Liverpool banter 9

04 Jun 2026 13:02:12
Reds. Does anyone know the date of registration for the first half of season ballot?

04 Jun 2026 17:05:36
I can't help you with that?

But the Premier League fixtures for 2026-27 are out Friday 19 June, 10.00 am, in previous years, it was 9.00 am.

We probably first match on the Friday night opening league fixture away to Arsenal, the two last winners of the PL, and quite possibly the next PL winners?

04 Jun 2026 12:27:39
Was thinking maybe if we get Diomande who's very young and only had 1 very good season on a top league, maybe loan Bowen for a season while West Ham get back up. It's a win win win win. We get a decent RW for wages only.

West Ham don't have to pay his wages and can have him back if they get promoted, Diomande is forced to start every game in a new league and Bowen keeps playing on the prem and keeps his England hopes.

04 Jun 2026 12:53:40
If hope were not paying over £100m for someone who's not ready to start every game, but I wouldn't mind Bowen if we need an alternative.

04 Jun 2026 13:16:42
100m for a player with 1 season under their belt in a vastly inferior league is a punt, although this is the going rate for potentially the next Mo/Mane these days (sadly).

04 Jun 2026 13:23:39
Would West Ham agree to that? I don't see it happening.

I'd be all over Bowen on a permanent move. Anyway, we could use his experience, clearly has ability and is English.


It's going to be a big summer ahead, and for the prices thrown about, I think he's a no brainer.

04 Jun 2026 13:29:08
I don't know why no one is going out and buying said El Mala. He is a better player than Diamonde. He is a truly two footed player. He can cover both wings easy.

Diamonde is hyped up. He won't be able to run through defenders in the EPL like he does in the Bundesliga. El Mala is sort of like Coutinho with an extra yard of pace.

04 Jun 2026 13:39:39
Bowen would be absolutely necessity for West Ham if they plan to get back up next year. They can't let him go.

04 Jun 2026 14:31:11
Did you catch El Malta's highlights on YouTube, Harry?

Couldn't stay away, eh?

04 Jun 2026 14:48:18
Now, don't be that Zed, it's not like you've been sleeping with Diamondes to know any better.

04 Jun 2026 15:40:17
Diomande is also two-footed. Was there a point in you saying El Mala is 'truly' two-footed, Cafu? In what way is Diomande not truly two-footed? El Mala is undoubtedly a good player, though, great numbers at the same age as Diomande, but Diomande, as far as I can tell from the limited times I have seen them play, has ridiculous work rate alongside the talent, and that really makes him stand out.

04 Jun 2026 16:26:28
El Mala is more technical, a bit of Coutinho, Bernardo Silva type winger.
Diamonde is very direct. I'm not saying Diamonde is bad at all, but his price is eye watering. Said El Mala could be half that price, and, as much as I have seen, will be better suited for the Premier League.


Either signing is great, but for the dollar my pick is El Mala. (we also have a few Germans in the team for him to gel and settle with).

04 Jun 2026 16:47:42
Cafu, in what world is El Mala anything like Bernardo Silva? Even Coutinho and Bernardo aren't particularly similar players aside from both having a low centre of gravity and speaking Portuguese.

El Mala is an extremely powerful runner who loves making driving runs in behind, as well as being 6ft2 and a solid aerial threat.

He is more like a young Cristiano Ronaldo if anything. A very good young player and not actually a bad suggestion at all, but I simply do not get that comparison to Bernardo and Coutinho at all mate.

04 Jun 2026 17:19:18
Bowen is 30 December 2026. His best football and pace has already been played, and pace well gone. Harvey would be just as good, football ability wise. Elliot's problem is like Bowen now, he does not have pace to burn, he's a plodder not a sprinter.



Bowen with a 4 year contract would be 34 years old like Mo in his last season. Mo is 34 this 15 June 2026. Incidentally, Jurgen was born on the 16 June (1967). VVD is 35 on 08 July 2026.

04 Jun 2026 18:20:17
I meant he is more technical than direct. Of course, he can run at pace and has strength. But also he has the intelligence of a footballer like Coutinho and Silva.
Diamonde is a brute but lacks intelligence, obviously that will come with experience. He mostly wants to do it all by himself.

