Liverpool rumours 6

08 Aug 2026 07:45:24
I read that the Araujo loan has an option to buy. Ed's, can you confirm yet whether it is an option or a guarantee to buy?

{Ed001's Note - no idea sorry.}

08 Aug 2026 08:25:02
Option.

08 Aug 2026 09:13:02
It's an option to buy. Btw, Araujo is genuinely a top tier defender, though he arrives at Anfield needing a bit of a career reset. Ignore the negativity from some of the other posters and let's see.

08 Aug 2026 09:55:30
People give what they learn as early as possible and to the best of their knowledge and we are grateful for that.
If Barcola does not happen, so what, that is the market and no one guarantees anything.

08 Aug 2026 10:07:47
My brother in law is a Barca nut and watches every single game. He really rates Araujo and has done for some time.

08 Aug 2026 10:47:17
Araujo is an excellent squad addition from what I have seen of him.

We know he has the ability.

I have the belief Iraola will get him firing.

Great addition to support the young cbs coming through, and offer first team value, and we need leadership in that dressing room.

You don't become a Barcelona captain without having excellent leadership.

08 Aug 2026 10:49:49
Araujo is an excellent defender. He's had some well publicised problems of late but let's hope he's come through those and can be a real asset.

I think, given his recent mental health struggles, a loan is perfect for both parties. We can hopefully help him and assess whether he can get back to the player he was and he can assess life on Merseyside and make sure the change doesn't negatively affect his mental health.



I'm all for it. Welcome, mate. I hope you smash it up and shut up the naysayers!

08 Aug 2026 10:54:07
Bottom line is, we needed cover. Everyone was crying about cover. We get cover, and everyone is still crying. Well, not everyone, but flip me. A lot of entitled fans giving off.

The window has been tough and the Diomande thing set us back a bit. I love how our two signings so far have not been mentioned once across any platform I follow by any journalist or fan.



Leaks definitely must be plugged now. Wouldn't be surprised if there are another one or two signings that people aren't expecting.

Araujo could come to Liverpool and be an absolute beast, so let's give the guy a chance. It's a relatively low risk signing.

08 Aug 2026 11:15:49
Christensen and Garcia are still at Barca while Araujo is turfed out to us. Says it all. Flik passing his problems onto someone else. Couldn't be more underwhelmed, and I am usually a positive fan.

08 Aug 2026 11:19:30
I've been a long time lurker on this site, used to post years ago but haven't for a long time. Felt the need to post after reading what Florian has just posted about mental health. Unbelievable that you think wealth can somehow protect you from mental health problems.

08 Aug 2026 11:21:00
Agreed. No pleasing some people.

08 Aug 2026 11:33:54
Sorry you feel that way, Sigglebean. And trust me I am a good guy. Also a guy that gets very very down. But what happens if I don't just get on with it and get into work, even if the last thing I wanna do is even say hello to somebody? Mortgage doesn't get paid, bills don't get paid.

I realise to some my post might sound heartless, but trust me, wealth on the scale these guys have would protect me from all my mental problems.

08 Aug 2026 12:05:07
I don't know what Florian said, but funnily enough, it's always the people who are rich and happy who warn you that money won't make you happy!

Seriously though, anxiety and depression aren't discriminatory; they don't know the bounds of social classes.

Sure, it's easy to say "money would solve 99% of my problems" and in most cases it probably would, but mental health can cut down any man, in any situation.

08 Aug 2026 12:13:33
@Florian, It doesn't work that way, mate. It's not about "feeling a bit down." It's incomprehensible to someone who's never been there, but trust me, it doesn't matter how much money you have, it can destroy you.

