Liverpool Banter 4

08 Jun 2026 07:39:01
{Ed's Note - Davey Sulls has posted a new article entitled, Iraola Expectations and Liverpool Squad Priorities

08 Jun 2026 07:57:44
That's a pretty decent assessment, Davey. I have to say I would sell Jones too though, never rated him, he brings nowhere near enough to the team.

08 Jun 2026 08:31:44
When it comes to Jones, I would rather listen to the opinions of Klopp, who, on at least three occasions, when asked, said that he always felt there was more to come. Sadly, it never arrived.

08 Jun 2026 09:01:36
Jones is the new Lingard, constantly said he was a young talent when he was 26. And now Jones, who’s 25, and we are still saying there’s a player there.
Needs to move on, otherwise we will be saying it when he’s 30.

08 Jun 2026 09:27:52
I would probably sell Jones and Macca, replace with Scott, and if possible one of Camara/Sangarre.

08 Jun 2026 09:36:50
I don't mean to come across harsh here but:

"I think Gakpo will excel under Iraola. He is perfect for the style of play. Direct. Gakpo hates it slow. I would not sell for less than 70 mill. I'd have Gakpo over Barcola any day. Particularly for the style we are about to play."

I don't think any other team and their fans would take Gakpo over Barcola, this is red tints fully in place.

I'm not entirely sure where you think Gakpo likes direct football? He holds it up constantly. Barcola is a direct forward who loves to play on the shoulder, I can only think you haven't seen him play much? This is exactly what he was playing in the final vs Arsenal where he missed 2 v ok chances.

08 Jun 2026 09:58:14
I honestly don't get why people have a problem with Gakpo. He had an awful season but before last season he was a really important player for us.

He suffered from the general lack of fitness and conditioning throughout the whole squad, but we are expecting that to drastically improve this season, so it would be safe to assume that we will see a better version of all players, including Gakpo.



If we sell him, I think we'd end up regretting it.

08 Jun 2026 10:00:55
Next season's expectations are interesting. Am I in the minority to expect a title challenge? I don't expect to win it, but hopefully be there or there abouts and who knows. Arsenal are favourites but aren't the same quality as City or us from 5 years ago.

I think we can also agree that no one was impressed by us last season, so even small improvements, both ends of the pitch, and we should be picking up more points.

08 Jun 2026 10:08:04
Gakpo is a good player. Everyone was awful last season. The key thing with Iraola is that he builds a system so the players should all benefit from the system. Gakpo was good for us previously, depending on signings this season, we may actually see him predominately as a cf.

08 Jun 2026 11:05:27
I have this feeling I can't shake that we'll challenge for the title.

Regarding players, Jones seems like he wants a change after that weird attitude when he scored on his 2 mates' final game for LFC. I'd sell him and Macca. Then bring 2 CMs in like Scott + a strong one on the takle.

I think 2 CMs out and 2 new ones in would be the perfect balance for the midfield so it doesn't feel like major surgery but enough change to refresh and 'reset' an area that felt so stagnant last season.



Last thing, I'm not sure both Diomande and Rayan come to us. I think it's one or the other. RW is both their preferred and best position, and neither will want to be on the bench when they're such important players for their current teams. I think we push for Diomande now, but if the price is ridiculous and RBL doesn't want to budge, then we might pivot to Rayan.

08 Jun 2026 11:33:27
Sorry guys, I don't know if these replies are at me, but I certainly would never call Gakpo direct. People get annoyed at Jones for his 10 touches, Gakpo does the same.

For me, there are problems with Gakpo in. It's too easy to read his game, you know he's cutting in, he doesn't cross anywhere near enough, he doesn't use Kerkez enough (but I don't rate Kerkez's crossing last season), he doesn't give and go as much as Diaz used to. He doesn't generate the space he requires before trying to shoot.



We end up running back to retrieve the ball when he shoots and it's blocked, instead of him just passing it to a more central midfielder and us keeping our shape. This invites a press onto our centrebacks with Kerkez now out of position. I don't really rate his pace, his shooting, or his passing. His touch is decent.