04 Jun 2026 23:42:02
From the reports today, there seems a push from El Mala's family to bring both brothers as part of a transfer, with the other one unlikely to get a WP, so maybe that's best swerved.

04 Jun 2026 12:24:25
Thanks for the info Carra. One thing I'm surprised as not happen yet, or maybe still will. With Konate jumping ship, Sensei on a free surely would have made perfect sense and a much better player than Konate also. Fingers crossed they do it...

04 Jun 2026 13:02:25
Senesi has already gone to Tottenham.

04 Jun 2026 13:30:37
I'm with you, OP, and never say never.

Senesi's contract doesn't expire until 30 Jun 26, so although everything points to him joining Spurs, he's not a Spurs player yet.

Lots of late twists and turns in transfers - I always chuckle when I remember Robinho's first press conference as a Man City player where he said he was really happy to join Chelsea!

04 Jun 2026 14:09:07
Senesi is not what we need. Zabarniy? A lot better and per Carra, we are looking at him to come in.

04 Jun 2026 14:32:48
Oli, Senesi on a free, with not stupid wages and with PL experience, I think would be a no brainer.

Who knows if we can structure a deal for Zabarnyi with PSG?

Senesi would be similar to the James Milner acquisition on a free by Klopp, in my view.

{Ed001's Note - except Milner was good at his job, Senesi is not a very good defender. Exceptional ball playing ability but not a good defender at all.}

04 Jun 2026 15:10:14
My point exactly, Ed. Zed, the rationale(s) you provided are not good reasons to sign a player. because he's not on stupid wages? Not bothered. PL experience? If that means he is experienced at not being a good defender then again, I don't want him. Can he do the job as in actually defend? I don't think so. Good on the ball? Again, not bothered because we already have those at the club including Jacquet and Leoni.

Zabarniy is a better defender and if there is a chance for us to get him then, we should push the boat out to get him and we seem interested, like Carra said. Let's wait and see what happens.

04 Jun 2026 16:33:17
We have enough ball playing ballers. We need positional specialists (Do not ask me what that means!).

04 Jun 2026 17:27:17
But Senesi as a dm, who can cover cb?

04 Jun 2026 10:12:18
Personally I thought Kerkez was alright last season and improved as the season went on, I am however looking forward to seeing him become the best LB in the league again next season with Iroala (as he was before we signed him). In my humble opinion his ceiling is higher than Robbo. 🤟

04 Jun 2026 10:27:31
That's probably due to him being taller!
I'll get my coat.

{Ed025's Note - i like that mate..

04 Jun 2026 10:30:24
I thought Kerkez did very well last season, it can't have been easy having a lazy center back next to you, blaming you for every mistake they make. Or Gakpo in front of him that simply refused to pass Kerkez the ball.

A higher ceiling than Robbo might be a push, but I hope you're right.

04 Jun 2026 10:32:56
I actually think Robbo is taller, mate! Lol

04 Jun 2026 10:38:53
Robbo is way taller in stature, career-wise. Kerkez would have done very well for himself should he even arrive at Robbo's shoulder level.

04 Jun 2026 11:17:36
While I very much agree with you in regards to the season Kerkez had - whilst getting no help from his "partner" on the left hand side - I would be careful with those kinda expectations. Robbo's peak was insane. Probably the best left back I've seen in my lifetime.

04 Jun 2026 11:22:59
To me, Kerkez was a 5/10... but I do think Slot played him all wrong though.

04 Jun 2026 11:51:30
Kerkez is 5' 10", an inch taller than Robbo.

04 Jun 2026 12:38:39
Kemlyn, but Kerkez's mullet makes him look smaller.

04 Jun 2026 13:18:51
I just saw Kerkez is 2 cm taller than Robbo! Very weird. 🤣

04 Jun 2026 14:10:19
@Kemlyn, Surely that fade on Kerkez's head should be worth 2 extra inches, no?

04 Jun 2026 14:20:19
We bought the most attacking lb in the league and Slot used him as a 3rd cb for most of the season. He's a terrific player, great attitude, and works really hard. Can't wait for Iraola to come and fix all the broken bits of this team.

