Text Size Adjuster: 18px 10 Aug 2026 11:54:01 In order to view all of today's banter, you may have to visit our Liverpool banter 2 to Liverpool banter 10 pages linked at the bottom of this page.
10 Aug 2026 11:25:27
Looks like the minority sale of the club is close. Apparently something could even be announced this week.
I'd personally prefer some announcements on the transfer front. This window is starting to get painful and it might only be pre-season, but I've not been filled with confidence from watching the last couple of games.
0
10 Aug 2026 11:44:45. 30% stake in the club apparently.
That's a rather large stake to buy to sit on the sidelines. I'd imagine majority or complete takeover will be the next step.
10 Aug 2026 11:10:03
Hey Ed's and Reds,
Couple of questions firstly is Rayan of interest and is he a real possibility? I think him he is perfect for the right side.
Are we looking to get rid of mama he's really not filled me with confidence when I've seen him play.
10 Aug 2026 11:08:17
Anyone's thoughts on how Szobo and Gravy looks as a two.
I have my concerns about it as neither appears to have discipline, tackling or game intelligence to play there. Early days, but I thought they were both poor yesterday.
Iraola will have to make this work somehow, as we've just given these two massive contract renewals.
0
10 Aug 2026 11:38:04
When we have the ball they are good, the problem is, without the ball they look all over the place, especially Grav.
0
10 Aug 2026 11:42:48 I thought Grav was great yesterday and showed some of the player he was in the title-winning season. He looked a bit rusty at times, but I love him receiving the ball from the back 4, dropping a shoulder to turn into space and drive forward. It was a theme a couple of years ago that we sorely missed last season.
I will never understand why Slot decided to move his position. Totally baffling to me.
10 Aug 2026 10:31:06
Still enjoying the many articles about Kevin Keegan. What a man, what a player.
Led me to a lovely segue about John Toshack and how he became player-manager at such a young age (due to injuries). He had quite a successful career, seems to be have been quite forthright which maybe limited his two spells at Real Madrid, as even in the 90s it appears they were cosseting their players over the manager! Still signed Hierro for them.
One of his three spells at Real Sociedad was particularly noteworthy because he appointed a 20 year old Xabi Alonso as club captain.
Unfortunately his initial first season success was often followed by a second season downturn, which is possibly why he was never considered for the Liverpool manager role. Although, with hindsight, he may have been a better option than Souness.
I thought I would start the week on a positive, as people are going crazy on other social media sites regarding our latest pre-season friendly.
Have a good week all and I look forward to our players getting fitter by the game. I am quite excited for the season ahead. I think the league is going to be very competitive this year.
10 Aug 2026 09:40:29
That Mbaye looks some player, so direct and very fast.
Are we actually in for him?
3
10 Aug 2026 10:19:33
Let's hope so, I think he has incredible potential.
2
10 Aug 2026 10:22:52
No bid has been made. Make of that what you will.
1
10 Aug 2026 10:35:05
Gents, my only question here is, were Mbaye to come, what becomes of Rio?
1
10 Aug 2026 10:41:52
Mbaye is a RW, I don't think he impacts Rio.
2
10 Aug 2026 10:42:56
Oli Red, we need more depth in forward position. Mbaye will not displace Rio. Also, I do think people overrate Rio; for me, he has shown signs of potential, but he has huge improvements to make to his game if he is to be a serious starter.
At least that is my opinion, and, of course, I want him to develop into a star, but I just don't see it yet.
2
10 Aug 2026 10:45:25
He continues to fight for a place, like everyone else. Rio will be fine, top talent.
2
10 Aug 2026 10:52:06
Rio does not.
Work hard enough for an Iraola side. Koumas is now ahead of him.
1
10 Aug 2026 11:07:19
Oli, I believe Mbaye is being lined up for RW rather than left.
I guess, since the Klopp years, we have become wedded to left footed right winger and vice versa. We don't know if that's Iraola's preferred way and/or how two footed our wingers will be.
