Liverpool Banter 2

23 Jul 2026 16:35:11
Stefan Borson, football finance expert on TalkSport about the 130 charges against Citeh;
"The general feeling around the industry is that there’s been no decision yet, as remarkable as that is. 19 months on, 20 months on almost, still no decision.

"Totally unacceptable, of course, beyond all of the parties’ expectations about when they would receive a decision.

Broadly inexplicable by any sport of norms in these sorts of matters.

You'd wonder are they waiting until City get all their summer recruitment business completed first."

23 Jul 2026 17:07:04
I'm over it, personally.

23 Jul 2026 17:16:04
The 115 charges will eventually boil down to about 6. Citty will get something like a 12 point deduction and a fine, a token punishment, which they'll appeal, and probably win. We will not get the just result we wished for.

It's not by chance that it's taking so much time, the longer it drags on the less people care about it, this is preferable for all involved, including the league.

23 Jul 2026 17:37:34
I'd love it (channelling my inner KK RIP) if the post that went up a few days ago comes true, that they will get a 60 point deduction after the window has closed...

23 Jul 2026 18:15:22
They can't be worried after shelling out £100m plus for Anderson, big contracts etc.

23 Jul 2026 18:44:24
That's the best way Oli, the whole thing has been farcical. City will likely get a fine and probably have the cheek to pay it in instalments.

23 Jul 2026 19:17:26
Or pay double, AAR91, just to make a point, money means nothing to them, and they can do what they like.

23 Jul 2026 21:43:48
Chewy is right. Most of the charges are minor infractions which would normally just be a small fine.

There's maybe 7 main ones which should incur stronger penalties if proven guilty - these are the ones which I imagine they'll eventually get away with.

23 Jul 2026 21:47:05
The whole saga is a blight on football in general. But you know what? I've a lot more important things to care about.

23 Jul 2026 22:04:52
Like the billionaires who control our governments, there ain't a whole lot we can do about it

23 Jul 2026 14:31:18
If both YD and BB come in the surely Gapko is on his way out.

Keeping Rio, Elliot the three new boys and the young talent in the youth covers off the wings.

Also Wirtz has covered out wide too.

23 Jul 2026 14:43:51
I'd broadly agree, but we may keep Gakpo until Jan, when Ekitike is back.

However, I have no idea what Iraola has seen so far from the younger kids in pre-season.

23 Jul 2026 14:45:13
I wouldn't say so, he's ideal cover for Ekitike, which will be crucial, as Isak needs minutes managed and is injury prone.

23 Jul 2026 14:53:25
What a relief we don't have to watch Slot-Ball next season.

23 Jul 2026 14:55:38
Gakpo and Elliot will be sold if we get both.

Could get 100m for both.

23 Jul 2026 14:56:25
By that I mean, I wouldn't say it's a certainty he leaves unless he fancies a move himself. With competition for spaces possibly about to heat up and his own recent tragedy in his personal life, he may feel a fresh start abroad might be best, but as it stands, he's the only one qualified to cover Isak/Ekitike.

He did bag 25 and 23 G/A in the 2 seasons prior to last and has spent plenty in the centre-forward role.

23 Jul 2026 14:57:14
Yep, I could maybe see that. Wait till Jan, unless Chiesa also stays, then it makes sense to shed Gakpo's wage.

23 Jul 2026 15:15:31
I see Elliot playing in midfield again, not on the wing. Was much better as a centre mid under Klopp.

23 Jul 2026 16:07:29
I’m not sure what games you watched under Klopp, Taurus, but Elliott was awful as a midfielder, especially after his ankle break.

I like Elliott, but he needs to man up if he’s going to be any good in midfield. His biggest issue is that off the ball he’s an empty shirt. There’s no point pressing if he can’t tackle the man on the ball, and he can’t. They literally just muscle their way past him, and it leaves us wide open.

Klopp played him there when we were struggling for midfielders (pre Szob, Macca, and Grav), and we finished 5th.

Elliott just didn’t have the relentlessness or aggression off the ball in midfield to play our game.