08 Aug 2026 12:10:16
Wow this guy goes from 1 extreme to another 🙄 last year defended a poor manager and now slates a player who hasn't even kicked a ball for us yet and knocks about having mental health issues, you just ain't got a clue pal, take a break FM, you sound pathetic 😞

08 Aug 2026 12:20:05
Don't know why ppl are moaning about an international player who we have got on loan, we needed cover as everyone says. He can play CB n RB, to me that's a win win. We should do a few more loan deals, everyone else seems to do it with no problems, but we only seem happy when we spend or waste 100 mill on players.

08 Aug 2026 12:24:59
You're right, Chewy. And I'm probably wrong. But I also disagree that it's easy to say it. I think it's true to say it. People will be going through this winter with their house freezing, or with the fridge empty. I, rightfully or wrongly, find it very hard to feel sympathy for people who have a life for themselves and their family that most would die for.

That's it from me, rant over. Hope the guy is a resounding success and we win the league by March. 😂

08 Aug 2026 12:32:22
Sigglebean, I'm finished on the subject, but with all respect I don't know you, you don't know me, so when you say "it's not about feeling a bit down" you're doing exactly what you think I'm doing. As I said, finished on the subject. Hope the bloke does well, back to LFC related stuff.

08 Aug 2026 12:41:18
Florian, feeling a bit down and depression are miles apart.
When you're feeling down, it's for a reason like money problems or relationship problems or work stress etc.
Depression hits u whether u happy financially, romantically, and at work.
I nursed a good friend with depression and asked him to explain his symptoms.


He basically said, when he woke up in the morning, no matter how god he should have felt because his life was so good, he had a black fog over his brain.
Hit me deep.
And to this day I can never comprehend how he felt.
The bottom line is, unless u have suffered, u have no idea.

08 Aug 2026 12:53:52
Some people have no idea. I had to section a previous partner because she was a danger to herself. Broke my heart to do that. The illness destroyed our relationship. Depression is not an easy fix.

08 Aug 2026 12:57:51
Geez, Florian, depression is caused by things other than money. Who knows what traumas he hides in his past? Empathy is important - walking a mile in another's shoes. Robbie Willams, and Robin Williams, are both good examples that wealth means jack s*** when dealing with mental health.

08 Aug 2026 12:58:29
Haha. Have you ever watched Barca? Garcia and Christensen are nowhere near Araujo's best. Cubarsi yes.

08 Aug 2026 13:04:21
I understand where you're coming from, Florian. It can be easy to criticise those who don't suffer the trenches with the rest of us, especially when it comes to our daily struggles, be they monetary, physical, or mental. As I said, money would solve 99% of people's problems, but mental health lies in the 1%. Anybody can suffer from it, at any time in any situation.

It's easy to call out those that seem to have blessed bank accounts, but nobody really knows what's going on in anybody else's head. Let's not forget, Araujo comes from extreme poverty. He's all too familiar with the struggle, and we don't know what he went through growing up, or how that may affect him now.

08 Aug 2026 13:06:55
And yet he's sent out on loan, LeBoeuf.

08 Aug 2026 13:19:08
Just catching up on this, dear me, Florian. I actually can't believe what I am reading. I try not to categorise people, but I have made my mind up on you. Literally no idea about mental health. I bet you are one of these "man up" type people that somehow believe gender determines mental health, and if you are a man, you should be out working and "get on with things".

So if you are wealthy and your child passes away from cancer, does this not matter because you are rich? Or if you have been a victim of abuse or issues with your sexuality or identity, this doesn't matter if you have good in your fridge?
I've done quite well in my career and earn a very respectable wage, but have been through multiple counselling sessions from multiple counsellors, working out what is going on in my head.

I know plenty of people who have trauma in their lives, broken down relationships, estranged children, problems with drugs. They are all what I would say, upper tier earners. Please don't comment on things that you clearly don't understand. I am not having a go at you, I just want you to think before you type. You might like the attention, but people everywhere suffer from mental health problems, not just poor people.