Barcola is RW and LW, but I expect him to play on the left. He can also go through the middle. Transfermarkt says of his recorded 174 games, he's played 65% at LW, 21% at RW, 13% as CF and 1% at LM.
Rio has been tried on RW, but I'm not sure if it's too soon to be playing around with positions with him? Or maybe ideal as he's still learning and better to learn that flexibility now? TM says he's played around 80% of his games at LW.
Munoz is an across the front 3, so offers flexibility. Looking at Transfermarkt, he's played 43% of his 74 games at LW, 30% as CF and 24% at RW (remaining 3% as 2nd ST), so does seem to offer flexibility.
Mbaye has a smaller sample size than Barcola (given his relative youth), but of his 47 recorded games, he's played 77% at RW, 21% at LW and 2% as a CAM.
I thought I'd check out Salah as a comparison - 620 recorded games, 84% at RW, 3% at LW and the remaining being a mixture of CF, SS, AM, LM and RM.
TL;DR - Mbaye is coming for the RW (if he comes) and across the expected group of wingers, they all seem to have a degree of flexibility.
If we buy both of the 'PSG 2', then I do expect Cody to leave, but if we only buy 1 we should keep him for flexibility.
As an added bonus - Cody - 377 games, 68% LW, 22% CF, 7% RW, and Lewis Koumas has been used everywhere (albeit in lower leagues) with 33% CF, 32% LW, 15% RW, 15% LM and the rest spread between RM/AM/SS/CM.
10 Aug 2026 09:23:03
Right, sick of all the negativity so I'm creating some Monday positivity in my mind .
The lads up stairs have pulled off a masterclass getting Araujo on loan, basically this new legend of a manager has said, get me that top class talent I'll bring him back to his best with some Spanish magic and wisdom.
Not only that, got him on loan so freeing up funds for the big, massive, hugeeeeeee moves they're working on.
Strap yourselves in reds, big things on the horizon.
10
10 Aug 2026 09:51:42
I think we got him on loan for several reasons:
1) He may not suit the manager or the Premier League style, so it gives us chance to see how he does and how his body holds up.
2) Great things are expected of Ndukwe, but he can't play for us until he gets a work permit, maybe January, maybe July.
3) Leoni, Jacquet and Bradley need time to improve their fitness.
I don't think cash flow was such a big factor.
4
10 Aug 2026 10:08:03
Ndukwe has some potential but is a bit raw (e.g. in friendlies). I don't think the club have a choice but to send him on loan.
1
10 Aug 2026 10:44:58
Ron & @You, I agree. This is a very sensible signing on the face of it, with all the context you have provided. There are questions, and rightfully so, about Araujo, but it all comes down to what side you want to/choose to focus on.
The manager can work with him, and I have no doubt in my mind that Iraola will do all he can to make Araujo work by simply simplifying things for him, with VVD and Ali around him to bed him in. He is a very good defender, was Barca captain and his talent is undeniable. Hence, it is up to the coaching staff and Araujo himself to make it work.
Also, I see a lot of LFC fans saying that "Barca fans are happy to see Araujo go" meaning he was crap.
Really? Seriously, who in their right mind gives a damn of what their ops. think? And it gets worse. For every LFC fan saying this, there is a Barca fan saying that Araujo only started struggling when Flick took over with his suicidal high line and that is when Araujo started to struggle and then, the injuries, mistakes and mental issues started. So the truth is somewhere in-between, no?
So again, it depends on what people wanna focus on. Some like you, me and others, on the positives. While others make other choices.
1
10 Aug 2026 10:47:53
It's been reported that Iraola, at Bournemouth, had wanted Araujo earlier. So it's a safe bet that Iraola knows a fair amount about Araujo and his capabilities. It's a loan probably because the club want to safeguard against a reoccurrence of some of the "problems" he has had in the recent past.
With the anticipated exits, I highly doubt cash flow is an issue. The revenue stream is one of the best in the League.