It got to the point where if I saw him on the team sheet I just knew we were in for a tough game.

He’s a 10 all day long. With pace ahead of him to open up spaces and give him passing options he could be very good, but he’s not a midfielder, he just doesn’t have the physicality needed.

23 Jul 2026 16:13:06
This isn't FIFA. Doubt Gakpo is going to be interested in leaving mid season (I know, I know he joined us in January). But, from a respect viewpoint, I think if you decide with the player not to part ways it has to be for the season. Everyone expects him to get loads of games with Isak's injuries anyway, and Hugo won't be back until 2027.

23 Jul 2026 16:28:14
I really can't see BB and YD both being signed (said the same about Isak + Wirtz, so hopefully a jinx), just seems mental money 2 summers in a row.

Especially when we need more on top of that, and I can't really see any high ticket sales other than Mac.

23 Jul 2026 17:09:59
Zed, Ekitike won't be back in January. An Achilles tear is nothing to play with.

That is easily a 12 month layoff, and that does not even include rehab, depending on the severity, and you cannot take any chances in the slightest.

I propose we don't rely on him being fit playing for the next 6 to 9 months.

23 Jul 2026 17:21:03
Riosstepover, I agree, Elliot was always overrated for me. He lacks the grit and determination you need in the middle of the park, or anywhere, really. Maybe if he spent less time on his perm he might find time to improve.

23 Jul 2026 19:14:23
He lacks the grit and determination? Really?

It's more about physicality and speed, imo, as there is nothing wrong with Elliot's passion and drive for this club.

And, what does his perm have to do with his football ability, by the way?

Cheap and tasteless dive at the kid. Always easier to pick on the academy guys, right?

23 Jul 2026 19:35:43
I am with you, Taurus. Elliot will be back up to Wirtz in the no. 10 position.

23 Jul 2026 20:03:47
Kameron, as I said, Elliot is overrated in my opinion, an opinion plenty of people share. No, it's not "easier to have a go at academy lads". I'm a huge supporter of blooding the youth. I've expressed my concerns over the importance of it on multiple occasions. Let's stop pretending Elliot is some sort of academy youngster to start with. He's 23 now and has been in amongst first team football for 4 years, so don't try to make out like I'm having a pop at some kid.



I would openly criticise anybody who I think could better focus their energies, as, for me, it raises concerns over their priorities. Elliot, hairdo aside, has also shown up to pre-season having gained considerable weight. That's not the kind of thing somebody with grit and determination does.

23 Jul 2026 21:44:30
If Harvey was as highly valued as some fans think, we would have had a queue of clubs looking to take him. His transfer fee and wages are relatively modest, so why haven’t clubs bought him?

He’s a good player, but probably not ideally suited to the current demands of the Premier League, much more about pace and power than it is about his skill set these days, which may mean he should look abroad for his next opportunity.

23 Jul 2026 21:54:24
Overkill, he is a good squad option, though not every player can be the best in their position. You need players like Elliott in the squad, who have fight, personality, and can do a job.

23 Jul 2026 22:06:02
When Iraola was talking about needing signings, needs wingers, and he commented on the already injured players - I was thinking, man, imagine if Slot was saying this. 😅

23 Jul 2026 23:10:00
I'm happy to keep Harvey, I like him. If he's ok staying and getting a few games in the cups and a few sub appearances that'll work for most supporters. Club may like a fee though I'm guessing.

23 Jul 2026 12:48:52
Selling companies is my day job.

For anyone interested, a minimum 25% stake in a company is a very significant one and provides you with a lot of shareholder rights.

When an individual or company buys a stake this big I would suggest it is with one eye on acquiring a future controlling stake.

Selling / buying a non controlling stake at this stage allows all parties to ensure a good fit before jumping full in.



Timescales can vary, but I can’t see Henry et al selling the rest of their controlling stake too quickly with the likely valuation increases in the current market. So I would suggest a number of years as a minimum; however, circumstances can change quite quickly in my experience.