08 Aug 2026 13:23:37
Florian, you should look up Carl Rogers's theory on "conditions of worth". If you think you can only achieve happiness through wealth, then that says a lot about you, but who am I to judge. To say someone that is wealthy cannot be depressed is just ridiculous and shows your ignorance in clear daylight, but you love the attention, mate, good or bad.

08 Aug 2026 13:25:28
That's fair Chewy, when I'm saying to people they don't know me, I don't know Araujo so I suppose I'm guilty of the same thing. I hope it works out, I hope I'm wrong, but from a purely LFC perspective I won't change my view that I think this is a bad move.

08 Aug 2026 13:26:42
Quite a few of his issues developed from El Clasico and he's gone on record saying he felt Real were treated very leniently compared to Barca. He needs a change of scenery really.

08 Aug 2026 13:41:30
Inbeta, again, for the sake of sounding tiresome you don't know me. I'm sorry you've had them issues. I have already gone into my thinking way more than I'm normally into doing. I realise I will get a few more posts like this.

Nothing I can really do about that. Not justifying myself, don't have to. You can be sure I wasn't the only person who thought what I have said on this site when they read up on Araujo. Hope it works out because that's the main thing.

08 Aug 2026 13:41:56
Florian,
It is fine to have an opinion on whether a signing is good or bad, that is your prerogative. But not on someone's health issues. I am pretty sure the team negotiating with the player are aware of his issues.

Maybe he feels that a move elsewhere will benefit him long term.
I sincerely hope you are able to manage your issues and I wish you well,
YNWA.

08 Aug 2026 13:56:14
Thanks Florian. I have dealt with my issues and actively deal with new issues as and when they arise.

I would suggest that you deal with your issues.

You are right, I don't know you. I can only see what you post, which is ignorant and negligent and I suspect to gain attention. You did the same with the slot debate and many more things.

If you genuinely think bereavement, abuse, trauma, sexuality, depression, anxiety etc should not affect someone with money then I really don't know anymore

08 Aug 2026 14:13:32
Inbeta, gaining attention on here wouldn't even cross my mind. If I wanted to do that I'd waffle all summer that I have a contact and that such and such a signing is just around the corner. You've listed off a load of items I never mentioned. Why are you mentioning them?

08 Aug 2026 14:20:33
I was too harsh yesterday, too quick with my comment. I know very little about the guy and thought he was currently out injured. He can cover at rb and cb, which we badly need. Hopefully it can turn out to be a good bit of business.

08 Aug 2026 14:24:41
Good signing. Get behind him, all Reds together.

08 Aug 2026 15:26:24
Good signing, if only for a year. Don't get the negativity from people at times, we needed cover and club delivered, too many people think we spend like City and if it doesn't work out, just go and buy another expensive toy.

If anything, we need a right winger and backup striker.

08 Aug 2026 15:48:51
Imagine how bad the depression must be if you've got incredible wealth and it still grips you. There are lots of causes, financial is a common one, but not the only one.

It's certainly complex, and most of us, luckily, don't have a clue. Terrible for those that do.

What I hope more than anything is that, on his debut, the fans get behind him like they did with Nunez. The Anfield crowd behind you can make you feel like Superman.

Come on Reds, be the 12th man for this guy.

08 Aug 2026 17:01:56
Konate lost a teammate and father within months of each other last season, yet he still got and still does get pelters.

People can't pick and choose when to be offended by subjects.

08 Aug 2026 14:15:58
Florian I really hope you are ever effected by depression, I have 4 suicide attempts, been sectioned and suffer every day with ptsd and people like you, pass it off

I would never have shared this on a site but some of the comments are beyond the pale

08 Aug 2026 18:17:40
Appreciate your openness, Fatwallet. Wife has had similar struggles. Every day is a battle, but glad you are here and with us.

08 Aug 2026 18:34:59
@Fatwallet, I had family members with same struggles, hope you're well brother YNWA. 👊

08 Aug 2026 19:06:23
@fatwallet, I hope you are okay. 99% of the people on here will be behind you, mate, but unfortunately 1% will tell you to "get on with it" or say things like, "what's he got to be depressed about", like it's a choice.