09 Aug 2026 21:49:08
Hello ed25 how are u keeping? Judging by some of your comments on here u don't seem overly optimistic of upcoming season.defensive minded managers like can get bit of bounce at start but it generally fizzles out i find.Have they bought any players?
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{Ed025's Note - hi Digger, we have brought in a couple of decent signings in Hackney and Norgaard but we are not addressing the Elephant in the room mate, we have needed a right back for 4 years and a forward to replace the chuckle brothers but we are dithering, there is a possibility we may be doing a swap deal with Palace with us getting Brennan Johnson for Dwight McNeil, this has been described as " swapping a turd for a bucket of s***" and i cant argue with that, im not that bothered about winning things at this stage but i do want us to play decent football..but while Moyes is in charge i very much doubt that...bloody hell i sound like a Liverpool supporter.. :)
9
10 Aug 2026 08:35:35
Tell you what, Dwight McNeil for Brennan Johnson is an incredible swap deal though. Johnson is far from world class himself, but if he plays regularly he'll get you goals. Might even be worth sticking him up front, surely better than Beto and Barry.
0
{Ed025's Note - i would sooner have Boris Johnson than Brennan TCS..
5
10 Aug 2026 09:06:26
Norgaard is a good signing Ed.
1
{Ed025's Note - yeah happy with him MLG especially at the price mate..
1
10 Aug 2026 09:33:17
Feels like Everton had reason to be optimistic 6 years ago under Carlo Ancelotti. You were signing some good players back then, too, and were not far off European spots. What needs to change for you to get back to challenging for those spots?
1
{Ed025's Note - more money invested in the squad and get rid of the manager Taurus...easy mate..
4
10 Aug 2026 09:35:44
It's ok, Dad, I gotcha. ❤️
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{Ed025's Note - thanks Barry.. :)
0
10 Aug 2026 09:39:48
It just goes to show us fans don't care about shiny new stadiums. We'd rather play in Stanley Park if it means winning.
The happiness and optimism around the new stadium lasted all of about 2 months.
1
{Ed025's Note - both stadiums are great RSO, but in the end we want to be competitive and entertained mate...is that too much to ask?..
0
10 Aug 2026 09:52:25
Hackney is a tidy player, he'll do well.
1
{Ed025's Note - im hopeful on him Ron but the step up from the Championship is huge mate, but i look forward to seeing how he does..
0
10 Aug 2026 09:54:54
That turd comment cracked me up.
0
10 Aug 2026 09:41:15
Which manager would you take Ed? Throw the money at someone like Nagelsman if you can convince him to come? Or someone up and coming like McKenna?
0
{Ed025's Note - myself Eddie Howe would do me Taurus..
10 Aug 2026 07:52:11
A few observations from yesterday’s friendly. I previously called for Gakpo to be replaced but after his World Cup performances and yesterday’s showing I think he should now stay. I think he might benefit from Ireola’s high press tactics and will provide cover as a centre forward if needed. He also had to deal with a tragic personal issue towards the end of last season. I fall on my sword on this one!
First the negatives - Mamardashvili inspires no confidence especially with his footwork. Elliot looks overweight and a shadow of his former self. Never been a fan of Chisea and don’t think he’s good enough as a back up striker for us. It hurts me to say it but Endo may have left his better days behind him though he is coming back from injury.
Jones did not play and neither should he. His head’s been turned and if he can’t commit to the club bye bye.
Positives - Ndukwe looks as the real deal, the club should bend over backwards to sort out a work permit for the lad. Nyoni and Koumas for me have shown enough to be included in the senior squad. I think Wirtz & Isak may be a big threat to opposition defences next season. Then apart from Slobs everyone else in the senior squad need to improve their fitness levels before what I perceive as a tough season ahead for the club.
I think we need three more signings before the season starts, a right back, defensive midfielder and a right winger (which Barcola isn’t).
6
10 Aug 2026 08:53:35
I think we need to keep Gakpo as we simply don't have adequate Isak cover.
2
10 Aug 2026 09:05:50
It's only pre season, so it's way too early to call, but Araola looks like a tradesman that currently doesn't have the correct tools to do his job.
