Liverpool banter 10

23 Jul 2026 23:21:36
Just a post to remind us all on here that we are in a highly privileged position to have people willing to give us information that we wouldn't be in a position to have normally. Carra, The Fields, Victor G, Robbo and Ned don't need to tell us anything, yet they do. We forget that transfers are complex things and there are a lot of moving parts. Interest in a player doesn't mean we get them, in fact, having a player do the first signing interviews and media doesn't mean the player is signing (remember Fekir?) So when we are told it's a done deal, it could very well be at that point.

But things happen last minute, teams come in late with better offers, players and clubs change their minds. It's evident that their information is credible; it's also fact that they were new posters once too. So instead of giving them and new posters that may be credible grief, appreciate the fact they give us their time and information. If their information is wrong, that doesn't mean that isn't what they were told. So to everyone mentioned above that has shared rumours and to the new posters doing the same. Thank you.

24 Jul 2026 07:53:28
100% Scousedel, people are too quick to judge. The posters you name post what they hear in good faith. But things can change; a nailed-on transfer deal could be scuppered, and one can just come out of the blue without warning.
These people share what they know, when they know it. People shouldn't bash them if everything they share doesn't come off.

23 Jul 2026 21:47:52
Any Excel experts that could put a table together of 'ITK's' and their who they say is coming and going and we can review at the end of the window??

23 Jul 2026 22:06:09
I liked the excel idea, but not to see who is right. I just want rumours, since it's the purpose of the page, but there are a lot, so it's hard to track sometimes.

23 Jul 2026 22:08:53
McGovern, let's not. I don't like this itk bashing/competition; let's just appreciate their contribution, and it is up to each person as to who they choose to listen to.

I know you are saying this in good spirit, but I think it will just encourage trolling and act as a deterrent.

23 Jul 2026 22:09:41
Why? So people can snipe at the ones they got wrong.
Seems a bit pointless. Just appreciate they are going out of their way.

23 Jul 2026 22:12:37
Excel is evil. Please do not let us go there.

23 Jul 2026 23:08:58
There's so many that there's only one way to deal with it.

Just believe the rumours you like and ignore the ones you don't.

Works for me anyway.

23 Jul 2026 23:10:48
No thanks, no need for that.

24 Jul 2026 00:38:15
I'm in the 'no' camp too. People provide information they receive in good faith. Having a league to compare isn't needed. It'll stop people providing information and doesn't take into account that information may be correct at 9am and might be totally out of date at 9:01.

Not for me, thank you.

23 Jul 2026 23:59:53
not sure it's worth it really. because a lot of the ITks are saying the same thing. so how are we really going to know?
I rekon just follow your gut with who you think has good info

24 Jul 2026 06:13:12
I'd like a spreadsheet of people who know our new managers blueprints and which other teams they watch the most.

Mine are Iraola's Bournemouth & Slots Feyenoord (seen every game both teams), as well as Barca, Real, PSG, City, Bayern, Arsenal and any title winning team in every country, as well as anyone Diomande has played for.

24 Jul 2026 08:04:44
I'd like a spreadsheet of all the snidey posters who have a pop at the 'accuracy' of people, who make interesting contributions by posting snippets of insider info in good faith.

According to the Cambridge Dictionary:
"A rumour is an unverified story or piece of information circulating among people without solid evidence.

It spreads quickly through word-of-mouth or digital communication and may be entirely invented, partially true, or completely accurate".

24 Jul 2026 08:39:31
And use it as a stick to beat people with? Just remember, they are taking time out of their time to pass on info, I think the word you should be looking for is ... Thanks.

24 Jul 2026 10:38:15
I second that, Willo.

23 Jul 2026 20:23:41
Liverpool need both a top level RW plus LW. The world wide best available players are the same 3 that we are trying to convince to sign for our club. That says a lot about who we are currently and historically. I'm looking forward to the seasons ahead. We're in a great place.

23 Jul 2026 21:50:16
Are they the world's best? Sancho was a top player in Germany as were so many others. How many actually became worth the title of world class or even top class?

23 Jul 2026 22:27:12
He said World wide best "available" players.

23 Jul 2026 22:52:35
NK, doesn't world wide best players mean best in the world? 🤔

23 Jul 2026 22:59:32
Well, if we bid for Barcola Diamonde and Akliouche, two out of three wouldn't be bad.

23 Jul 2026 23:08:39
Got to be players out there. What does the scouting department do? Or is Hughes vetoing them when they get brought to attention?