I'm assuming Florian also thinks sexuality is a choice as well.

Anyway, I only want to engage with normal people on here, so enough about Florian.

I hope you have a good support network around @fatwallet. YNWA.

08 Aug 2026 20:01:41
You assume a lot, Inbeta.

08 Aug 2026 22:42:41
@Florian, put the spade down, climb out of the hole and walk away.

09 Aug 2026 09:39:20
Petecolo, kloppsglzsses, inbeta1989, thanks a lot and hope your loved ones are ok. It's a nightmare some days, but I have a wife who's been there, God she had it rough.

But support likes this gives you a lift.
Again thank you YNWA.

08 Aug 2026 05:34:37
Tyler Adams is the latest link for £50m. First time he's been mentioned I think.

08 Aug 2026 06:45:44
We were interested in him before he joined Bournemouth, or sure tho if he would improve our midfield.

08 Aug 2026 07:40:03
Mad that the two players we have actually signed have come out of nowhere and not mentioned on this site at all.....

08 Aug 2026 07:52:39
The one thing I like about Adams is he's salty. He gets stuck in and does the dirty work.

08 Aug 2026 08:20:43
I have noticed this before, we have a habit of going for captain/leaders type material in our targets, and when you look at our squad. I don't think that's a bad thing. Salah and Robbo have left so that experience and leadership need to come in.

08 Aug 2026 10:08:35
As ed001 said, Adams is a very physical player. He gets the job jobbed

08 Aug 2026 10:57:03
Adam's and £50m should not be in the same post.

08 Aug 2026 11:35:49
Crazy isn't it, Origi.

08 Aug 2026 13:16:11
Barcola been 'agreed' for a week and still not sorted.

08 Aug 2026 14:11:53
I think this is a shrewd piece of business. When fully fit, he is a top class defender and sounds like a change will do him the world of good.
We have 4 defenders currently injured, and we are hopeful once they are fit, they are all first team material. If we get them back on the field in a month or two it would have been a massive waste of money to spend 60/70 million on a centre back when we need that money to strengthen other areas.


A loan of such an experienced player with an option to buy, if it works out, is perfect. He is a defender that is strong and powerful and great in the air, and that's why exactly what we needed with the amount of goals we conceded from set plays last season. He is not slow either, so hopefully this is an excellent signing.
Now let's get Barcola don't and move on.

08 Aug 2026 17:13:00
Wouldn't think too much about it... Just a lazy "Manager's last club" rumour.
Also wouldn't be keen... Good player, but Bournemouth value him more than we would.

07 Aug 2026 23:24:45
LFC have signed Araujo. Apparently STC has been accidentally signed into his Liverpool Gmail account rather than his Al Hilal one. So we’ve ended up with him instead of them.

More to come though! Barcola close. #isak £ fee numbers.

Unless Al Hilal announce him this week!! Chaos.

Keep em clean lads.
CSW.

08 Aug 2026 08:53:45
Tough read this, guys! Is he the perfect signing... Probably not, but he's experienced and as is certainly better than playing a midfielder out of position at CB.

Also, he didn't 'disappear' during last season. The lad suffered from anxiety and depression for 18 months, which finally caught up with him and he made a very brave decision to step away from football for a while.

Let's not play that down. Even a hint at serious mental illness not being a good enough reason to miss games shows a significant lack of empathy, and certainly not a trait I've experienced from Liverpool fans.

08 Aug 2026 11:00:48
I'm probably going to sound like a drick here, but all my mental struggles come from working 2 jobs trying to pay a mortgage and raise a gang of kids. Again I'm sorry if I sound callous, but no time to be worrying about footballers with millions in the bank who work a coupla hours a day. I don't like this signing.