Similar thing happened when Klopp came in, and it cost a substantial amount of money and time for him to get the tools (squad) he needed.
So far Araola has been backed with one permanent signing and a loan to transfer this squad. He's going to need far more substantial backing than that for this to work, otherwise it could be the right man at the wrong time.
1
10 Aug 2026 09:27:11
Been a summer of standing still so far imo. The man needs some better players or we will struggle to finish top 5. But I do think they will indeed get him some better players before Sept 1st.
1
10 Aug 2026 09:45:21
Fully agree, MoT.
0
10 Aug 2026 09:58:44
Definitely keep Gakpo (even if we get Barcola). The squad needs depth in all positions.
I honestly think we will improve drastically with a DM, or a deep-lying mid that can pass and snuff out danger with his positional awareness. That will take the pressure off the backline as it looks like we are set to commit a lot of players forward during attacks.
If we get the players Iraola wants, I can see us hitting our stride in cup competitions (inc CL) late on in the season, once everyone has absorbed the new playing philosophy and is fitter. I think something similar happened with PSG and Enrique.
0
10 Aug 2026 10:07:17
I don't want Jones to commit. I want a better player in his place. What's with this attitude that this squad is so great or established? Players like have had their chance. It's time to improve.
1
10 Aug 2026 09:45:20
But, JK, last season's squad was good enough. We would've walked the league if it wasn't for that pesky bald fraud. Everyone on here was saying so.
3
10 Aug 2026 10:11:53
Think that Gakpo will be left (unless sold) and Barcola on the right, backed up by Munoz and Rio.
1
10 Aug 2026 10:36:16
Rome, I'll be honest. Slot's set up last year was awful, but the players also downed tools and there is never ever any excuse for that.
Slot has gone now, so either the players will fall on their swords or they need to step up.
0
10 Aug 2026 10:47:43
We cannot sell Gakpo if we are not gonna bring in a backup cf to shoulder the load with Isak. That simply cannot happen.
@Man of Todd is absolutely right.
0
10 Aug 2026 11:05:56
Of the team that finished the game, only Kerkez will be a regular starter. Iraola has used the second halves of each friendly to give opportunities to the squad to stake a claim. Absolutely no game management involved, and the results tell us nothing about how the season will pan out.
The main priority now is getting (and keeping) Isak fit and firing, and he's looking sharper already. Great turn and finish in a tight space yesterday. Similar could be said for Wirtz, both going to be vital to any success this year.
Been impressed with Nyoni, he's improved his physicality massively (obviously as he reaches adulthood) and is a very tidy player with a decent passing range.
Could replace Jones for me.
I thought Endo did OK considering he's returning from a lengthy injury and being played at CB. Rio and Munoz are the only others I expect to get many minutes from the team that finished the game.
Been disappointed with Harvey and Fede, neither seem to be seizing the opportunity to impress the new manager.
Squad still needs some work, but I'm optimistic about the season ahead. No point otherwise.
Taking my 9 year old for his first Anfield experience against Como on Sunday. :)
1
10 Aug 2026 11:30:12
Agree, JK. I said all season that some (most) of the players had to take responsibility as well. The football was awful, which was down to Slot, but it wasn't just him.
As things stand, the squad we've got will struggle to get top 6. It's a massive few weeks for Richard Hughes.
{Ed001's Note - thank you so much mate, but that is really down to Abid rather than me to be fair!}
{Ed025's Note - hi Digger, we have brought in a couple of decent signings in Hackney and Norgaard but we are not addressing the Elephant in the room mate, we have needed a right back for 4 years and a forward to replace the chuckle brothers but we are dithering, there is a possibility we may be doing a swap deal with Palace with us getting Brennan Johnson for Dwight McNeil, this has been described as " swapping a turd for a bucket of s***" and i cant argue with that, im not that bothered about winning things at this stage but i do want us to play decent football..but while Moyes is in charge i very much doubt that...bloody hell i sound like a Liverpool supporter.. :)