, so what's to be sorry about.

11 Aug 2026 07:37:48
If he chooses Arsenal over us then he wasn't for us anyway.

Hopefully, we're just waiting on Bezos to give us free Prime, and Barcola will come quicker than on next day delivery.

11 Aug 2026 08:16:48
Didn't you also tell us that Konate was off to Barcelona?

11 Aug 2026 08:19:15
KC, what's your point? The media says so; therefore, it must be true? Everything is in place for him already, or did Arsenal find £1 down the back of the couch? 😐

11 Aug 2026 08:26:00
Why are people ripping into the poster? Arsenal probably are in for Barcola as they want a left sided winger. We've taken a month to get nowhere. Good luck to them, a well run club with real ambition.

11 Aug 2026 09:15:45
Pretty much every high profile player we ever got had other clubs interested.

Sometimes we win, sometimes we lose.

Other clubs being interested in Barcola is not a shocker.
I'm hoping we win out given the groundwork done and get this over the line.

11 Aug 2026 09:24:01
Ripping posters down is part and parcel of this site, mate, but Yh YNWA I guess.

11 Aug 2026 09:29:23
Arsenal have always been in for Barcola. They are desperate for a left winger, and he's the best available, so why wouldn't they?

There are 2 reasons why he hasn't gone there. Firstly, he doesn't want to, and secondly, they can't afford him.

Arsenal have spent the last 3 seasons buying players for big money (CBs mainly), without selling anyone of note.

That's just not sustainable. They've now just wasted £75m on Bruno (a player they don't need), so they need to get selling players to balance the books.

Spending over £100m on Barcola is not on the cards for them.

11 Aug 2026 09:32:29
Match, because he doesn't give a source, and it's been all over social/clickbait for the past week and his track record isn't great. Think of it not so much as ripping into as educating to point out that this site isn't as gullible as social.

KopEnd1, when the circumstances, and it's necessary, then sure!

11 Aug 2026 09:37:00
Indeed, @Distant red. Has Vini Jnr signed for Arsenal yet, btw?

11 Aug 2026 10:15:28
I'd not see the signing of Bruno as unnecessary. They will want to retain the title, unlike us. We did spend to retain, but not all areas. Arsenal, as much as I hate them, I do admire their strategy.

They have sorted top shelf GK quality and numbers in the defence. That's what builds you a title winning team. We've neglected the defence. Their midfield is packed with quality and options. If you think Bruno, a leader and stand out quality, does not improve them, you don't know football.

Rice. Eze. Zubo. Bruno. Four Rolls Royce players. Add the second shelf they've got to come in for cover and rest. We've Dom. Gravenberch maybe. And our back up? Jones, Endo, Harvey? All to go. Nyoni? Is he in that bracket? One day, hopefully, but today? Nope. So let's not knock rivals with that level of talent and ownership that wants to succeed. Unlike ours.

11 Aug 2026 09:53:48
Bit confused with Barcola deal, Liverpool.com saying today a bid is being touted!!!
Thought it was a done deal already days ago, just waiting for PSG for some s**** reason; this had been going on week after week and looks piss poor, or is Liverpool.com a bag of wind?
I believe the posters on here with track records, but can't understand this website journalism.

Are they that far behind in the know regarding transfers, with no insider info? Won't be clicking on their stuff anymore if so, please enlighten me on Liverpool.com, genuinely.
Regards.

11 Aug 2026 09:56:16
Arsenal refused to pay over 100mil for Rogers, so there's no way they will pay over that for Barcola.

11 Aug 2026 10:08:32
I think you're an Arsenal fan, Match, but I'll bite.

Arsenal have done what we've done in reverse. While we were spending big on the forward areas, they were filling their squad with CBs. Their forward options are shocking, which is why they've had to come up with set piece hoofball to score goals. If they didn't do that they'd struggle to get into the top 5.

You can criticise Liverpool for neglecting the defensive areas, but Arsenal have massively neglected the forward areas.

Bruno is not a bad player, but he's not the transformative player he's being made out to be.

Newcastle struggled more when Joelinton was injured. I'm not bothered by them signing Bruno. I see it as them moving sideways, really.

The fact is, no squad is perfect. There will always be weaknesses. We have them and so do Arsenal.

And saying our owners aren't ambitious is just laughable. We are building a squad to be at the top for years. Arsenal have built a squad based on taking advantage of poor refereeing. If the refs penalise holding, blocking, shoving goalkeepers like they should, then Arsenal will have a problem.

11 Aug 2026 10:11:20
Stop liking your own posts, Match, it's beyond embarrassing.

11 Aug 2026 10:12:34
Match, sorry mate, I think you want the Arsenal pages.

11 Aug 2026 10:13:33
So what? 🤷🏻‍♂️

11 Aug 2026 10:14:55
It's been in the clickbait rags for the last few days.

Have you only just got back from your hols? Because without any other hint of a source, I can only imagine that this is where you are repeating it from.

11 Aug 2026 10:39:30
@Match, I was having a crack at humour, this being a site for a bit of banter.

11 Aug 2026 10:46:05
Match, yes, this can be a nasty house at times, but you'll find that if OPs speak with the authority and status that their credentials have earned - and not spoof it - then you'll find the folks here are more than grateful, rather charming and often drop-dead funny. It's the spoofing Match, that's all.

11 Aug 2026 11:28:35
I’m by no means an Arsenal fan. I even said in the post I hate them. You can look back at my posts here, I’ve very much been Liverpool until I die.

Our owners are terrible at a lot, but to suggest they’ve no ambition, that I’ve questioned, is fair. Yes, they spent big last summer. But around that and this one? Letting players like Salah just rip up his contract and without replacement? Good? Having, I think, 11 players into their last year or 2 without resigning or selling?