23 Jul 2026 19:14:17
I am not sure what to make of the latest LFC potential investment news! FSG have always been open to investment.

In this crazily inflated transfer market where paying £100m+ for decent players is the new normal, this far away from FSG's self sustainable business model.

23 Jul 2026 19:40:46
Liverpool paid over £100 million twice last summer.

23 Jul 2026 20:35:22
Exactly @TheFifthElement! LFC spent big on the back of winning the league! £100m is now the starting point for any player halfway decent now tho! For FSG’s model for LFC to work these days, LFC would need to win the league and or Champions League most seasons!

FSG know these ridiculous fees are not sustainable, hence the idea of substantial investment leading to FSGe eventually being bought out has not been shot down!

{Ed001's Note - you think this attempt to get investment is new? They have always been looking to do this. They have brought in a few Chinese investors and other very minor ones, such as LeBron James over the years. It is nothing to do with this season's transfer fees.}

23 Jul 2026 21:36:07
Agreed to an extent @Ed 1. I do however think that this feels like the beginning of an exit strategy that FSG flirted with after Chelsea's forced sale.

Last Summer Liverpool won the league and tried to replace Salah's numbers by going huge on Writz and Isak! It's not self substantial to pay both big wages and huge fees regularly! Manchester United are eyeing a new 100, 000 seater stadium for example. The only way I can see FSG staying beyond the new tv rights renewal is if they can Americanise how football is watched via a Premier League pass for every team! Granted that is complicated!


Unless Liverpool win the league and or champions league FSG are unlikely to to sanction a £400m Summer spend as the norm without selling a key first team starter!


Alas only my opinion Sir! FSG bought LFC as a distressed asset cheaply! The best business men cash in their cash in their chips for a profit before the numbers stop making sense.

{Ed001's Note - they have been in the forefront of moving towards a streaming model and they know there is a lot more money to be made there yet.}

23 Jul 2026 22:01:15
Any club needs to be self sustaining.

23 Jul 2026 22:03:28
Not every player Liverpool buys has to be an absolute world beater. In Klopp's first few seasons we bought the likes of Klavan for £4.2 million, Robertson for £8 million and Shaqiri for £13 million. All success to varying degrees.
Would Liverpool do those sorts of deals now? It doesn't look like it, it looks like we only want to buy superstars.


There are still bargains out there, Rayan for £15 million, Everton have just bought Hackney for £16 million, Sunderland got Sadiki for £17 million last summer.
We either need to be scouting players better or taking more chances on unproven players.

23 Jul 2026 23:13:31
I think it's just Willy waving by Hughes, get it on his CV that he signed mega stars for big money.

23 Jul 2026 23:46:38
Even since Ian Ayers' days, FSG have been looking at a place to watch only Liverpool matches.

24 Jul 2026 08:35:09
The Americans have NFL Pass so you can watch all your team's games, pre season, season games and playoffs. I really think this is going to be the way forward.

{Ed001's Note - that has been the plan by FSG all along, but it is getting the Premier League itself to agree that is the issue.}

23 Jul 2026 18:57:16
Hello Eds, all - it's been a while!

Apologies if this has been answered, but as I say it's been some time since I've been on the page, but does anybody know if there's any truth to the Zabarnyi talk? Is he someone we're actively looking at. Think he'd be brilliant. Thanks!

23 Jul 2026 20:27:43
PSG want rid, given he is Ukrainian and the GK is Russian, and they're causing problems. He is being offered as a loan option, but a deal might be affected by the Barcola signing, so it is an option but not something we're prioritising according to Carra.

23 Jul 2026 20:32:33
Try the search function, searching 'sneeze'.

23 Jul 2026 17:10:45
Decide the sum up my feelings.
The only way I now how.
Through the medium of song.
To the tune of Bonnie Tyler's holding out for a hero.
**deep breath**

Where have all the good wingers gone, and where all the right backs?
Where's the streetwise Salah types to score the goals on the attacks?
Where's the Centre Backs, if injuries occur?
Late at night, I toss and turn, knowing we need more.



I need a signing!!
I'm holding out of signing to play on the right.
He gotta be strong, and he's gotta be fast.
And he's gotta press with some fight.

I need a signing!!
I'm holding out for a signing to defend on the right,
He's gotta be strong and he's gotta be fit,
And he can't be injured half his life.

{Ed025's Note - good stuff Davey..