04 Jun 2026 15:21:42
ArneSlotsBarber, I think there's an inch in it.
We all know an extra inch goes a long way. 😜!

04 Jun 2026 09:55:53
Get your votes in for Harvey Elliot on the Villa player of the year page lads and ladies.

04 Jun 2026 10:33:59
Hahahaha that is hilarious mate.

04 Jun 2026 10:39:14
Freaking funny, man.

04 Jun 2026 10:45:47
On it. 👊

04 Jun 2026 10:51:01
If you refresh the page you can vote multiple times too...

04 Jun 2026 11:30:50
This right here is golden, done, vote added. My father in law is a massive villain and he's been giving me such grief. Love it.

04 Jun 2026 12:11:38
Done. Lucas Leica at Lazio all over again.

04 Jun 2026 12:21:41
I voted for Olly Wotsit.

04 Jun 2026 09:54:48
Don't get the new hate for Szobo, clearly our best player last year and he improved from his previous season too. To suggest he is easily replaced is crazy. He is key to us next season.

04 Jun 2026 10:37:33
Slots not here anymore so they can't blame him.

04 Jun 2026 10:39:06
I think Szobozlai has been one of our best signings for a long time. I love the energy and skills he has (especially the free kicks).
And, if we keep him for the remainder of his contract, another two seasons, and him play to the same high levels, I'll be happy.

04 Jun 2026 11:07:57
Not hate, he's a good player, but some of his comments about the fans and excuses for crap play don't put him in a good light.

If he stalls on a new contract then he has to be sold, no more being strung along and then getting your free transfer.

04 Jun 2026 12:24:49
Looks like his dress sense has gone a bit sideways, looks like he's trying to alert PSG as to his availability, I thought he looked like one of the Andrews Sisters, my name sake would of broke his ribs.

04 Jun 2026 13:21:00
Iro Man, 🤣 Pretty sure he borrowed one or two of those outfits off my sister, I blame Ekitike; parachute pants & cornrows don't seem like popular choices in Hungary.

04 Jun 2026 14:03:01
If you think our guys dress weird, you should check out some of the NBA stars' outfits. To think these guys are multi-millionaires and have a blind chicken as their stylist is hilarious. 😅

04 Jun 2026 09:25:41
Zeddicus, I've only just seen your question to me in our conversation about Koumas, and it's now about 3 or 4 banter pages deep!

To answer your question about our striker situation, I personally would look to sign a winger who can cover CF effectively. Barcola is a good example. Bowen is another. Isak needs to step up but having versatile cover would be what I would do. I would not want to sign an out and out striker on a long term deal. Ekitike will be back in 9-12 months and then you just end up stuck with a player you don't want or need.

The alternative would be to look at a loan, but typically teams don't loan out good strikers. If you have a decent goal scorer, they're like gold dust, so you utilise them. We won't get in a good player on loan.

So what else can you do? I guess you could look at older free transfers who might take a short term contract. Robert Lewandowski, Callum Wilson and Jamie Vardy are all available and might take a 12 month contract. Lewa would be less likely to accept because it's a new language/culture for his family to learn all for a 12 month job. So you're left with the likes of Wilson and Vardy. Vardy is a tool, but Wilson is probably an option worth considering. He can lead the line alone, but he also has played with Isak before in a 2 man strike partnership at Newcastle, and they worked quite well together. At 34 he still has a year or two in the tank, is homegrown, scores goals in the Premier League, and would almost certainly take a 12 month deal to play for a club the size of Liverpool. I'd still rather sign a winger who can cover in the centre, but signing Wilson would be my second choice.

