Liverpool banter 6

16 Sep 2026 19:44:23
Ndukwe starting for Levante tonight. I'm excited to see how he progresses this season. Already looked class in pre-season.

16 Sep 2026 20:54:44
Chema Andres Brighton, touted as Rodri 2.0 is currently on the ITV1, ITVX, Sky channel live versus man United 2-1 for the home team half time, 2-0 after 10 mins. No Minteh to be seen still injured?

{Ed666's Note - Monteh had surgery he got for an injury in pre season and is out for up to 3 months

16 Sep 2026 20:58:45
I obviously cursed it. Levante game got abandoned due to torrential rain!

16 Sep 2026 21:55:52
He played for them last week when they won 4 - 2. He's reached the threshold to get the work permit to play for us now.

16 Sep 2026 22:17:10
Work permit gurus - Ndukwe needed less than a half worth of minutes off the bench to quality for his WP. Was this really the only way? lol seems wild to me that he's qualified off the back of something 16mins of football 😂.

16 Sep 2026 22:31:27
The abandoned match was his second start - he was qualified basically when he stepped on the pitch last week. I suspect the idea was to give him game time in a competitive league and have him come back to is in January.

16 Sep 2026 22:39:10
Could have done with his 6 foot 5 inches and still growing, height last night?

Andoni's first ever LFC conceding from a corner last night in a competitive game, though if that's the median for the season after every 6 games, you would not argue with that. Arsenal conceded 7 goals from all PL dead ball situations and scored from 19 corners in the PL last season.

17 Sep 2026 01:51:37
Another 2 inches and he's as big as the new goalie. Oh matron, I say!

17 Sep 2026 07:22:25
I am glad we have all persuasions on this site.

17 Sep 2026 07:55:36
If he is playing regularly I would not bring him back in January just to go in to the academy. Because he will hardly ever get any minutes for us apart from maybe fa cup games in the early rounds.

17 Sep 2026 08:45:20
Ed666, and we were going to sign Minteh with all that baggage. Mental stuff.

17 Sep 2026 21:44:27
yeah, only way I see Ndukwe coming back is if he isn't playing significant minutes by January and/or we have gaps to fill.

18 Sep 2026 00:28:42
Or Gomez is injured and Leoni isn't fit and one of VVD or Jacquet is injured. Let's wait @nd see what January brings.

16 Sep 2026 19:20:44
Next year vvd is off so i don't think we would be much interested in keeping or holding Gackpo and gravy and i think they both will essentially fund move for olise to Liverpool both money and salary wise. Gackpo gravy and vvd means essentially almost close to a million a week off the wages!! That makes space for a new players and a renewal for macca
Take it with salt but me think club halted our RW search and gackpo's move with that in mind. With new money available via owners and sponsors we could have easily got in a few players but i think this was a tactical decision as average players were being offered at crazy numbers.

I think we only need to be in CL to convince and we have a good
French contingent already here.


Now with olise already funded we need to push for mbappe to Liverpool next year via isak + unlimited free delivery and amazon coupons.

16 Sep 2026 19:49:38
@Last, I think would be stupid to sell Gakpo at the end of the season should he have as good of a season as he is having now or the one he had in the title season. Makes no sense to me esp. with 3 years of his deal left. If he wants to go then, we can make other arrangements but then again, why would he want to go if he has a very good season?

Also as for Grav, he will have 5 years left on his deal at the end of this season so again, I don't see who is going to pick up that tab and want the type of money we would want to recoup to fund other areas including midfield. Should his for continue then, I see Grav being phased out gradually with midfield incomings.

As for replacing VVD, it would be stupid for the club to not already be planning for this at least a cople of years away so not sure we will need to sell anyone to fund it because we should already be priorising that already.

As for French contingents and all that, not sure any club decies to just sign players from selected countries. I think that things like that happen by chance as in, the players we want (who are good enuff) just happen to be from a specific country. Just my take.

16 Sep 2026 19:53:18
VVD's contract is expiring so we have to sell all the Dutch lads! What sort of logic is this?

16 Sep 2026 20:03:21
We should offer Virgil an extra year.

16 Sep 2026 20:17:28
@olired,

Who have Jacquet, Leoni Araujo, Ndukwe, Ndiaye come to replace? it's not each other?

16 Sep 2026 20:51:57
Wasn't in mentioned few months back that both Virg and Ali will be offered another year or two on reduced wages.