Hope that helps.

23 Jul 2026 13:17:56
Good info. Appreciate that.

23 Jul 2026 14:32:04
I'll sell mine in 7 years, 1jj, get in touch ha!

23 Jul 2026 14:42:59
BeKind :).

23 Jul 2026 17:00:14
Is old age and health problems now playing their part, which happens to us all, in a way it's another version of a personal will? I never liked that experience myself, but it has to be done, sadly, as no one knows what's around the corner in life.

John Henry and Tom Werner are both circa 76.

23 Jul 2026 17:15:06
007, A definite example of how circumstances can change quickly.

23 Jul 2026 17:38:31
007, I wouldn't necessarily jump to the conclusion of health problems, but certainly with age comes the want to realise the profits of their investment. Selling 30% would net them about £1 billion in profit on their initial investment whilst still retaining control of the club. It's a bit of a no-brainer on paper at their age.

23 Jul 2026 21:48:17
Depends if they have successors, I guess, and what the tax and reinvestment options look like.

They're very wealthy anyway. It won't necessarily be about them taking the value; they may be looking to reinvest in one of their other ventures. Some of these guys never retire!

23 Jul 2026 12:45:52
115 FC
Sell to ourselves to avoid fines FC.
&
The owners of a large circus FC.

Have all entered the Diomande chase apparently.

23 Jul 2026 13:24:16
Had to re-read that a few times.

23 Jul 2026 13:45:15
Did you decipher in the end, Ron?

23 Jul 2026 13:54:04
Chelsea and Man Utd have entered the Diomande chat?

23 Jul 2026 13:57:14
Could make a Haiku out of this.

23 Jul 2026 14:10:06
City, Chelsea and United, I assume.

23 Jul 2026 14:25:18
Be kind to those clubs, please Bekind.

23 Jul 2026 14:28:02
Nah, they don't need it JK, two are cheats and one is well UTD.

23 Jul 2026 14:55:34
I had to read it four times. Then it became clear.

23 Jul 2026 16:48:40
Doubt if Xabi wants him. He has Rogers (29 goals and assists all comps last season 10G,6A in PL), Cold Palmer, Enzo, Pedro, Neto, De Lap, FoFanny!, Gittens, and Estevao. Estevao has a horrific hamstring injury, due back similar time frame to Ekitike.

He plays 3-4-3: front three probably Rogers LW, Pedro CF, Palmer RW.


Enzo Fernandez AM with Caicedo DM, two overlapping full backs will probably supply the width, that's ye midfield four, and three at the back. With no European football, that is a massive, massive advantage over the course of a PL season, Xabi will be very close at the finishing line.

23 Jul 2026 17:10:57
In English, please?

23 Jul 2026 12:20:22
Why are Liverpool reluctant with pursuing PSG defender Zabarnyi?

23 Jul 2026 13:19:53
Not sure if they are reluctant PK. Could be tied up with the Barcola deal. Just supposition on my behalf. He'd be a great asset

23 Jul 2026 14:25:25
The cynic in me would reply that it's because clickbait sites need 24/7 stories. So, if someone said "Zabarnyi" a few weeks ago (and let's be honest, it may have just been a sneeze), and nothing further comes out, the sites like to invent this whole saga of back and forth, to ensure they keep up their click and visitor numbers.



But like I said, that would be a very cynical viewpoint.

23 Jul 2026 16:14:57
Are they reluctant? 🤔

23 Jul 2026 17:12:04
Postklopp, so we are reluctant cos we are not signing him as quickly as you want? If only life was that binary.

23 Jul 2026 11:46:47
Correct if I am wrong here as I suspect I am.
Regarding the interest from Mehdi Bahtia in buying a stake in the club.
If he buys say 20/30% at let's say 1.4 billion with backing from a consortium of investors.
If he then gets a seat on the board along with it and the ability to buy more shares.
I have read he quite well connected, knows some big players in business including Bezos.