Personally, I think Gakpo is a good squad player but not a starter.

I certainly can't see how anyone believes Barcola isn't an upgrade.

08 Jun 2026 12:05:25
Well said, Phil Babb. Completely ignored Kerkez's runs.

08 Jun 2026 12:20:50
Woodmans out of contract end of this month.
Elliot has one year left, and with lots of interest will be sold.
Jones has his heart set on Italy, and with one year left will be sold.
Macca wants to leave, and with Atletico Madrid interested I'd say he goes there for £45-50m.
Endo has one year left, and will stay as no point in getting rid.


Gomez also has one year left, and the club I suspect won't stand in his way if an offer comes in.
Ramsay will go, just not good enough.
Chiesa may get game time, and no will pay what we want for him so if keep.
Gakpo is unhappy with the Slot departure and many clubs interested, so I suspect he will leave.

08 Jun 2026 03:34:57
If this has been discussed i apologize. Reading a bit online about Nunez coming back. What are the thoughts on here about that possibility? I for one was happy to see the club get a decent fee for him as I think most one here felt the same way. How times change lol.

For me, free transfer, realistic wage expectations, not a starter, then jump all over it. Fan favourite, high energy, pressing monster, loves the club. I'd be ecstatic to see him come back. Great squad addition.

08 Jun 2026 03:53:28
There is nothing about him coming back except b.s. Move on.

08 Jun 2026 04:22:03
Nah, not for me, that's in the past. We move on.

08 Jun 2026 04:41:00
*Rolls eyes* - "Squad addition".
Sign players better than what you have, period. Wages are irrelevant - you can sign loads of players both cheaper and better than what you have.

08 Jun 2026 05:24:22
Wages are irrelevant? Lowe, u make it all sound so simple. It's certainly not the case.

08 Jun 2026 05:57:24
Was he a pressing monster or did he run around a lot like a headless chicken?

He downed tools towards the end, so kind of goes against a lot of the stuff fans big him up for. But there again, I saw most of the team do that at home to Spurs last season.



If the club and Iraola fancy him and it happens, then I'll fully be behind him. Not sure I can see this one happening though.

08 Jun 2026 07:27:57
I'd have him back in a heartbeat. Hope it happens. Ekitike will be out for a lot of next season and will he come back the same player? Isak, I'm not convinced he will be fit for more than a 3rd. As for downing tools for who, Slot? So did a lot of fans and other players. Bring him home, I say.

08 Jun 2026 07:29:16
He is a headless chicken with his legs back to front. Darwin Nuseless?? Again?? No thank you.

08 Jun 2026 08:22:21
John, the downing of tools was in the title winning season, when everyone was pulling in the same direction.

I appreciate that this is all about opinion, but, on this occasion my opinion is the correct one. Nunez was, and you've all heard this before, a complete and utter headless chicken, with the brains of a sheep. His unique skill of constantly being caught offside, whether he was out wide or down the middle, never ceased to amaze me. This had nothing at all to do with Slot and everything to do with Nunez.

08 Jun 2026 09:17:08
Thanks for explaining your opinion is the correct one, Rome.

Perhaps if you reply first on every post you can save us all the time and effort to have a say and save a lot of people a lot of time. In fact, let's change the name of the site to Rome's opinion and cut out all the chaff.

08 Jun 2026 09:26:44
Time goes to every match, so yes, his opinion counts in triplicate. Have respect.

08 Jun 2026 09:37:41
Avitohyes, my post was tongue in cheek, mate, which I appreciate can get lost on here. However, if the Eds wish to rename the site after me I'd be more than honoured! Have a good day, mate. Up the Reds.

{Ed025's Note - Transfer Romers.. :)

08 Jun 2026 10:02:23
Morning Ed025! I love that, mate! :-)

Hope you're well. Lousy weather, here, but psyching myself up to go to the gym. Hope you're well enough for a round of golf.

{Ed025's Note - not quite at the moment Rome but hopefully when the weather improves i will get back out there mate, have a good day my friend..

08 Jun 2026 10:40:38
You're all entitled to your opinions, Rome. No chance of Isak being offside unless it's for his country. He's another Owen, unfit for club but fit for country. Least Darwin turned up every week.