16 Sep 2026 21:14:02
Can't see Ali hanging around after this season. Pretty sure he'll head home to Brazil.

{Ed666's Note - and he deserves it. I think he goes to Italy via Brazil

16 Sep 2026 21:55:29
Hopefully with the removal of twit and tw*t we now start planning proper for the future.

17 Sep 2026 01:57:00
I rekon it'd be good business to extend VVD another year.
If he's on board then it would be worth it to keep his experience in the club. Jacquet has shown enough for me that he will take over, then it's just a matter of who is picking up the leadership responsibilities.

17 Sep 2026 07:05:57
Just like we all thought how some random spanish club would buy Maccalister? I think we shall struggle with Gravenberch.

17 Sep 2026 08:49:35
007, none of those are VVD's replacement, imo. I see them as Konate and Gomez replacements in addition to CB depth.

Schloterbeck would be a good shout or even Hancko (who we wanted a couple of years, btw) from Atletico would be my otions for now. Proven, experienced CB's, not kids who are highly rated.

Just my take.

17 Sep 2026 12:34:27
Red-Will-is-1, madness, he's clearly declining; he was brutal last season and he's not a good captain.

16 Sep 2026 19:16:03
The good thing about Koumas last night is his relentless pressing. For me he takes Chiesas place on the bench and should be brought on to replace Isak for the last 20mins or so to keep the pressure on the opponents when we are winning. Reminds me abit of Kuyt.

16 Sep 2026 19:50:26
@Big, Chiesa is injured and will prolly see no minutes so you don't have to worry about that.

16 Sep 2026 20:41:18
Koumas and Rio are great subs to have on the bench.

{Ed666's Note - ok

16 Sep 2026 20:41:36
With all due respect Chiesa could be replaced by a first aid kit, for a professional athlete he picks up some ridiculous amounts of strains, stains, illnesses etc either he is a terrible professional who doesn't look after himself or the medical team who signed off on his transfer should be all fired because he hasn't had 3 games of consecutive football.

We should have sent him on loan or terminated his contract in the summer.

17 Sep 2026 01:57:57
Koumas was very good. But he better start bagging goals.
it won't take long for the fanbase to start calling him a headless chook.

17 Sep 2026 06:08:24
I'd say Koumas has already replaced Chiesa.

If he doesn't start to score and continues to run around the fan base might start calling him the new captain chaos.

16 Sep 2026 19:07:25
There's suddenly a PR push by the media and fans to give macca a new contract. Why?
He's a stop gap as a 6. Yes he can score a lovely goal but I wouldn't want to see macca on our team sheet next season. He should have been improved on in the summer but wasn't.
Macca has quality to his game but we need top midfielders suited to what's needed for the team long term.
Maccas on £160k a week. So give him £250k a week and a 5 year contract? No thanks.

The league has left macca behind. There will be games I'm absolutely confident of this year where maccas lack of mobility will be shown up brutally. There were plenty last season.
The problem is we'd midfielders who weren't actually top drawer.
Like gakpo when certain positions are short you're not keen to push them out but we shouldn't be rewarding squad type players because the likes of grav and Dom are getting shown up.

16 Sep 2026 19:29:36
What media? What fans? You're making things up, Funky.

16 Sep 2026 19:52:19
Indeed, Rome. I know some guys online are trying to drum up some type of campaign but that's about it.

If anything, what I have observed is people drumming up support for the club to exercise the option to buy clause for Araujo.

16 Sep 2026 20:53:27
Maccas deal runs out in 2028 when he will be nearly 30. For me there is two options and that is either sell him next summer or offer a two year extension only to retain some value.

16 Sep 2026 21:50:15
Why don't we see how he does this season before trying to sell him 9 months in advance? So far, he's been our best starting midfielder this season.

I get were all shaking off the Slot hangover but Gakpo and Maca are proving their value under Iraola so why not see if they take this season so show that they have a place in the team?

Especially if Maca is on 160k. Seems like a great price for the first midfielder added to the team sheet at the moment.

16 Sep 2026 21:20:11
Ron is always in a funk. Remind me not to go to his for eggnog on boxing day.

16 Sep 2026 22:01:27
Macca has had two or three good games. When he stops arsing about diving and rolling around all the time and puts his game head on he's Avery good player. He hasn't particularly bothered in the past season and a half but the signs are a lot better this season.