Could this mean at some point in the future we could see him going for outright ownership of the club, with say Bezos money backing him or Bezos partnering up with him to buy the remaining shares in the club, to become the owners.
If FSG did want to sell to him of course?

23 Jul 2026 12:17:15
Not worth the Benjamin's init.

23 Jul 2026 12:21:51
I think, if he did want to buy the club outright at some point, that he would have options. His father-in-law could afford to buy the club without any backing from Bezos.

23 Jul 2026 13:01:34
Ought to make his wife happy the. Lol.

23 Jul 2026 13:14:04
If FSG were in a selling mood I'm sure there'd be plenty of interest, they've been incredible owners and turned the club into a force again.

Yes, there were some bumps along the road with a few snake oil salesmen like Comolli and Rodgers.

But from where the club was under the previous ownership to now is amazing, and I'd imagine they could sell for ten times what they paid.

23 Jul 2026 13:55:31
Who is Mehdi Bahtia?

23 Jul 2026 14:26:01
Lakshmi Mittal's son-in-law, who is the guy heading up the consortium we have been hearing about in the last few days.

23 Jul 2026 14:58:44
30% is a significant stake - if it happens.

I wonder if FSG's due diligence as to character is as strong as to players.

30% would likely come with hiring executive / operational roles, as well as board seats.

23 Jul 2026 15:19:18
Zed, just being a pedant on the name. :)

It's Amit, not Mehdi.

23 Jul 2026 15:40:03
Ah got ya!

23 Jul 2026 17:14:10
FSG have been looking for investors for years now. This is nothing new.

And that does not mean they are ready to sell either. That's not how this works.

Imo, if anyone wants to buy us LFC (and they aren't anywhere near selling, in my view), then someone will have to make them an offer. They cannot refuse.

23 Jul 2026 07:52:41
Can I just say the poster " John Barnes is God " has been a breathe of fresh air to this site. Not pretending to be an ITK and giving props to the likes of Carra, Robbie, Fields, Ned VIk etc.
for me over the years I scroll through hoping to see their names appear and also the likes of MK Scouser, Zeddicus, Ron, scouse John L8.

Also love the banter between Ed025 and barryinlouth.
This is not just a banter site it's an obsession.

23 Jul 2026 10:44:13
Agreed on all, Eire.

23 Jul 2026 11:22:23
It's a very good website for lots of likeminded people. Shame about the minority of trolls, but we all keep coming back which says it all really.

23 Jul 2026 12:00:06
Eire, if you mean Robbie as me, I was takin the p*** in my post... I haven't a effing clue on any transfers. 🤣🤣 Which is the reason I'm always on here looking for any news.

23 Jul 2026 12:17:09
Eire... I agree he comes across as he should, take the info for what it's worth, but don't bank on it. What bothers me about the ITKs is when they give out some info then posters bombard them for other info, crazy.

23 Jul 2026 12:24:18
Well said MK Scouser, always a few bad apples, but overall this site and its many contributors is great.

23 Jul 2026 12:41:12
@Strom, Agree with the point you make about people's follow questions that are not in the slightest way connected to the information provided by Carra, Fields, VG and Ned etc. makes me laugh.

23 Jul 2026 12:12:24
I do think multiple people have multiple accounts and talk to each other would live to run a check on IPs and VPNs as I think there are definitely a few who talk to themselves.

Also on John Barnes guy, I mean sure but then maybe also don't proclaim everything as fact and things will 100% happen and then follow up with i'm not an ITK and don't know things unless I tell you I do in which case 100% fact unless its wrong in a couple of weeks because I was never an ITK to begin with 😅

Does no harm to site though in either front and thankfully eds fo a great job in cleaning out the majority of trolls and keeping it a great site 👍

23 Jul 2026 13:18:13
I have a theory, Rick, that EVERYONE on here are accounts run by the Eds, other than me, of course :-)

However, I think this may be a development of my childhood thoughts that a) people couldn't see me when I closed my eyes and b) that the world only exists in my head.

Nurse?!