08 Jun 2026 10:54:49
Rome, I tried psyching myself up to work out 3-4 times a week. Then I settled on just once a week (Sunday) and then build up from there. And that was well over 40 Sundays ago. I tried yesterday morning for a brief moment again. Woke up 4 hours later in the evening. So good luck !!!. 😂

08 Jun 2026 10:56:51
Given we're short of options and Isak is made of crisps, a free transfer feels like not the worst idea ever. He can at least cover centre forward and left wing, even as a bench option, he does at least offer some pace.

08 Jun 2026 11:06:32
How's the motivational speaking going, ArAy?! I'm still psyching myself up! Hope you're well, mate.

08 Jun 2026 11:16:40
Mental how Owen scored 158 goals for Liverpool whilst never being available.

Darwin turning up every week got him 40.

08 Jun 2026 12:59:35
All fine and good, thanks, Rome. Miss you guys on the live chat.

08 Jun 2026 13:05:08
My head says to forget about Nunez - once the page is turned, you should never look back. But some of these guys can be motivated by the fact that they still have something to prove. And Nunez knows his history with us.

We paid a club record amount for him. Maybe he has something to prove? And on a free, with a relatively low wage, I can put aside his obvious weaknesses and focus on the plusses - which there are still quite a few.

08 Jun 2026 14:24:45
Has anyone asked if Darwin even wants to come back? The guy does have a say in this, does he not?

08 Jun 2026 15:20:29
I think he'd moonwalk back to us, Oli.

08 Jun 2026 18:26:14
And still be offside, Scouse.

07 Jun 2026
New image uploaded to the
Liverpool Player Sightings page entitled, A lot of English coaches in their history.

Click picture for larger image

07 Jun 2026
New image uploaded to the
Liverpool Player Sightings page entitled, Bradley Vs two links rbs

Click picture for larger image

07 Jun 2026 20:04:48
This looks like Bradley never won a defensive duel, while Palestra never wins back possession.

07 Jun 2026 20:16:39
Davey, Palestra, this season just gone, has been a rwb in a 3421. That may explain some aspects.

08 Jun 2026 04:28:31
Charge your phone, KP.

07 Jun 2026 19:26:12
Thoughts with Eriksen and his family right now. Looks like he'll be okay, but he's collapsed again tonight in a friendly; game called off. Get well soon.

07 Jun 2026 19:44:52
Time to take a back seat & enjoy the ride that life offers you.

07 Jun 2026 22:50:37
Seems like the pacemaker did its job this time. But a definite sign it's time to hang them up for his and his family's sake.

07 Jun 2026 23:06:02
Second that MK. Hope he is ok. The AICD has done its job and almost certainly saved his life. I work with patients that have these devices and they are amazing pieces of kit.

08 Jun 2026 14:26:20
I'm with you, @Intel Design. "Christian, it's time to hang them up, mate. Don't tempt fate."

07 Jun 2026 19:06:30
Hi Ed0,
Is there a reason Liverpool seem to be prioritising Diomande over Ryan from Bournemouth?

Ryan has Premier League experience, is of a similar age, blistering pace, and is capable of beating his man. I'm not sure how their valuations compare, but on paper there seem to have lot of similarities.

Could the fact that Diomande is comfortable playing on both flanks be the key reason he's viewed as the preferred target?

Interested to hear your thoughts. What makes Diomande the better fit for Liverpool?

{Ed001's Note - Rayan turned us down once, Diomande wants to play for us.}

07 Jun 2026 19:44:12
Diomande has actively pursued a move to us whereas Rayan has not. His break clause is next year. We are trying to move decisively.

07 Jun 2026 19:46:50
Thanks for the response Ed01.
Appreciate it. Have a great day :)

{Ed001's Note - very welcome mate. Take care.}

07 Jun 2026 20:07:12
I saw somewhere that Rayan has a £150 million release clause that isn't active yet. He won't be cheap.

07 Jun 2026 21:21:47
Just looked on Capology and Rayan apparently has a £87m buyout. He also turned us down to go to Bournemouth in January.