23 Jul 2026 17:58:19
Brilliant!

23 Jul 2026 18:02:40
Love it, Davey!

23 Jul 2026 18:42:41
Class Davey, now I've got that song stuck in my head, cheers for that.

23 Jul 2026 18:43:41
Great, Davey, but definitely too much time on your hands, mate. Have you tried a hobby? 😜

23 Jul 2026 18:47:32
Love it, Davey.

23 Jul 2026 18:51:23
Nice one, Davey. 👌

23 Jul 2026 19:18:01
I normally don't read these types of posts but Davey, that was brilliant!

23 Jul 2026 21:43:37
Good one, Davey. Good to see you, Salah! Hope all is good with you and yours.

24 Jul 2026 07:57:21
That was class, Davey - that song is now stuck in my head lol. 👏

23 Jul 2026 16:43:12
Woodman has just signed a 3 year deal. I do wonder if Mama is on his way out (if only because it seems odd for a older 3rd choice keeper to sign a deal of that length).

23 Jul 2026 17:06:40
You have a point there, Lofty.

23 Jul 2026 17:07:49
I did think Woodman looked a better second keeper than Mama last year.

Would use Woodman as second keeper until Jaros is back from injury later this year.

23 Jul 2026 17:08:22
"Of that Length" - it's only 3 years.
He's 29, which isn't really considered old for a keeper.
He was in his final year of contract, it was essential to renew it.
I wouldn't read into it.

23 Jul 2026 17:10:09
Jaros and Pesci will be loaned out.

23 Jul 2026 17:21:01
From the inside trainings he looks popular amongst the squad. Young for a third choice. Think it's a good move.

23 Jul 2026 17:24:03
Essential to renew a 3rd choice keeper's contract? I'd agree with Lofty, it seems odd to me the 3rd choice keeper signing a contract of that length. Wouldn't be against moving Mama on either.

23 Jul 2026 17:34:05
Woodman isn't as good as Mama. Never in 2 months of Sundays.

23 Jul 2026 17:36:37
I agree, a good move. Has looked more assured between the sticks than Mamardashvilli.

Pesci and Jaros do seem really highly regarded within the club, so I can see Mamardashvilli being sold, and one of them (probably Jaros, depending on recovery, esp as Pecsi has already got a loan) being kept at the club as 2nd choice.

23 Jul 2026 17:49:55
Florian, essential as in necessary, not essential as in vital/critical/urgent, if we don't renew he's gone on a free in 10 months, sure he's of little financial value, but if he's doing his job well, then why go to the bother of trying to unnecessarily replace him, so if the club values him, whatever his position, it's nothing more than an essential renewal and not worth reading into.

I certainly wouldn't use it as grounds for speculating on the movement of GK's ranked above him. Every team needs a third-choice GK, they are essential, as we saw during last season. In Freddie's case, it's simply an "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" situation.

23 Jul 2026 17:54:40
Don't we usually just have 3rd choice goalies on rolling contracts? I might be wrong, just don't remember them ever being on as long a contract with us.

23 Jul 2026 18:01:29
Most commenting on Woodman have seen him about twice, and you would think he was the next Gordon Banks. My son is a season ticket holder at Preston and he said he is just an average Championship keeper.

23 Jul 2026 18:07:27
In fairness, thinking someone is better than Mama is hardly comparing them to Gordon Banks. 😁

23 Jul 2026 18:13:31
He didn't look anything great in the games he played, he was far from a dominant presence in the box, but his distribution was slightly better than Mama, tbf.

23 Jul 2026 18:15:03
I know exactly the point you are making, Kemlyn. I'm more than happy to have him as 3rd choice. He seems a top bloke. However, if both him and Mama were to be put on the market, who would fetch the most? Mama, simply because he is a better keeper.

23 Jul 2026 18:42:43
Jaros should be no 2. He was very good abroad.

23 Jul 2026 19:33:55
LeBoeufCurtains (great name by the way, made me chuckle). I said this at the start of the window, promote Jaros as no 2 and cash in on Marma. I hadn't realised though that Jaros is returning from a serious injury, so that might not be so simple/such a good idea.

23 Jul 2026 19:44:31
Woodman has been given a 3 year contract because the club deems him valuable enough; personally, I think he earned that considering his performances last season. Despite his (3) good performances, he's nowhere near Giorgi's level, and there's absolutely no chance the club is considering moving Giorgi on to replace him with Woodman. If Giorgi moves on, it will have absolutely nothing to do with Woodman and will be because he doesn't want to play second fiddle to Alisson, which I don't see happening, as Alisson is likely gone next summer, and staying onboard will be Giorgi's quickest route to No.1 for a top top team.