08 Aug 2026 11:10:58
You have perfect points, Flo, but mental issues can affect anyone, rich or not. Let's just wish him luck and the new guys.

08 Aug 2026 11:27:26
Of course I'll wish him luck Leon, he plays for Liverpool for the next 9 months. look at Barca's squad, they are as bare as us at CB but are letting this guy go out on loan. Screams of passing their problems onto someone else. The mental health thing from your mansion in Southport with a fleet of cars in the driveway? forgive me if I withhold my pity.

08 Aug 2026 12:03:07
Apologies I had replied to the wrong post initially.

Flo, appreciate your points and sorry to hear those things have caused you stress. I can appreciate you'd rather be signing someone else and you don't have to like it to support the player. I'd also would have preferred other options.

However, Leon is right, mental illness doesn't care how much you have in the bank. I'm pretty sure the likes of Chester Bennington and Chris Cornell weren't short a quid or two when they took their own lives.

My point still stands. The guy had a serious mental illness, he didn't 'disappear' as it's been described, and playing it down mental ill health is the reason behind the stigma and why people don't talk out.

All the best to the lad and hopefully he contributes to a highly successful season.

08 Aug 2026 12:04:59
Look I am not an expert by any means and I don't suffer from mental health issues. But from my limited knowledge mental health affects all kinds of people from poor to rich. I cannot accept that having millions in the bank eliminates all your problems.
Take someone like Gary Speed. He was a wealthy player then manager. But he took his own life.

08 Aug 2026 12:28:49
Florian, so look at it another way, it's very lucky that he is in a job what allows him to be fit n healthy n gets paid handsomely so he doesn't worry about mortgages etc.

But he has anxiety etc n it's affecting him big time so he'd be a lot worse if he was doing a 9-5 job like the rest of us. Because even millionaires get mental issues.

07 Aug 2026 22:39:49
Rumours of Ronald Araujo arriving on loan from Barcelona.

07 Aug 2026 22:55:21
Just read that myself. Nice to see someone coming in to cover.

07 Aug 2026 22:56:13
Another sick note, Gomez. Be delighted, new buddy.

07 Aug 2026 23:04:29
This looks like another Arthur Melo type job, is he actually currently injured?

07 Aug 2026 23:04:57
Fabrizio has confirmed it, and there is an option to buy.

I wonder if the medical on Jacquet is not good, and he needs more time or procedure?

07 Aug 2026 23:07:50
Not happy with that. Full of errors, injury prone, ran off to Israel in the middle of the season,

07 Aug 2026 23:09:24
Leaks officially plugged.

07 Aug 2026 23:09:40
Good player, experienced and can cover both positions of CB and RB. Played 38 times for Barca last season and was even captain, so a little surprised he was able to leave on loan. Rumoured to be on £240,000 per week, so perhaps Barca need to free up salary to make way for Rodri?

07 Aug 2026 23:13:47
Arthur II.

07 Aug 2026 23:14:40
Must be fake, Liverpool can only do one deal at a time, apparently.

07 Aug 2026 23:15:06
Who was our last loan player?

07 Aug 2026 23:15:10
Sick note and a walking red card. Marvellous.

07 Aug 2026 23:20:16
I had the same appreciation, but if you check his appearances he seems to manage 30+ games every season. We have our captain, we have some young Gems at CB.

We didn't need the perfect CB, we needed some help and we've got it. Now, between VVD, Araujo, Jacquet, Leoni, Gomez, we should manage to have two available at all times.

07 Aug 2026 23:20:59
Not sure if there is a buy option. Only say that because he has only recently signed a new 5yr deal with Barcelona.

{Ed078's Note - I believe an option to buy was negotiated

07 Aug 2026 23:24:11
Really don't understand this one. I know we should be positive that a CB is coming in, but he is woeful. Backup? Yes. Starting partner for VVD? God help us.

07 Aug 2026 23:27:13
@KCD, Since Konate decided to leave, there has been constant chatter to bring in an experienced CB. We've brought one in. Let's take a minute to be happy.

