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23 Jul 2026 17:10:45
Decide the sum up my feelings.
The only way I now how.
Through the medium of song.
To the tune of Bonnie Tyler's holding out for a hero.
**deep breath**
Where have all the good wingers gone, and where all the right backs?
Where's the streetwise Salah types to score the goals on the attacks?
Where's the Centre Backs, if injuries occur?
Late at night, I toss and turn, knowing we need more.
I need a signing!!
I'm holding out of signing to play on the right.
He gotta be strong, and he's gotta be fast.
And he's gotta press with some fight.
I need a signing!!
I'm holding out for a signing to defend on the right,
He's gotta be strong and he's gotta be fit,
And he can't be injured half his life.
13
{Ed025's Note - good stuff Davey..
4
23 Jul 2026 17:58:19
Brilliant!
2
23 Jul 2026 18:02:40
Love it, Davey!
2
23 Jul 2026 18:42:41
Class Davey, now I've got that song stuck in my head, cheers for that.
1
23 Jul 2026 18:43:41
Great, Davey, but definitely too much time on your hands, mate. Have you tried a hobby? 😜
23 Jul 2026 16:43:12
Woodman has just signed a 3 year deal. I do wonder if Mama is on his way out (if only because it seems odd for a older 3rd choice keeper to sign a deal of that length).
7
23 Jul 2026 17:06:40
You have a point there, Lofty.
0
23 Jul 2026 17:07:49
I did think Woodman looked a better second keeper than Mama last year.
Would use Woodman as second keeper until Jaros is back from injury later this year.
2
23 Jul 2026 17:08:22
"Of that Length" - it's only 3 years.
He's 29, which isn't really considered old for a keeper.
He was in his final year of contract, it was essential to renew it.
I wouldn't read into it.
3
23 Jul 2026 17:10:09
Jaros and Pesci will be loaned out.
1
23 Jul 2026 17:21:01
From the inside trainings he looks popular amongst the squad. Young for a third choice. Think it's a good move.
0
23 Jul 2026 17:24:03
Essential to renew a 3rd choice keeper's contract? I'd agree with Lofty, it seems odd to me the 3rd choice keeper signing a contract of that length. Wouldn't be against moving Mama on either.
1
23 Jul 2026 17:34:05
Woodman isn't as good as Mama. Never in 2 months of Sundays.
6
23 Jul 2026 17:36:37
I agree, a good move. Has looked more assured between the sticks than Mamardashvilli.
Pesci and Jaros do seem really highly regarded within the club, so I can see Mamardashvilli being sold, and one of them (probably Jaros, depending on recovery, esp as Pecsi has already got a loan) being kept at the club as 2nd choice.
1
23 Jul 2026 17:49:55
Florian, essential as in necessary, not essential as in vital/critical/urgent, if we don't renew he's gone on a free in 10 months, sure he's of little financial value, but if he's doing his job well, then why go to the bother of trying to unnecessarily replace him, so if the club values him, whatever his position, it's nothing more than an essential renewal and not worth reading into.
I certainly wouldn't use it as grounds for speculating on the movement of GK's ranked above him. Every team needs a third-choice GK, they are essential, as we saw during last season. In Freddie's case, it's simply an "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" situation.
0
23 Jul 2026 17:54:40
Don't we usually just have 3rd choice goalies on rolling contracts? I might be wrong, just don't remember them ever being on as long a contract with us.
0
23 Jul 2026 18:01:29
Most commenting on Woodman have seen him about twice, and you would think he was the next Gordon Banks. My son is a season ticket holder at Preston and he said he is just an average Championship keeper.
1
23 Jul 2026 18:07:27
In fairness, thinking someone is better than Mama is hardly comparing them to Gordon Banks. 😁
0
23 Jul 2026 18:13:31
He didn't look anything great in the games he played, he was far from a dominant presence in the box, but his distribution was slightly better than Mama, tbf.
0
23 Jul 2026 18:15:03
I know exactly the point you are making, Kemlyn. I'm more than happy to have him as 3rd choice. He seems a top bloke. However, if both him and Mama were to be put on the market, who would fetch the most? Mama, simply because he is a better keeper.
1
23 Jul 2026 18:42:43
Jaros should be no 2. He was very good abroad.
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."
1
23 Jul 2026 17:07:04
I'm over it, personally.
4
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.
3
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...
3
23 Jul 2026 18:15:22
They can't be worried after shelling out £100m plus for Anderson, big contracts etc.
1
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 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.
3
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.
2
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.
1
23 Jul 2026 14:53:25
What a relief we don't have to watch Slot-Ball next season.
8
23 Jul 2026 14:55:38
Gakpo and Elliot will be sold if we get both.
Could get 100m for both.
3
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.
0
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.
0
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.
5
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.
0
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.
0
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.
0
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.
1
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 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.
16
23 Jul 2026 13:17:56
Good info. Appreciate that.
4
23 Jul 2026 14:32:04
I'll sell mine in 7 years, 1jj, get in touch ha!
0
23 Jul 2026 14:42:59
BeKind :).
0
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.
0
23 Jul 2026 17:15:06
007, A definite example of how circumstances can change quickly.
0
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 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.
2
23 Jul 2026 13:24:16
Had to re-read that a few times.
1
23 Jul 2026 13:45:15
Did you decipher in the end, Ron?
0
23 Jul 2026 13:54:04
Chelsea and Man Utd have entered the Diomande chat?
0
23 Jul 2026 13:57:14
Could make a Haiku out of this.
1
23 Jul 2026 14:10:06
City, Chelsea and United, I assume.
0
23 Jul 2026 14:25:18
Be kind to those clubs, please Bekind.
2
23 Jul 2026 14:28:02
Nah, they don't need it JK, two are cheats and one is well UTD.
2
23 Jul 2026 14:55:34
I had to read it four times. Then it became clear.
0
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 12:20:22
Why are Liverpool reluctant with pursuing PSG defender Zabarnyi?
1
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
1
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.
2
23 Jul 2026 16:14:57
Are they reluctant? 🤔
0
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?
2
23 Jul 2026 12:17:15
Not worth the Benjamin's init.
1
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.
0
23 Jul 2026 13:01:34
Ought to make his wife happy the. Lol.
1
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.
3
23 Jul 2026 13:55:31
Who is Mehdi Bahtia?
1
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.
1
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.
0
23 Jul 2026 15:19:18
Zed, just being a pedant on the name. :)
It's Amit, not Mehdi.
1
23 Jul 2026 15:40:03
Ah got ya!
0
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.
17
23 Jul 2026 10:44:13
Agreed on all, Eire.
3
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.
12
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.
2
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.
1
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.
1
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.
1
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 👍
1
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?!
3
{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.}
2
23 Jul 2026 14:26:56
"Gerrof Billy, you know I don't like that! Argh!"
1
23 Jul 2026 12:20:06
EIRE I keep begging Ed025 to adopt me 🙏
1
{Ed025's Note - you are my surrogate son Barry.. :)
2
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.
{Ed025's Note - good stuff Davey..
{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.}