If he plays to the level he can when he's motivated he would ve worth re-signing on a new contract. That said there's still a fair old way until the end of the season.

16 Sep 2026 22:07:10
Let's see if he keeps it up for a whole season first. Then if he does let's ask why he never done it in previous seasons. Credit where it's due though him Cody and virg have upped the game somewhat.

16 Sep 2026 22:33:13
Agree @SJ.

17 Sep 2026 06:09:44
Gakpo and Macca are currently the flavour of the month with online support.

The internet opinions change like the wind though so expect by Oct this to change.

17 Sep 2026 07:36:59
A four year stop gap?

18 Sep 2026 12:25:37
@Jk, you do realise your statement was, er, posted online? 😉.

16 Sep 2026 15:46:01
I'm loving ed666. Far more ruthless than I🤣
Fascinating read on DOM.
I thought Dom was on 350k a week. Apparently 250k a week is true. That's even more interesting given Ryan's salary.
I'm absolutely on that wavelength.

There's not one superstar who should be dictating where they play or throwing their dummy. I don't believe Dom is doing that bit surely if he doesn't improve centrally he has to go elsewhere.

{Ed666's Note - I’ve no idea what money Dom is on I just threw out a figure that sounded plausible. If he’s on 350k that’s even worse. What I suspect is that come the summer there is gonna be a mass culling of this squad and it could t happen soon enough in my opinion.

16 Sep 2026 16:25:45
Difficult to trust the info that is out there on salaries but it is safe to say that Dom will likely have used Gravy's salary as a reference for his negotiations. I am not convinced Gravy's wages are as high as reported (250k+) but I suspect they are still pretty high and probably high enough to rule out most buyers.

Going to be a really tricky problem if the club do decide they want to make changes in midfield and those two are part of that conversation.

The challenge might be even worse if they extend Macca on similar terms.

Unfortunately, signing 4 midfielders in one window like we did in 2023, clusters the contract issues. Another reason to stop pushing squad problems into the next window all the time.

16 Sep 2026 16:53:11
I don't mind Dom in the right 3 with macca and a ball winner he would be exceptional.

Grav is struggling to find any form and that is a worry esp for a high earner.

16 Sep 2026 17:40:42
Capology have Dom on 250k and Gravenberch on 280k. Both doubled their wages with the new contracts.

16 Sep 2026 18:04:46
Capology is very inaccurate.

16 Sep 2026 18:11:44
Andoni was asked in one of his earliest pre-match interviews by a press reporter the same similar question regarding players salaries, he replied " i have never asked what salaries players are on, there are much more important issues for me to decide ".

He's only stating the truth as he's a very good football manager, not an accountant, that's what a DOF is for paperwork issues, clerical duties etc as far as Andoni is concerned. Forget Mac Allister's contract (tongue in cheek) the most important contract renewal next summer and beyond is Andoni Iraola, any uncertainty and man United will most gladly offer him anything he wants, the players transfer kitty being their number one carrot!

Of course if we sign Camara and Minteh he will undoubtedly renew, those two plus Hugo, Bradley, Leoni returning fresh is circa half a team reinforcements, the momentum you garnish from that could be deciding factor.
It will be interesting to see if Minteh becomes European cup tied, perhaps that's the reason for a bigger than expected transfer value.

YNWA Andoni.

16 Sep 2026 18:18:28
Who will want them on these massive wages?
It'll take them being 'subsidised' to facilitate!

16 Sep 2026 18:43:45
Despite his defensive shortcomings, Dom won't be going anywhere when he scores goals like that, not unless he wants to.

16 Sep 2026 19:06:36
Really don't think AI will go anywhere soon, I believe he will extend but let's see how it goes.

16 Sep 2026 19:15:07
Mad. Coupla months ago we were worried about him scurrying off to Madrid. Now we want rid😂.

16 Sep 2026 19:00:58
Ed666 what's got you In such bad form about the squad and certain players? I can see small improvements all the time in some of the players. I personally just don't believe Dom's a central midfielder unless andoni improves his overall game.
A lot of fans think he's the best midfielder in the world because he can score a screamer.

