Liverpool banter 9

04 Jun 2026 13:50:25
Ed1, you've seen both Diomande and Rayan. Which player do you think is more suitable for us or the one you preferred?

{Ed001's Note - I have only seen a tiny bit of Diomande, so I can't really compare them. I do like Rayan a lot. He has something about him.}

04 Jun 2026 15:27:32
Do you know if we are interested in Rayan as of right now? Is he being considered as one of the players for either RW or LW? I know we're interested in Diomande and Barcola based on news from here and journalists, but wondered if we've looked at others as well.

04 Jun 2026 16:17:37
I hope we are at least considering Rayan. It's such a small sample - barely half a season and maybe not enough to hang your hat on as a primary RW - but he seems to have the blend of skill and power that is so important for the Premier League.

Barcola has electric pace, but I wonder about the step up in physicality, especially given we struggled as a team with being bullied too easily this season.

Maybe those who have watched him more would have more to say. But even in wide areas, I'd like to see us ensure that who we bring in can't be easily pushed around.

04 Jun 2026 17:23:25
Rayan would be cheaper and has Prem experience plus worked with our current manager. For the huge price quoted for Diomande, we could sign Barcola and RB.

04 Jun 2026 13:10:47
Can anyone shed any light on where Ayoub Bouaddi may end up?

Also Lamine Camara is just over half the price of Anderson but very similar in output according to stats.

I'd be well happy to have either of these two monsters at LFC.

04 Jun 2026 13:38:26
Ayoub Bouddadi is some player. I'd love him at Liverpool, but that would spell the end for Nyoni and Bajcetic. I think both of them have real talent and have to be given a go.

We can't just keep on buying for every position.

We need rb and rw. Rest has to be sorted from academy, and players we already have but have not been given a fair chance.

04 Jun 2026 14:19:51
By all accounts, Baj is the main cause of his own decline, or lack of progress, whichever way you look at it.

Maybe a Spanish coach and taskmaster would help him, but I've got my doubts given how long he's been around the fringes of things and never kicked on.

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.