07 Aug 2026 23:27:30
Won't happen. Waste of money. Waste of time. Waste of sense. Ignore.

07 Aug 2026 23:34:57
This is the one deal.

07 Aug 2026 23:44:13
Give the chap a chance, ffs.

07 Aug 2026 23:48:28
Viktor, that's quite a positive assessment for you, so I will look forward to this signing lol.

07 Aug 2026 23:59:11
Let's give him a chance and get behind him.

08 Aug 2026 00:00:30
Well that's a surprise. Hope it's more of an inspired risk than an Arthur Melo.

08 Aug 2026 00:03:16
The Uruguayan Joe Gomez.

08 Aug 2026 00:17:57
Wow.. and the negatively is already underway, think some people need to get a grip, whatever the club do won't be good enough.

08 Aug 2026 00:33:09
The negativity and cynicism is very understandable and perfectly reasonable, we’ve been here before with dross like Caulker, Kabak, Davies & Arthur.

It’s almost impressive that we’ve reached the Arthur Melo stage of the transfer window so soon, and we appear to have outdone ourselves here, as he has plenty of red flags and injury issues. It’s a royal flush of problems.

08 Aug 2026 00:37:24
His injury record isn't that bad, and his disciplinary record isn't either. 2 red cards in the league and 2 in the Champions League in the last 6 seasons. He played 30 odd games last season, so he's not made of extremely injury prone like some are making out.

08 Aug 2026 00:56:03
The fact that Barca fans are celebrating him being sent on loan (with an option to buy) says it all.

The gist of what I have read (and seen) is that he's not good on the ball (in Barca's system) and is rash.

He is, however, generally good in duels and likes to get stuck in. Maybe something we need in the backline in the PL.

Interesting to see if he'll start against Newcastle and whether it'll be as a CB or RB.

08 Aug 2026 01:02:16
Vik, I'm sorry mate, but you can't compare those players to signing Barcelona's captain. I'm surprised you did, because as negative as you are, you do seem quite intelligent.

I agree with others, I've read nothing other than how we need defensive cover. Someone who can play RB or CB, and then, when we do, it's the wrong player.

It's so tedious to read.

I like Araujo, he's a very good player and gives us exactly what we need. Short term, experienced cover until the others are back from injury and up to speed.

Just give the lad a chance FFS.

08 Aug 2026 01:04:35
Crikey, why don't we at least give him a chance!?

08 Aug 2026 01:13:55
I think we should have spent £120m on a CB who is cover until Leoni and Jacquet are fit and Gomez is ready to play and Ndukwe is back from his loan. We needed cover.

We have cover in the shape of a very good footballer. The club has acted to bring in cover and it really does warm your heart to see the welcome the lad is getting.

08 Aug 2026 01:52:24
The negativity is off the charts here. Can we give him a chance?

08 Aug 2026 02:23:09
So boring hearing the negativity from the usual suspects. It's pathetic tbh.

08 Aug 2026 02:43:54
Liverpool has a horrendous record of signing loan players. The last good one was Nicholas Anelka.

Araujo is basically the Uruguayan Jamie Carragher. Good stamina, strong, zero football brain at all, and horrific passer. Not sure he's the right choice for a league where he'll get little time on the ball and be pressed high a lot, but let's see how it works out.

08 Aug 2026 03:04:08
West Derby, how in the world is my post "not" enjoying it? Yikes.

08 Aug 2026 03:30:41
I never thought we'd go for a loan, but hey, if it's what suits, we needed a cb, we have one.
Everyone literally said we just needed cover. Now we sign cover, we expect the next virg to be bought.
Talk of Barcola blocking Rios' path. But need a cb to block Jacquet and Leoni.

08 Aug 2026 03:34:42
Last 6 seasons, Araujoo's had 27 total injuries, 4.5 average injuries per season, 96.5 days missed on avg per season.