{Ed666's Note - I just don’t understand how players can’t understand basic instructions. It’s not difficult to know when to sit and when to hunt in packs. I appreciate it’s a new system but it’s not atomic physics. They are proffesional footballers at the very highest level they shouldn’t be drawing at home to Fulham with the squad we have. I really feel sorry for AI. I hope he’s given time and resources to sort this mess out

16 Sep 2026 19:47:12
Here here Ed0666 👏.

16 Sep 2026 19:58:58
For me, I don't care about wages or whatever because there's nothing I can do about any of that even tho, I agree that if players are being paid these crazy wages, they need to perform however, i'm not polising anyone's money because I wouldn't like anyone policing what I earned legitimztely.

That being said, I think Ed666 has a point regarding how hard it can be for 2 players (wages be damned) to just work out who goes and who stays in a double pivot. It's as if they need Iraola to come on the pitch and hold their hands and guide them thru a game. It's very frustrating, I admit.

As for Iraola getting backed, I think the club has no choice but to do so now because if he isn't, the man will walk and trust me, that is not what the club wants as a PR disaster. I promise you that.

16 Sep 2026 20:12:29
I think a lot is system change and personnel change too along with the manager oh and how far slot sent us backwards didn't help on the fitness front.

Hopefully it clicks soon for wirtz and isak.

16 Sep 2026 21:21:22
Can't see anyone stepping in for Grav on those wages, other than the Saudi's.

16 Sep 2026 20:45:11
Edd666 - when you say mass culling are you saying Frimpong, tzimikas, chiesa, endo, mama. Maybe grav and macca if form doesn't improve?

{Ed666's Note - yep and more

17 Sep 2026 02:01:55
I think in an ideal world, players would just fall into line.
But we're not in an ideal world.
We've got 3 very similar CMs and especially considering their timelines are in or entering the stage of their career where they feel they can be driving the team.
So I think trying to get them to fight their natural instinct and sit back is doable, but will take time to adapt.

And then even if they do adapt, look at someone like Grav, there may be a shelf life to it.

This is why I'm never on board with plugging a player into a role based on one part of their skillset. Unless they have mentally prepared to make a long term shift into a position, then I'm all for it. But if they haven't made that mental switch, then chances are we will see short term success, but not sustainable.

18 Sep 2026 12:34:13
I think the only person who had access to the true figures was @Ed02.

There is a site which holds the details of players details including salaries (was it / is it TMS? ). I don't think it's publicly available and you have to be a member to access the details.

Most of the other figures are informed guesswork, which may or may not be accurate.

Personally I'm not interested in players' wages (or transfer fees) I'm more interested in the way they play for the club - as far as I'm concerned the (fictitious) numbers are irrelevant.

16 Sep 2026 14:37:16
I was only able to watch the last 30 mins yesterday, and by the time I switched on, McConnel was just going off.

It appears he did well (along with Koumas and Nyoni).

Given his performance, and Nyoni's, do folks think we don't have to jump all over a, for example, Camarra in Jan?

16 Sep 2026 15:45:53
We still definitely need midfield reinforcements.

16 Sep 2026 16:22:48
McConnell did ok but I felt that he was the least effective of the 3 (not a criticism, just an opinion). Nyoni was disciplined and offered a permanent presence at the base of midfield and Koumas ran himself into the ground leading the press really well and causing Senesi all kinds of problems whenever the keeper gave him the ball.

They can both (Nyoni and McConnell) do a job this season but neither are immediate options for regular starts. We should still be looking at bringing in somebody in January.

16 Sep 2026 16:35:39
They did well, for young lads, not ready to be full-time starters, still need a proper senior DM.

16 Sep 2026 16:37:04
If we have intentions of winning the league or CL then we require a Camara. The 2 boys did well against the opposition they were playing but Spurs are poor. They won't face them every day.

16 Sep 2026 16:53:32
Definitely need the likes of Camara if we have any ambition of winning CL or PL. You never win anything with kids.

16 Sep 2026 17:46:49
Well we won our last trophy with kids! Endo was MoM in the final playing as a defensive mf. He has since been categorised as useless. No idea what has happened to him. Unless shiny new toys win us something, I guess it is not valued.

16 Sep 2026 17:53:36
I wouldn't say I categorise him as useless, Sanjit, but clearly Iraola doesn't see enough in him to warrant playing him.

16 Sep 2026 17:58:42
The kids are kids and they're squad options, nothing else for now.

In my opinion, the ideal would be:

Camara in. Grav out.