Who is our DOF? They are allowing someone to leave in a month, allow him to go and sort his next job and we are where with his replacement?

Selling huge stakes with an exit strategy.



Sorry if I don’t see these guys as ones without criticism.

But whatever you think, don’t doubt I support Liverpool and always will. Since sitting at Anfield behind the dugout behind Dalglish, Benitez, Rodgers and even suffering Roy. Having a beer with Hanson and Nicol. Having John Aldridge sign my program three times vs Luton on their artificial pitch.

I like checking in on this site and the community here, but I’ll dip out.

Enjoy the summer and let’s hope Andoni hits the heights we expect and hope for. Think he’s the real deal. Only thing I am not looking forward to is the third kit release in September. It’s awful.

YNWA.

11 Aug 2026 11:33:10
@Rioss, I don't know what you are watching, Bruno G is an excellent player. He was by far the most important player for Newcastle. If I remember correctly, their winning percentage without him was.

11 Aug 2026 11:55:28
Arsenal win their first title in decades and all of a sudden they're much better run than us and have more ambition, despite never being competitive in Europe, yes, let's wish we could be more like Arsenal.

11 Aug 2026 12:00:18
But Barcola is only looking at Liverpool.

11 Aug 2026 12:03:07
Basically what Zed said.

This isn't about ripping into posters, but there's a lot of rage baiting **** that's getting posted recently to try and get a rise out of people.

Saying "sorry he's going to Arsenal" without any source isn't a rumour, it's a twitter style wind up.



This site has always been better than that and why so many people use this instead of those platforms.

11 Aug 2026 13:12:30
£20 in the post, Navy Keith ;-).

11 Aug 2026 13:50:23
Arsenal won it last year, but I don't think they were the "best" team so much as the "least bad." The entire league were pretty poor. It was just a crap season for EPL football all round.

Which is all to say: I don't think we need to be trying to emulate the Gunners. Out of courtesy, you have to give them the nod as preseason favorites, but, depending on us making a few more crucial signings, and the squad adjusting well to Iraolaball, I don't really see any reason why we won't be right up there contending again with the core team we already have.

I feel pretty optimistic about this season.

11 Aug 2026 14:43:05
Match, If you're asking me who I'd rather have out of Rice, Eze, Zubimendi and Bruno.G OR Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Gravenberch and Mac Allister, then I am picking our 4 every time. They're younger and better player for player. Szoboszlai > Rice, Wirtz > Eze, Gravenberch > Zubimendi and Mac Allister > Bruno.G.

Arsenal have an absolutely phenomenal defence (even more so compared to ours which was absolutely all over the lace last season). There is no denying that, but they are nothing special in midfield and adding a soon to be 29 year old Brazilian in Bruno.G, who got absolutely demolished in the World Cup by Kamada and Bouaddi is not going to save them. Brazilian footballers do not age well, typically. Most of them are done by 28-30 for some reason. Fabinho, Coutinho, Firmino, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Kaka, Casemiro, Adriano, Pato, Neymar etc.

Now in terms of depth, Arsenal can also call on Odegaard and Merino who you can easily argue are better than Jones and Endo. But in terms of the best 3 or 4? Our lads wipe the floor with them in my opinion. What we lack is a reliable foundation. Arsenal's trio of Raya, Gabriel and Saliba is the best in Europe and that is why they were able to grind out scrappy results all season despite having a midfield that can't create from open play or control the tempo/possession.

{Ed025's Note - MK, every team in the world takes Rice before any of the others mentioned mate, the others are at least 3 rungs down that ladder, Sobigheadedandsly...probably 6 rungs down..Wirts is not even on that ladder yet..

11 Aug 2026 16:05:14
Ed025, Rice is so over rated it's unreal. He's not even the best midfielder in the Arsenal team. He reminds me of James Ward-Prowse but with more with pace. Positionally inept, creatively non-existent in open play, runs with his head down etc. He's just good at set pieces and tries hard. I'm sorry but i do not see what so many others see. Graeme Souness had it right; Rice runs with the ball so much because he can't see a pass. Classic English hyping up of an average player.

Zubimendi is Arsenal's best midfielder in my opinion and the only one I'd maybe concede on in a debate vs Gravenberch, who's admittedly just had a shocker of a season. But 24/25 Gravenberch is better than 25/26 Zubimendi.

Arsenal built everything they have on Raya, Saliba and Gabriel. That's arguably the best trio since VDS, Rio and Vidic. Maybe even since Cech, Terry and Carvalho. They also have some very good full backs in Timber and Calafiori (when they're fit). That Arsenal defence is an absolute juggernaut, but their midfield is just bang average as I see it. They don't control games, they just park the bus and hope for Saka or Trossard to win a set piece on the counter. It's effective if you have 2 of the best CB's in the world so fair play to Arteta, but let's have it right, they have to park the bus because their midfield are too crap to be expansive.

{Ed025's Note - i disagree MK, Rice is excellent mate and miles above all those pretenders you listed, i dont expect Zubimendi to get much game time this season because Bruno is well better than him, by the way Gravemberch will have to break out of the basement before he gets near that ladder..

11 Aug 2026 16:14:29
Agreed ED25

11 Aug 2026 18:00:11
With Guimaraes, Arsenal's midfield is a lot better than ours. It's not even close.
We could improve ours, and we really need to.
Out of Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Mac and Gravenberch, we have three number tens and one that I still don't know what his best position is.
I do know that Rice and Guimaraes are much better and more complete midfielders than Gravenberch though.