According to a UEFA study, over the same period, the average player has 12 total injuries, 2 on avg per season and 37 days missed on avg per season.

Interestingly enough, Joe Gomez over the same period has had 16 total injuries, 2.7 avg per season and 97 days missed on avg per season.

To those gaslighting the critics for being too negative, firstly, the stats are there for all to see, the criticism is of the club, not the player, and it's well and truly warranted.

On the claims of some being "unwelcoming", don't worry, Araujo's not on here reading the comments, he'll be welcomed at Anfield to great applause, he'll be supported with every step and his name will be sung by Liverpool fans all around the world.

08 Aug 2026 03:36:52
@kloppdog, we needed cover, and a loan was the best move, but this was the wrong choice of loan.

We signed a player who already struggled in a high line, who needs a season to adapt to a much faster, more aggressive league in which he'll again be asked to play in a high line in a new country, speaking a new language with a new culture in a country where foreigners often struggle to adapt.



Right idea, wrong execution really.

08 Aug 2026 04:57:49
Ffs, we need cover as we have players injured. Makes perfect sense to get a loan in. Let's give the fella a chance.

08 Aug 2026 04:58:07
The only worry I have is his injury record. He had 38 appearances for Barcelona in all competitions. If he contributes that much for Liverpool next season, that should be good enough. And he was out for 7 games because of depression, which he came out of well after getting treatment. Maybe what he needs is change of environment to return back to top form.

Not so long ago he was one of the most valuable defenders in the world, and he became captain last January, and he is only 27. I have never seen him play as RB though, he was used as a right CB in a back three system. So hopefully we are still looking to strengthen that position.
I think he is a smart signing considering the situation.

08 Aug 2026 05:02:11
So everyone happy with this transfer then? 👍

08 Aug 2026 05:14:42
Makes sense to go for a loan at this stage, and pay a fee later to replace VVD. Not sure on the player, as I don't watch Barca. Uruguayans are usually good defensively though.

08 Aug 2026 05:44:37
It just smacks of another market opportunity.

I do hate the way Hughes does business.

Nothing ever seems fully planned, and he doesn't take seriously positions of need. He takes the opportunities that come his way.

Thankfully it's a loan. Araujo is an ok player with a horrendous injury record. Can only hope he stays fit to be useful.

08 Aug 2026 05:49:16
Everyone moaning about "give him a chance" blah blah. He will get a chance. The signing highlights the frailties and lack of management at a senior level. Clearly a scattergun signing due to zero prior planning or a lack of willingness to invest. Either way underwhelming and another season of mediocrity approaching. I feel sorry for Iraola.

08 Aug 2026 05:50:56
He is being paid a king's ransom to be 'cover'. He disappeared last season and missed 6 months because of depression.

He is the messiah and our saviour.

What a desperate signing.

On a brighter note. Arsenal are now in for Barcola. Just what PSG were waiting for, someone who will Jerry Maguire.



Watch the panic buys ensue. Still no CM, no RB, no RW.

Just kids and a high proportion of them injury prone or unfit. This is not the class of 1992 and Hansen was right, you don't win anything with kids.

And we are supposed to stop being negative? What is there to be positive about?

08 Aug 2026 06:00:41
Surely he has to be better than Ibou was last season, let's wait and see!

08 Aug 2026 06:06:34
Let's give the lad a chance, get behind him and welcome him to Liverpool.
If it doesn't work out... it's a loan.
Surely we can't just write him off before he's even played a game for us.

07 Aug 2026 23:21:45
Jaydubred, would you ever get a life instead of that constant moaning crap you spew

07 Aug 2026 23:34:13
@ Llanelli Red - care to share your real name? Your extremely close to me if you are living in Llanelli

08 Aug 2026 00:56:45
All the negativity for someone who hasn't had a game yet wow, must be such joy being round so many miserable I mean joyful fans, read the posts be happy thanks the info and the eds moan about results and lack of when the window is shut, new manager probably means later signings chill out its Liverpool fc not the big ev ;)

08 Aug 2026 06:54:32
@Davey and @Frode, among others, How the f*** do you know that there hasn't been due diligence performed by the club?