16 Sep 2026 18:40:59
Aren't Endo and Chiesa the sacrificial lambs? regarding PL squad numbers? i. e. Camara for Endo, Minteh for Chiesa (does that also mean the deals will be done? ) hence no playing time also, in case of injuries before the winter transfer window opens?

YNWA Andoni.

18 Sep 2026 12:36:30
@Gergarious, why do we get rid of Grav if we buy Camara? Wouldn't Grav be a useful squad member?

16 Sep 2026 12:43:12
Dom may have scored a great goal but for me, he has to positionally change. The lack of options may prevent that but he's not a good enough 8.
He could be top class on the right of attack. Great crosser and striker of the ball as I've said before.
You can't have an 8 who can't consistently pass and keep the ball well.

16 Sep 2026 13:52:38
He'd certainly be better in the 10 than where he's playing now.

16 Sep 2026 14:18:11
For me if he doesn't improve as an 8 then he should be a 10 or at rb.

16 Sep 2026 14:22:12
Genuinely intrigued what the value is of making the same point after every single game? Like what can be said that hasn't already been said? Your view is well documented across the transfer window too.

The transfer window is closed and there's no chance he isn't in our starting 11.

Just think it's more productive to wait for Andoni's tactics to fully transpire and judge after that?

16 Sep 2026 14:47:57
Hollywood Dom is a RB, or RM ( for the reserves) no seriously, let's hope Andoni can really focus his talents and turn him into something more.

16 Sep 2026 14:52:21
All this rubbish about 8s, 6s, 10s, Deep lying playmaker, Creative defensive midfielder, false 9s, real nines, fake this, fake that, all just boxxxx!! It's just names made up for positions that have been there since the game began!! Someone on here recently said Salah wasn't a winger but instead was a wide attacking forward or something of that ilk! It's a pity I didn't know that term for John Barnes! It's a game of just bloody 11 players, a Goalie, LB, RB, 2 CBs, 3 midfielders, 2 wingers, 1 cf.

They all have the same job to do which is to score goals and stop the opposite side scoring against them. That's what being in a team is all about!! Maybe it's me and I'm still living in the past but my namesake once said that football was a simple game. He was right. Stop trying to over complicate it.

16 Sep 2026 14:56:13
I don't think people are over complicating it SG. People are just saying he is not best suited to being part of a midfield two.

16 Sep 2026 14:57:00
But what about their profile Shanks?

16 Sep 2026 15:12:32
Couldn't agree more SG 👏.

16 Sep 2026 15:23:19
Shanks, I hear you - but I think, in midfield, there are three key different types of roles, that have different requirements: Central Midfielders, Wide Midfielders, and Wingers.

Under KD, we often played with 1 winger (Barnes) and one wide midfielder (Houghton) on the other flank.

England's "wingless wonders" of '66 sort of set a template, with Alan Ball the paradigm, which Italian football still seems to pursue: hard-running wide midfielders, rather than wingers.

I think Dom is perfectly suited to being a wide midfielder. As was Stevie G (when not playing as a 10).

As a spectator, I love watching wingers - and Klopp's use of them changed the game for a while.

But I think most managers err towards caution at the very too level, and prefer using wide midfielders. Look at Pep's treatment of wingers over the years.

This is why PSG's approach is so refreshing.

16 Sep 2026 15:24:21
H'ON THE TOWN BAZZA!!💥🥳🫵.

16 Sep 2026 15:25:15
We won the league with Dom playing as our 10, just saying.

16 Sep 2026 15:32:34
Didn't think we'd get a Rant today about different positions

Nobody let 'Shankleys Ghost' read the Karma Sutra for god sake.

16 Sep 2026 16:01:23
That would be wayyyy too complicated for me LFC8!

16 Sep 2026 16:10:39
I've come to realise what your favorite sort of post is on here, Ron Funk, it's making an argument that this or that highly praised central midfielder isn't actually a midfielder and should be playing somewhere else.

I wouldn't put him on the right wing, he's not going to be running in behind and I'm not sure he's really that good of a crosser in open play. From dead balls, sure. If you're going to change his position, I'd say right back suits him better since all the play will be ahead of him and he will have time to play a ball.

I think his goal last night was an absolute worldie but I didn't really appreciate his celebration. He played badly against Fulham and has not done his job well off the ball in pretty much every game so far. Winning 1 out of 10 duels should get you criticism, I'm not sure why he needs to give us a defiant celebration. Scoring a worldie doesn't exempt you from stick for not winning your duels most of the time.