07 Jun 2026 22:26:05
Why did he turn us down? Was it down to game time? Cheers, all.

08 Jun 2026 09:40:27
I don't blame anyone turning us down. We have seen how Salah acted. He might have thought Salah might still get his place ahead of him, without it being on merit.

08 Jun 2026 10:08:26
Rayan is Man United-bound, I reckon.

07 Jun 2026 17:25:53
Anyone else seen that in 2004 Arsenal won the league and we sacked our manager. We hired a Spanish manager then won the Champions League the following season. Same has happened now. So is it Iraola lifting the Champions League in 2027?

07 Jun 2026 18:20:29
Same venue as 2019.

07 Jun 2026 18:25:51
Crap venue, tickets were a shambles, the centre was chaos, and Kieve the year before was way better.

07 Jun 2026 18:25:53
Currently watching the documentary on Netflix now.

Off topic, got to say the Vardy one is 100% worth a watch, and Vinnie Jones one is also enjoyable.

07 Jun 2026 18:28:23
Didn't realise that, Rome. I will say it now we will win it in 2027.

07 Jun 2026 18:54:08
I think Madrid is preferable to Kiev at the minute, Shughes!

07 Jun 2026 19:44:44
Lucky number seven.

07 Jun 2026 16:01:12
Does anyone know who David Woodfine is as he is reported to be favourite to take over from Richard Hughes next season?

07 Jun 2026 16:15:36
I think he's currently the understudy to Hughes.

07 Jun 2026 16:20:44
Can we start giving him pelters now or do we have to wait for him to take over the job?

Also, eagerly anticipating who the club appoints as assistant manager. First defeat I'm gunning straight for him.

07 Jun 2026 16:44:38
JK23, I think we need to start warming up now, as there will be something he does people won't agree with or like.

I'll go first..... ahem....... Oh my god, I can't believe he's done that, what a muppet, get him out of my club now.

I'll wait for the assistant manager to write a book, then it's open season. :)

07 Jun 2026 16:47:36
A quick search online shows he's assistant sporting director, Hughes' right-hand man, he's been with the club 10 years, started out as a scouting & recruitment coordinator. I know less than nothing about him.

07 Jun 2026 17:55:18
Whoever he is, he's a no good waste of space, who needs to get out of our club!

Seriously, is there any other club, whose supporters have such a fixation with Sporting Directors and whatever other title they hold? When I say this, it's all online.

{Ed001's Note - every club's fans are the same, this kind of obsession that it is only LFC fans that do things is strange. Chelsea fans have spent all season moaning about their 5 numpties, for example.}

07 Jun 2026 18:28:26
Is that right, Ed? Oh for the days of Peter Robinson.

{Ed001's Note - yes mate. The days of everything being kept in-house in footie are long gone. The internet has opened things up and people obsess over their teams. Plus we should know these things and talk about them, no one should be free from responsibility for their errors or praise for their good work. It is when people are ignorant of what is going on that the wrong people rise to the top, as they are the ones who shout about how great they are and have the media write puff pieces about themselves ala Trump and Edwards.}

07 Jun 2026 18:57:08
I presume Peter Robinson in his time was excellent at his job ed1? Going on the success we had during his tenure

{Ed001's Note - I would presume so as well, bit before my time though really.}

07 Jun 2026 19:24:11
Mine as well! Ed25 about? 😜

{Ed025's Note - im always about Digger..

07 Jun 2026 14:29:40
Hey guys, I must say the response to me posting for the first time in ages was really heartwarming and I appreciate that so much, not to get too heavy but whilst being away the depression and dark thoughts took over, I spent time in hospital I'm now feeling better, I really appreciate everyone on here, in regards to the team I'm very optimistic about the future and we must remember last season was but a moment in time and we will be back at the top soon enough!

Oh and if Joe does leave eventually I also know the head chef at the axa haha! so I'll still have a source within the club ;) thanks guys YNWA x

07 Jun 2026 15:35:59
Sorry to hear that, pal, and glad you felt appreciated and missed from the response! Hope to see you posting regularly again, with or without a source!