Jaros has been out for 4 months with a serious ACL tear. Despite being present on the trip to the States, he's still recovering and in no shape to be a regular no.2 at the moment.

23 Jul 2026 21:22:13
Just glad you never chose Lost in France, but kudos for being on point with Bonnie Tyler, mate, the poor man's Olivia Neutron Bomb.

23 Jul 2026 16:35:11
Stefan Borson, football finance expert on TalkSport about the 130 charges against Citeh;
"The general feeling around the industry is that there’s been no decision yet, as remarkable as that is. 19 months on, 20 months on almost, still no decision.

"Totally unacceptable, of course, beyond all of the parties’ expectations about when they would receive a decision.

Broadly inexplicable by any sport of norms in these sorts of matters.

You'd wonder are they waiting until City get all their summer recruitment business completed first."

23 Jul 2026 17:07:04
I'm over it, personally.

23 Jul 2026 17:16:04
The 115 charges will eventually boil down to about 6. Citty will get something like a 12 point deduction and a fine, a token punishment, which they'll appeal, and probably win. We will not get the just result we wished for.

It's not by chance that it's taking so much time, the longer it drags on the less people care about it, this is preferable for all involved, including the league.

23 Jul 2026 17:37:34
I'd love it (channelling my inner KK RIP) if the post that went up a few days ago comes true, that they will get a 60 point deduction after the window has closed...

23 Jul 2026 18:15:22
They can't be worried after shelling out £100m plus for Anderson, big contracts etc.

23 Jul 2026 18:44:24
That's the best way Oli, the whole thing has been farcical. City will likely get a fine and probably have the cheek to pay it in instalments.

23 Jul 2026 19:17:26
Or pay double, AAR91, just to make a point, money means nothing to them, and they can do what they like.

23 Jul 2026 21:43:48
Chewy is right. Most of the charges are minor infractions which would normally just be a small fine.

There's maybe 7 main ones which should incur stronger penalties if proven guilty - these are the ones which I imagine they'll eventually get away with.

23 Jul 2026 21:47:05
The whole saga is a blight on football in general. But you know what? I've a lot more important things to care about.

23 Jul 2026 22:04:52
Like the billionaires who control our governments, there ain't a whole lot we can do about it

24 Jul 2026 08:09:35
Most are just noise, failure to cooperate types etc., but there are maybe half a dozen very serious, related to inflated sponsorship, manager remuneration - Mancini paid from 2 accounts and receiving a £4m 'consultancy' payment for basically an interview given being two main ones there - that are the ones to watch out for - if they have been proven through then the sanctions could be severe.

Worth remembering the UEFA case too, they lost on appeal not due to what was proven per se but the fact City produced a new witness who verified the timing of the charges - these were thus outside the statute of limitations according to UEFA laws.

The judges at the time commented on this as to why this witness etc. was not produced at the time, only at the appeals stage, made further comments too which is unusual in such cases.

But yeah, it has honestly taken far too long for any of us to believe anything will actually happen.

23 Jul 2026 14:31:18
If both YD and BB come in the surely Gapko is on his way out.

Keeping Rio, Elliot the three new boys and the young talent in the youth covers off the wings.

Also Wirtz has covered out wide too.

23 Jul 2026 14:43:51
I'd broadly agree, but we may keep Gakpo until Jan, when Ekitike is back.

However, I have no idea what Iraola has seen so far from the younger kids in pre-season.

23 Jul 2026 14:45:13
I wouldn't say so, he's ideal cover for Ekitike, which will be crucial, as Isak needs minutes managed and is injury prone.

23 Jul 2026 14:53:25
What a relief we don't have to watch Slot-Ball next season.

23 Jul 2026 14:55:38
Gakpo and Elliot will be sold if we get both.

Could get 100m for both.

23 Jul 2026 14:56:25
By that I mean, I wouldn't say it's a certainty he leaves unless he fancies a move himself. With competition for spaces possibly about to heat up and his own recent tragedy in his personal life, he may feel a fresh start abroad might be best, but as it stands, he's the only one qualified to cover Isak/Ekitike.

He did bag 25 and 23 G/A in the 2 seasons prior to last and has spent plenty in the centre-forward role.

23 Jul 2026 14:57:14
Yep, I could maybe see that. Wait till Jan, unless Chiesa also stays, then it makes sense to shed Gakpo's wage.

23 Jul 2026 15:15:31
I see Elliot playing in midfield again, not on the wing. Was much better as a centre mid under Klopp.