16 Sep 2026 17:19:27
What people seem to be saying is that they don't have the patience to let Iraola coach dom or to see if he can learn to play in a midfield 2. So they want to rip the whole thing up and buy new replacements.

16 Sep 2026 17:36:57
Dom is a bit of a prima donna, that's how he is. But I'm guessing his celebrations are aimed at pundits and media as much as any fan.

Generally in order of where our difficulties have been he isn't one of the worst performers, there's generally always been end product with him. He's just dropped a bit below the standard he's set for himself, but there have been much worse players.

16 Sep 2026 18:16:09
I disagree, Clearview. Dom is not just a bit below the standard he set for himself. he's been very poor other than the goals.

No tackles. Loses most duals. Little to no creativity. Poor passing. Very suspect positionally.

I mean, you can make an argument he's had a decent start, because he's scored 3 goals in all comps, but when you think about the team contribution a central midfielder should have, he's been poor, and we need a much higher standard, especially from someone earmarked as a potential future captain.

I'd honestly prefer Dom at RB and Nyoni to start with Macca at CM, which is a viewed shared by a good number of people here. That shows many feel Dom is not performing as a central midfielder.

16 Sep 2026 19:45:40
I'd like Trey and Macca starting, with Szob in a more advanced midfield role. I'd drop Grav personally, not Szob, not yet anyway.

16 Sep 2026 19:49:54
Both Dom ad Grav do not give enough when tracking back, yesterday Dom was jogging as he watched Totenham players sprint past, it was infuriating, and Gravenberch is like the new Konate at times with his decision making.

They both need a good kick up the arse. I'd be fining Dom a weeks wages every time he's seen jogging back and Grav every time he goes past the centre circle. there's no excuse for not doing your job.

16 Sep 2026 20:05:50
Nred & Flo, Dom was the "no. 10" who was charged with everything else but actually being the creative spark in the team.

Those doing the creativity stuff were Trent, Macca in the advanced no. 8 role and VVD with those diagonals to Salah to beat the oppo.'s press. The guy has no creative bone in his body, like Wirtz possesses in spades.

So if you want to see Isak and the forwards get no service, play Dom in the no.10 and see what happens. because if you want creativity with him in the team, you're going to need to play with 12 players (including Wirtz). Or you're going to have to find a way to get Trent back. Your choice.

16 Sep 2026 20:50:23
Spot on @ shankleys ghost. Add a competitive 22 man squad to that and results take care of themselves. Another couple of transfer windows and we won't be far off.

16 Sep 2026 21:56:31
Dom should be the inverted RB. Similar to TAA, he's just not positionally aware or quick enough with the pass to play in the center. Inverted RB would let him play early crosses and drive in and have shots from distance when defenses sit off.

16 Sep 2026 12:09:29
What a great cup tie, many changes by both teams ensured energy in abundance, it was end to end, hugely enjoyable viewing.

The youngsters Trey, James & Lewis all played a major part and all look ready for when called upon for upcoming fixtures.

The new lad Joe Gomez played very well, Cody captained the team to an excellent victory, he again had a great night.

3 lovely goals with a worldie to seal it. Giorgi Mamardashvili had his best game in a Liverpool shirt, some excellent keeping, the save from the deflected shot from Marmoush was amazing.

Thoroughly enjoyed it, could of been 5-5 as Tottenham played pretty well but it's us that's in the hat for the next round 🤗, looking forward to Bournemouth on Sunday, I'm sure Andoni will get a great reception but it will have to go some to replicate Robbo' one last night.

Well done everyone involved 👏

YNWA.

{Ed001's Note - Gomez was captain until he went off mate.}

16 Sep 2026 12:50:33
What was the reason for the Gomez withdrawal? Hopefully managed minutes.

16 Sep 2026 12:57:32
Pretty sure that was the case Hoof. Felt like Iraola used it as a bit of a pre-season style game. Eased Joe back in, gave a few kids some decent minutes and gave Wirtz & Virg the night off. All-in-all it was a decent night.

16 Sep 2026 13:17:45
Iraola confirmed after the game that the plan was never much more than 45 mins.

16 Sep 2026 16:04:03
Yeah good point Ed001, I missed that out, both done exceptionally well, considering Joe's game time as well, he seems to be able to come back after long absences and perform straight away, it's such a pity his body keeps letting him down because he's been a real asset over the years for us when called upon.