The only other option which I think is too risky, is to put full faith in youth to be the only cover for Isak. Lewis Koumas and Will Wright are probably the best options we have. Keyrol Figueroa is very good, but not quite to step up ready in my view. Will Wright might be ready for senior football, but he's obviously very raw and not without his own injury concerns. Koumas has been ready to play senior football for the last 2 seasons, but Slot largely refused to trust the academy for squad depth so he was sent on loan both years. Crucially in this particular debate though, is that Koumas is better on the wing or behind a striker. I'd give him the chance to be cover for Wirtz personally, but not for Isak. Jayden Danns is the popular choice, but his body is broken. He's barely kicked a ball now for 2 years. The last time he was consistently fit, Klopp was still manager.

In summary, signing a winger like Barcola or Bowen would be my choice.

04 Jun 2026 10:07:16
I am not 100% sure, but I read somewhere that Bowen has a relegation release clause that's pretty low. Yeah, he is older, but what does that matter when we let so many leave on a free anyway! It's not like the FSG model is working great; only Suarez & Coutinho & Sterling were sold for huge profits, the rest not so much!

04 Jun 2026 10:00:51
Vardy is cooked and Wilson can't stay fit. I don't think a 12 month contract for Lewa is impossible his family doens't have to move. We can let him return to spain/Gemrany wherever his family is based at times during weeks, so he doesn't miss out, Refa went to Italy and Spain when his kids attended my old shcool. It's not out the ordinary for footballers to live away from their family for 4 days a week

Agree with the general post though, a winger who can also play striker, maybe as Ed001 like him, you also have Gakpo there, or you can play similar to Klopp with Bobby (using Wirtz) let him drop deeper and use the wingers as outside attackers cutting in.

I don't rate him that highly but (to do a job) Dyabala is retiring, give him a decent wage, big bonuses for scoring/match wins.

Personally the route I'd go down is getting Barcola and the "sink or swim" to Danns, Gordon etc, here's your chance to show you're ready for that next level with 20 minutes cameos in games, how me something. If they can't step up, move them on

04 Jun 2026 10:28:24
Honestly MK, I think for 12 months Lewandowski would be a good shout as a short term option. He speaks absolutely perfect English, and having lived in Germany, the weather isn't too dissimilar. Might as well go for the best available than dross like Vardy or Wilson.

Shirt sales alone would be huge given he's unequivocally a world class player. He still has what it takes to lead the line and score goals, and his experience is second to none.

04 Jun 2026 10:40:20
VV, Lewa never wanted to play in the PL a decade ago. Why would he wanna do that a decade later?

04 Jun 2026 11:04:28
Thanks Adam, pretty comprehensive.

If we got someone like Barcola or Bowen, who have led the line in the past, as one of our 2 wingers this season, that would do me.

Not so keen on Vardy or Wilson myself, either through ability, preferred system or injuries. Lewandowski is an interesting one - Oli, he could just want a swansong now he's done everything else? Would need to be a 12m deal but maybe he'd be keen? As VV says (I'm agreeing with you more, Vik, I don't know what's going on?!), shirt sales would help offset high wages, and you can't argue that even at the grand old age of 37 (I think), he's still up there with the best strikers in the world.



I do think that for a group of players - Gordon, Koumas, Figueroa etc - it's probably a make or break season where they either make a proper bid for a first team squad place or they need to move on to forge a career elsewhere. Will Wright is an interesting one though.

04 Jun 2026 11:19:18
Didn't Lewandowski almost sign for Blackburn before he moved to Dortmund? So I wouldn't say that he didn't want to play in the EPL. The only reason he didn't sign for Blackburn and signed for Dortmund instead was because of a volcano eruption.

{Ed077's Note - and later on a move to Manchester United was serious enough before it didn't happen.

04 Jun 2026 11:23:06
Darwin on a free, no brainer.

04 Jun 2026 11:39:19
Are you sure that's the real reason he signed for Dortmund, @Drac? I appreciate the eruption in Iceland played havoc with flights for a week or so, but it seems a bit far fetched that it was the reason he didn't sign.

04 Jun 2026 11:45:24
No worries, Zed, apologies I missed the question!

If Lewandowski would take a 12 month deal, it's a no brainer. But I can't see it personally mate.

04 Jun 2026 12:33:01
Short term options may not work under the new manager solely due to the high intensity he likes to play with, and the fact that the short term options will tend to be players in their mid 30s.