23 Jul 2026 16:07:29
I’m not sure what games you watched under Klopp, Taurus, but Elliott was awful as a midfielder, especially after his ankle break.

I like Elliott, but he needs to man up if he’s going to be any good in midfield. His biggest issue is that off the ball he’s an empty shirt. There’s no point pressing if he can’t tackle the man on the ball, and he can’t. They literally just muscle their way past him, and it leaves us wide open.

Klopp played him there when we were struggling for midfielders (pre Szob, Macca, and Grav), and we finished 5th.

Elliott just didn’t have the relentlessness or aggression off the ball in midfield to play our game.

It got to the point where if I saw him on the team sheet I just knew we were in for a tough game.

He’s a 10 all day long. With pace ahead of him to open up spaces and give him passing options he could be very good, but he’s not a midfielder, he just doesn’t have the physicality needed.

23 Jul 2026 16:13:06
This isn't FIFA. Doubt Gakpo is going to be interested in leaving mid season (I know, I know he joined us in January). But, from a respect viewpoint, I think if you decide with the player not to part ways it has to be for the season. Everyone expects him to get loads of games with Isak's injuries anyway, and Hugo won't be back until 2027.

23 Jul 2026 16:28:14
I really can't see BB and YD both being signed (said the same about Isak + Wirtz, so hopefully a jinx), just seems mental money 2 summers in a row.

Especially when we need more on top of that, and I can't really see any high ticket sales other than Mac.

23 Jul 2026 17:09:59
Zed, Ekitike won't be back in January. An Achilles tear is nothing to play with.

That is easily a 12 month layoff, and that does not even include rehab, depending on the severity, and you cannot take any chances in the slightest.

I propose we don't rely on him being fit playing for the next 6 to 9 months.

23 Jul 2026 17:21:03
Riosstepover, I agree, Elliot was always overrated for me. He lacks the grit and determination you need in the middle of the park, or anywhere, really. Maybe if he spent less time on his perm he might find time to improve.

23 Jul 2026 19:14:23
He lacks the grit and determination? Really?

It's more about physicality and speed, imo, as there is nothing wrong with Elliot's passion and drive for this club.

And, what does his perm have to do with his football ability, by the way?

Cheap and tasteless dive at the kid. Always easier to pick on the academy guys, right?

23 Jul 2026 19:35:43
I am with you, Taurus. Elliot will be back up to Wirtz in the no. 10 position.

23 Jul 2026 20:03:47
Kameron, as I said, Elliot is overrated in my opinion, an opinion plenty of people share. No, it's not "easier to have a go at academy lads". I'm a huge supporter of blooding the youth. I've expressed my concerns over the importance of it on multiple occasions. Let's stop pretending Elliot is some sort of academy youngster to start with. He's 23 now and has been in amongst first team football for 4 years, so don't try to make out like I'm having a pop at some kid.



I would openly criticise anybody who I think could better focus their energies, as, for me, it raises concerns over their priorities. Elliot, hairdo aside, has also shown up to pre-season having gained considerable weight. That's not the kind of thing somebody with grit and determination does.

23 Jul 2026 21:44:30
If Harvey was as highly valued as some fans think, we would have had a queue of clubs looking to take him. His transfer fee and wages are relatively modest, so why haven’t clubs bought him?

He’s a good player, but probably not ideally suited to the current demands of the Premier League, much more about pace and power than it is about his skill set these days, which may mean he should look abroad for his next opportunity.

23 Jul 2026 21:54:24
Overkill, he is a good squad option, though not every player can be the best in their position. You need players like Elliott in the squad, who have fight, personality, and can do a job.

23 Jul 2026 22:06:02
When Iraola was talking about needing signings, needs wingers, and he commented on the already injured players - I was thinking, man, imagine if Slot was saying this. 😅

23 Jul 2026 23:10:00
I'm happy to keep Harvey, I like him. If he's ok staying and getting a few games in the cups and a few sub appearances that'll work for most supporters. Club may like a fee though I'm guessing.

24 Jul 2026 06:08:41
I still have no idea where you have seen his overweight photos, Chewy. In all photos I've seen of him in training, he does not remotely look like he has put on any considerable weight.

And we can fault him for his pace and physicality, but his heart and passion have always been there for all to see. He has always given his all for us, so I'm also not sure where the questions surrounding his mentality are coming from.

In fact, I saw a quote from Iraola saying how impressed he has been with Elliot for cutting short his holiday and starting his training early, and not letting the difficulties from the last season phase him.