YNWA.

{Ed001's Note - and he is a good person to have around the club as well. Such a shame, a major case of what could have been.}

16 Sep 2026 16:03:49
FORNAX, was this to check the efficiency of the new wing nuts, recently fitted in his flat pack knee caps?

16 Sep 2026 16:34:05
I can't remember which season it was under Jurgen, either the one we won the league or the one we won the Champions league and he was beside VVD at CB, anyway he was top top level that season.

He formed a fantastic pairing with Virgil. Always liked him and his commitment was never in question. Agreed with ED01 a major case of what could have been. Pity.

{Ed001's Note - the season we won the Prem it was. Then he got injured with England and has never been right since.}

16 Sep 2026 18:20:53
Joe is a fantastic CB. He could've been world class in my opinion if he had the fitness and consistency of VVD.

16 Sep 2026 20:08:34
I've watched JG give interviews in the past and he is such a good soul. As for "What might have been", Gomez was a starter for England until that bad knee injury in 20/21 season and that was it.

Had he been able to go injury free (in terms of devastating injuries), all these guys like Konsa, Guehi etc. would have never seen the pitch for England, he was that good esp. with VVD next to him.

16 Sep 2026 23:37:35
Southgate made him train hard when Jurgen had told England setup that Joe was in the red zone. Never forgiven them for that.

Gomes joins the list of Liverpool players crocked on England duty. Barnes and Redknapp suffered significant career altering injuries while being played in meaningless friendlies.

16 Sep 2026 11:15:00
I really wanted us to go for Rayan in the summer but he is absolutely not worth 130m.
If we do go in for him in Jan/ summer it needs to be below £100m (£80m max imo) otherwise go in for Minteh. And we absolutely need a ball winning CM which is paramount.

16 Sep 2026 11:57:08
I would like us to develop by Nyoni and McConnel for the midfield both have talent.

16 Sep 2026 12:00:19
He's only worth 35-40 million. Anything more is over paying.

16 Sep 2026 12:04:44
You're not going to get anything in today's market for that price scouse John, especially not a regular in the Brazilian national first team. Look at the price the likes of Liam Delap and Garnacho went for.

16 Sep 2026 12:50:10
I'd try Dom on the right wing before spending fortunes more on players barley scoring every season.

16 Sep 2026 13:14:40
Minteh is a completely different beast to Rayan, and would have a transformative on the team imo.
Minteh is a pressing machine.

16 Sep 2026 13:25:22
Made his Brazil debut in March. Hardly regular. In an absolute pony Brazilian squad. Would people have Rayan in the English squad I wonder. I wouldn't.

16 Sep 2026 13:42:00
That hardly matters though Florian, I'm pretty sure he will be a fixture in the Brazilian squad from here on out, he is young and will continue to improve. My point is that he's already a much better player than Garnacho, and look at the price Garnacho went for.

16 Sep 2026 14:00:59
I like Rayan. Seems a good young player. Garnacho was also a good young player when he first came on the scene. Obviously seems to have lost his way. But this is my point with Rayan. People go on as if he's proven in the Premier League. Its a small sample size and he has done OKAY, nothing more nothing less.

Gets a lot more space than our wingers do against the parked buses. The whole Brazil thing is irrelevant to me as they havnt got anything like the depth anymore that the top countries like England and France have. He wouldn't get in their squads. Even on the right for Brazil I'd Estevao over him all day long.

16 Sep 2026 14:35:29
In this inflated and crazy market, Rayan would be a decent deal at a similar price to Minteh - £50-£75m range.

For that reason, if Bournemouth stick rigidly to the £130m clause that activates from Jan 27, I would pass on Rayan as he would be roughly double his value (in my opinion, obvs others may disagree).

I think we could get Minteh in that price bracket and I agree, he would be perfect for an Iraola system.

16 Sep 2026 14:58:20
We would get Minteh and a good midfielder for £ 130m.

16 Sep 2026 18:25:15
Yeah, I'd rather Minteh and Camara for the same price of Rayan if Bournemouth want that outrageous valuation for him.

I don't think Rayan has done enough for Bournemouth to demand £100m+ for him. He goes missing a lot on games for both club and country.

16 Sep 2026 20:10:05
Wouldn't touch either Minteh nor Raya esp. not at 130m for a guy who literally does not score anywhere near the goals to warrant such a crazy fee. Hard pass.