It may be a needs must though.

I think it's time to start giving youth a chance where we can. Will Wright seems to be a hard worker. Don't see why he can't fill the void a little. There's going to be a lot of games (hopefully).

We need a break on the injury front. But I suppose all teams would say the same.

Isak certainly won't play all the games, so it's a problem area for sure. Could Wirtz play a false 9 in the set up?

Perhaps someone needs signed, but I would rather it be a player with some years in his legs.

Ekitike would thrive under Irola's set up as the striker comes deep to link up quick transitions. Shame he is injured. I think we need a similar type who has a deft touch and a turn of pace.

One thing is for sure, we need to get the left and right wing additions spot on as they will need to chip in with goals.

Barcola is a big gamble for me. Way more so than Diomande as he looks to have more power and clear intention to what he does.

That's just a YouTube highlights opinion though. Haven't watched either player in any full games this season.

All in all I feel like a weight has been lifted as a supporter. Slot didn't work out. Despite all the signs of impending doom we managed to scrape over the line, which if not could have set us back even further. He leaves with a title and a cheers, all the best.

I'm looking forward to some pace back in our play this season. One thing everyone can agree with on this site is that we were a dire watch last season. I don't think I could have suffered another full season of not being excited to watch any games.

Looking forward to some players also getting a much needed kick up the backside and using their legs again instead of flapping their arms.

Seeing if Leoni and Jaquet have it in them to form a new guard for the future will be a watch. Interesting to see if Wirtz and Kerkez push on under a new manager.

Lots to be positive about until there's not, I suppose.

If we do spend big again this summer, fingers crossed we get it right.

04 Jun 2026 13:38:04
West Derby Wanderer IV, Yup, it's well noted he had the flight booked to come over; he wanted to see the ground and watch the Everton game, IIRC. He and Allardayce have both admitted it.

03 Jun 2026 18:35:54
Question primarily for Ed001, but also anyone else too.

One name we have been linked with is Nico Schlotterbeck who is a left footed LCB. If we did buy him, or someone of similar age and physical make up, they would probably expect to become a starter quickly.

That being the case, can you see VVD being able to move to RCB at his age, after so many years playing LCB?

I'm not sure its that common to have a left footer at RCB and a right footer at LCB.

{Ed001's Note - I think Virgil would just be phased out then.}

04 Jun 2026 08:34:24
Ed1 have you seen the links for Virg to Galatasary? Could you see him moving this summer or wait until next summer.

{Ed001's Note - if he is replaced I could see him moving, he won't be a back up. Even if he could cope with it, he is paid far too much to be a second choice.}

04 Jun 2026 08:55:36
If Virgil would leave, and also Ali, who should be the captain? Szoboszlai, Gomez?

04 Jun 2026 09:22:46
God forbids Szoboszlai becomes captain. 🤮

04 Jun 2026 09:35:41
You make me laugh slating Szoboszlai as a captain. He's probably the only one who's shown any desire this season. He's played in various positions without complaint and won us games. Half of you are never satisfied, and thank God you aren't involved in football in any form.

04 Jun 2026 10:08:48
Why? Szoboszlai looks like a captain to me, he leads by example, he is a quicker, better version of Jordan Henderson in my eyes!

04 Jun 2026 10:43:27
@tobi3, Szobo is captain of his country and their best player. What are you on about? He is already very experienced as a capt. and all set to be LFC captain right off the bat, should he be chosen by his team mates.



Again, what are you on about esp. with the puke emoji as if it completely out of the question that he could be capt.?

04 Jun 2026 10:44:16
Tobi3, who would you have as captain then?

04 Jun 2026 10:59:15
This Dom hate has to stop.

It has started because his contract extension isn't sorted yet - 2 years out - and he has expressed a desire to play for RM in the future.

That has sod all to do with his footballing ability, his leadership capabilities and his effort and desire.

Perfect captain material in the future.



And who knows what's going on behind the scenes with his contract extension?

We seem to be far too quick to jump on an individual because some scrote made up some theory online to fit a narrative.

Let's not jump the gun and make ourselves look stupid, eh?