07 Jun 2026 15:36:43
Sorry to hear that ST, it's a horrendous thing to have to deal with, but I'm very happy you're feeling better.

07 Jun 2026 15:40:30
Thanks for the information, Square Tomato. Glad you're on the mend. I have suffered from the same issues, so I know how hard it is to get over.

07 Jun 2026 15:40:37
Sorry to hear about the health, Square.

Needless to say, as already evidenced, you are one of the most popular posters on this site. A favourite of pretty much everyone.

Joe or no Joe, it's great to have you here, man.

As a side note, I think you broke the like record on that last post. Never saw so many.

07 Jun 2026 15:54:03
Hi Square Tomato,
Sorry to hear you have not been so good. Great to have you back. Got very excited when I saw you had posted. Fortunately for me I don't suffer from depression, so I can't even begin to imagine what you and other sufferers have to go through.

Hope you are over the worst and can move on. Look forward to more updates in the future.

07 Jun 2026 16:10:54
Sorry to hear that Square, but great to see you back on the pages. I know it's probably not much, but if you ever need to talk, I'd imagine there is plenty on here that will be willing to listen.

Glad you're on the mend, and all the best, ST.

07 Jun 2026 16:11:20
So glad you are feeling better mentally, ST. Your info is very much appreciated. JG has always been one of my favourite players, it's a pity injuries have hampered him.

Even if he does go, you'll still know what's cooking, with your chef contact... ;)

07 Jun 2026 16:31:16
Great to hear you're doing better, and it's great to see you posting again. I hope it won't be as long until the next one. Have a great Sunday!

07 Jun 2026 16:33:29
Peace, love and positive vibes to you, ST.

07 Jun 2026 16:34:00
Sorry to hear what's happened, ST, but glad you are feeling better and are posting again.

07 Jun 2026 16:36:57
Stay well ST. Good to see you back posting. Always an interesting read.

07 Jun 2026 16:38:25
I'm rooting for you, ST!

Don't worry, be happy!!!!!!!!!!

07 Jun 2026 16:44:51
I hope you're doing okay ST, it's great to see you back posting.

07 Jun 2026 16:49:39
Great to hear you're doing better, mate! Well done, it's not easy, but nothing worth doing is! Looking forward to hearing more from you.

07 Jun 2026 16:58:12
Good to have you back ST. Keep moving on!

07 Jun 2026 17:02:22
Although we've never interacted (I'm a new poster, longtime lurker), I feel as though I need to pass on my best wishes following your message. Poor MH is something that can affect us all, and it's heartening to hear that you are out the other side.

All the best, Tomato2!

07 Jun 2026 17:29:25
Really glad to see you back, ST, and even better to hear you're doing well now. The site missed you!

Can you ask the head chef who we're signing this summer? Would appreciate any info, mate ;).

07 Jun 2026 17:36:33
I've been there, Square Tomato, and it's really tough. Stay strong, mate.

07 Jun 2026 17:38:49
Don't be afraid to vent on here, ST. There is a lot of great support on here. Great people on this site who are always here to offer encouragement. So glad you are doing better now.

07 Jun 2026 18:12:52
Sending you loads of love, ST. ❤️

07 Jun 2026 18:28:02
Good to have you back, ST. Glad you are feeling better, mate.

07 Jun 2026 18:33:45
Look after yourself and keep posting, ST.

07 Jun 2026 18:58:45
U will thrive from now on ST, no bother 2 u.

07 Jun 2026 19:07:28
Stay strong, ST, good to have you back and fighting fit! 💪

07 Jun 2026 21:24:18
Keep the faith, ST. There is a light that never goes out.

08 Jun 2026 02:51:29
Listen, Square, you've got a family here and we may give each other grief sometimes and many of us have never met each other and never will, but we feel connected and care, and I want you to keep drawing strength and courage from this community.

Thanks for sharing your story and inspiring me and many others who read and spend time on these sites. Walk on, through the rain....YNWA.

08 Jun 2026 05:49:14
All the best, ST.
There's a family here with lots of ears and open and warm hearts to help you through the good and the bad times.