{Ed001's Note - ah now Zed, you know full well you are Ed25's burner account for when he wants to play at being Michael Beale.}

23 Jul 2026 14:26:56
"Gerrof Billy, you know I don't like that! Argh!"

23 Jul 2026 12:20:06
EIRE I keep begging Ed025 to adopt me 🙏

{Ed025's Note - you are my surrogate son Barry.. :)

23 Jul 2026 17:15:28
Zed or sorry Ed25, I think it's time you confessed that you have been living a double life on this forum for years now.

Now is the time, me thinks, lol.

23 Jul 2026 18:09:11
Thanks Dad. ❤️

23 Jul 2026 02:54:38
Barnsey, I hope you are wrong on the Barcola front, I prefer we get him over Diamonde all day and go for Raysn instead on the RW.
Appreciate your opinions though mate. 👍🏻

23 Jul 2026 07:14:21
I think it might happen.
There's been zero interest in Rayan from the likes of Chelsea and Spurs, who just seem to want to sign everyone.

He's gone largely under the radar, whereas we know Iraola can work with him, and we know he has power, pace and production.

23 Jul 2026 08:01:17
I must be the only person on here who would much prefer Diomande and Barcola over Rayan. To me, Rayan looks a bit like a left-footed Gakpo. He's a good size for a Premier League player and his age, but he's quite one-paced compared to Diomande and Barcola.

{Ed001's Note - one-paced? Have you ever watched him play? He is very quick.}

23 Jul 2026 08:06:04
But Ron said he worked with Iraola, which makes him invincible.

23 Jul 2026 08:20:22
To be really honest, none of the options being touted really excite me. Barcola is the best amongst the lot in my opinion, but is primarily a LW. I hope we don't spend big this summer on someone who might not be the best option in the long term.

23 Jul 2026 08:27:07
I'm not wild on any of them either, Koparmy.

23 Jul 2026 08:38:27
Tris, I take it he meant like on trick pony kinda rather than one paced?

As in just having pace, no end product?

Not that I agree or anything. I can't say I really remember the fella, nor do I watch him, but like u, I'm just trying to decipher what one paced means.

{Ed001's Note - I think he is just wrong myself. Rayan is nothing like Gakpo really.}

23 Jul 2026 08:24:45
I've been meaning to ask your opinion on Rayan Ed?
I actually rate him quite highly, although he's inconsistent and would be frustrating at times with his decision making etc.

{Ed001's Note - he is very inconsistent because he is young and lacks experience but what he has is pace and power. Those two attributes are key in the Prem. I like him a lot and would be happy if we got him.}

23 Jul 2026 08:44:46
Stop! If Liverpool sign Barcola and Rayan/Diomande then we should all be looking forward to challenging for the title. This would be an exceptional forward line up on its own, let alone combined with Wirtz, Isak, Ekiteke. I really don't know what you want, if the above doesn't get you going. Ana De Armas, maybe?! Probably not even that, I'd suggest!

{Ed001's Note - ok I need to google Ana De Armas now.}

23 Jul 2026 09:03:14
It will come down to whether or not we can get value for money, in my opinion. Most clubs have already walked away from Diomande because of the exorbitant costs involved. Rayan might be more, or he might be less. Ultimately, it is the right thing to do to refuse to pay massive fees for 19 year old wingers with only 6-12 months of football in a top 5 European league. Especially when we have Rio already, who's about to turn 18 next month, and, in my opinion, looks to have the highest ceiling of the 3 players.

Personally, I hope we just sign Barcola and then walk away from these overpriced teenagers.

Are we trying to replicate Chelsea under Big Todd? They've spent the last few years hoovering up overpriced teenagers like Garnacho, Hato, Estevao, George, Gusto, Fofana, Lavia etc. How's that working out for them? It's a stupid business model. Unless you're a generational talent, you should not be costing more than £10m as a teenager. You're only one injury, off field distraction, or bad patch of form away from falling off a cliff at that age.