04 Jun 2026 12:06:55
I knew this was coming, I know it feels like I have hatred for him, I don't, I just hate the fact that he can do more, so much more (please pardon me, I'm not so good with words), but he constantly chooses the path of "least resistance". I've seen him refuse to pass forward (a pass that will be effortless), and instead just turn around and pass to the back, and I tell myself what a joke. This is not the reason why we bought Szoboslai from Leipzig (I will go on and guess his form at Salzburg was the reason why we even bought him at all).

Where's that Szoboslai? Where's the Szoboslai that dominated our midfield single-handedly when we played Salzburg some preseasons ago? People are going on about Alex Scott, watch his game and tell me one thing Scott can do that Szoboslai doesn't already do at his s*** level? It looks like I'm ranting, but I know what I see almost every week, there's not a type of pass he shouldn't be able to ping, he's got the talent to playmake too in abundance, but he's just checked out mentally to go up another level, this is why I wouldn't like if he becomes captain.

04 Jun 2026 13:25:46
Totally agree, Zeddicus.

04 Jun 2026 13:28:27
Dom is the only one with both captain experience and who plays like a captain should in terms of energy and work rate, but for me, he doesn't have that grit a great captain needs. I don't see him lighting a fire under anyone out there either.

His mental game is not on the level. Maybe that could improve if he was handed the armband? I don't know. The truth is that from the current squad he's the only one who comes close to fitting the bill, but in a perfect world he's not the ideal candidate.

04 Jun 2026 13:44:58
To your original point, Zeddicus, just my 2 cents. I think if we got Nico, I'd see us moving Virg on. Nico is a starter and a left sided one typically. He can play left back if needed but isn't comfortable there and we'd need to rotate with Kerkez (who I am still not sold on).

I think Virg could move to the right with ease. Personally, I don't buy into this whole centrbacks need to have their side stuff, (other posters and former players can disagree), but you are central in the game where you don't really need a preferred side to receive and play from.



I would think Virg is good enough to play rcb either way even if you do buy into the rcb lcb necessity. Ultimately he'd provide more protection for the right back than Konate ever did and you'd still have a solid left centre back.

By next year, I assume Jacquet or Leoni can fill in there, but I haven't watched them enough to be honest.

03 Jun 2026 17:59:10
Hi Ed001

Do you happen to know what Andoni Iraola was like at Bournemouth with regards to the youth set up, did he show any interst on the youth teams, unlike Slot.

Thanks

{Ed001's Note - he will look at whatever is available to him mate. As he coaches, he likes younger players, they tend to listen more to advice and coaching than older ones.}

04 Jun 2026 08:33:48
The trust he placed in Alex Scott did not go unnoticed, being just one example of how he developed youngsters.

04 Jun 2026 08:43:50
Iraola will have to use the squad to its fullest extent, that's part of his coaching style. It has been reported on Bournemouth fan channels that he tells his players to give 100% on the pitch and not hold back, and the moment they feel like they can't continue to give that, to gesture to the bench, and Iraola will put a replacement for them on without a second's hesitation. He has also lamented that the Bournemouth squad depth was not deep enough for them to really compete at critical moments, because even though every player in the squad knew their job and could execute fitness-wise, maybe in terms of quality they weren't at the same level as the starters.

Very different approach to the one we have seen from Slot last season, and will require a big squad to implement.

04 Jun 2026 08:45:54
Burkey, Scott might not be the best example considering he joined for 25m as a highly-coveted 20 year old with big expectations on his shoulders from Bristol City, wasn't exactly an Bournemouth academy prospect or anything. He did go up a few levels under Iraola's coaching though.

04 Jun 2026 09:36:57
I'm really not sure re Scott, I have a feeling he's another Charlie Adam one season wonder.

04 Jun 2026 09:51:25
Regardless of Scott, he's not scared to play young players - Zabarnyi, Huijsen, Scott, Rayan, Kroupi, Kerkez.

04 Jun 2026 10:22:06
The pathway from the youth team to the first team is going to be well and truly open under Iraola.
We are going to need a strong shadow squad, beyond anything we've known before.