23 Jul 2026 09:13:12
I have watched him many times, yeah. He's reasonably fast when he gets going, like Gakpo, but he's not as fast as Barcola or Diomande and I don't think he has the acceleration or stop-start pace that Barcola or Diomande have either.

They are all rumoured to be around the same price, and I think Rayan is behind both of the others at this time in terms of pace and ability. The only thing he's better at, in my opinion, is his strength.

23 Jul 2026 09:15:02
Apologies, I meant Gittens, not George! Realised as soon as I hit send!

23 Jul 2026 10:22:59
I would be happy with any of them, but Rayan excites me most!

23 Jul 2026 10:55:39
I don't really believe you have to Google Ana De Armas ED01!. but it's well worth doing anyway!!🥳💥

{Ed001's Note - I still have no idea who she is mate, sorry.}

23 Jul 2026 11:54:56
Ed001 will have a great time with a box of tissues after googling Anna

23 Jul 2026 12:06:21
I recommend Googling ED!

23 Jul 2026 12:19:14
I prefer Anne Hathaway over Ana De Armas to be honest.

23 Jul 2026 13:10:28
Underrated comment, Frode Kippers, lad.

23 Jul 2026 13:30:00
He's deceptively quick because of his long legs. I think Ed001 is spot on, power and pace and he has talent which needs to be developed.

If he was one-paced or a one trick pony he would have struggled to make an impression in the Premier League.

23 Jul 2026 15:28:05
Gakpo is deceptively quick because of his long legs too. So in that way they are simmilar, as well as the way they run with the ball, which is to use their body and stride to move directly towards goal. I didn't say he was a one trick pony, and I said one paced compared to Barcola and Diomande. What I meant by that is that they seem to stop and accelerate more to beat their man than Rayan does.

Hope that clarifies things. I also didn't say Rayan wasn't a good player, just that I believe Barcola and Diomande to be better players, and I'd prefer us to sign them than Rayan. You're right, Ron. Rayan has made an impression in the Premier League, but he's only made 13 starts, so it's not the biggest sample size.

23 Jul 2026 02:52:56
So many opinions it’s hard to know where the club's focus is at.
Carra, Robbo, TF, VG thanks for the updates it’s a brilliant read each night.
My head says we will have another go at Diamonde but my heart says Rayan is the better choice.
Barcola is definitely a target, and I believe Gakpo will be the player sold. I think the club will pay over £100m for this lad and I think he will shine in the Prem.
Zabaryni is a no brainer, get this done and pay for him next year, £55-60m option.


Don’t see the club going for a RB as I believe CJ may be used there, Gomez, Bradley when he returns. A big mistake in my eyes 👀
The elusive DM seems to be off the table this summer, though I do believe Macca will push for a move elsewhere, I hear he has alluded that he wants out of the city and to be keen on a move to Spain. He would fit in well at Atletico with his outright s***housery.

23 Jul 2026 08:49:44
If Mac-Allister does not want to play for LFC, then I don't want to watch him full stop.

Well it's deffo Madrid for his preference, could Andoni make him into a bargaining chip for either one of both Madrid's star players? His contract expires 30/06/2028. Simeone is Argentinian also and another toilet?

23 Jul 2026 09:53:58
He's said that one day he would like to try Spain more or less since he joined us. As most South Americans would. Don't think it's anything recent on his behalf. I can see him here next season, as I don't see Madrid going for him. Should get behind him so.

23 Jul 2026 10:06:06
Mac swap deal for Tchou or Camavinga, and they can give us 20 million on top.

23 Jul 2026 10:36:07
Kloppers Camavinga injury record is a concern, and Tchoumeni will probably command huge wages. RM have done well out of us, I would rather us not give them any more money, but they can have Macca for some dough... about time they splashed some cash.

23 Jul 2026 12:06:04
I don't want Mac-Allister even if he wants to stay!

23 Jul 2026 11:59:44
Tchoumaeni just signed a new contract didn't he?

23 Jul 2026 23:02:54
MacAllister was dreadful last season, if we can get even half the price that's being touted, I'd snap their hands off, he rolls round faster than he can run.