Just because neither Munoz or Araujo's arrival was bandied about by the experts on social media doesn't mean that the club isn't doing a fit and proper assessment about players they think they can do the job that is required.

You sound like a pair of spoilt four year olds in a lolly shop, not getting what they think they want.



As I've said elsewhere on here, I'm loving that 2 of the 3 players to come in so far in this window haven't had a single peep mentioned by anybody.

It's genuinely funny that in all the reams and reams and reams of stuff written about who we are in for the whole forum, from the most knowledgeable ITK's to yours truly in the IKFA group, have produced, as or grandparents would have said, provided nothing more than tomorrow's fish and chip wrappers.

08 Aug 2026 07:18:33
Because it's a loan signing of a seriously injury prone player for a position of critical need. If you think all the due diligence and planning has gone into this move, fair enough. That's your opinion.

My opinion is this one fell on Hughes' lap, and he took it to concentrate funds elsewhere. I would have preferred more planning into this position, as I saw it as a priority for squad balance and thought we needed a genuine reliable first teamer there.

Not an injury prone player, and, to be honest, only a decent player even when fit.

Your opinion is what it is. My opinion is what it is, and if you bothered to look around or pay attention, you would have seen I was a huge fan of the Munoz deal. So, throwing that into your argument that I'm some spoilt four year old is not factually correct.

Now, if you would kindly let me continue with my adult conversations on here, I'd greatly appreciate it.

{Ed078's Note - everyone needs to calm down a tad

08 Aug 2026 07:03:16
@StE, how much is he being paid and where is it written down? Genuine question.

08 Aug 2026 07:25:53
Nevada - Mascherano was on loan initially.

Kings Ransom - 240k per week is rumoured. Not sure if it's £ or EUR. Either way it's 12-13M. What can you get these days for 13M in terms of first team ready players? We need cover until Leoni & Jacquet are fit and firing.



The only negativity I have is that he's never been tested in the Premier League. Otherwise it's a shrewd signing. It could be good (take up the offer to buy), it could be bad (let him go after 1 season). 🤷‍♂️

08 Aug 2026 07:29:22
This signing does smack of desperation to be honest...

Leoni out for the long term, and Jacquet injured for who knows how long, VVD at the end of his career, I don't think a loan is the best option, especially for Araujo.

I don't see him as being a VVD replacement, so can't see what the plan is really.

Like every signing though, hopefully it works out.

Time will tell.

08 Aug 2026 07:29:34
I cannot believe the level of negativity. Last time it was as bad as this, we went on and won the league and all the pre season doubters came up saying "I told you so" as if they'd forgotten their woeful predictions. This chap has played a significant amount of games forgone of the best club sides in world football, I'm sure that offers some pedigree for joining another one.

That's not bad cover at all. There clearly is anticipation and expectation in Jacquet and Leoni and I've seen some pretty decent prospects in the academy too. Time to get behind our team and hopefully you'd have told us so come May!

08 Aug 2026 07:44:40
For one (not forgone).

08 Aug 2026 07:48:30
I am sure if we went back a few years on the forum people will have been wanting Araujo signed as a main centre back signing when he was captain of Barcelona and being compared to Virgil. Hopefully, a move does him some good and he's the aggressive front footed centre back that got a lot of praise under Xavi.

08 Aug 2026 07:49:18
I know the eds encourage any sort of discussions but I think certain people on here are constantly negative and have stopped many people from posting as they get ridiculed to its a rumour site why does it seem certain people will never be happy no matter what Liverpool do

08 Aug 2026 08:16:29
I think the club, obviously, sees JJ as first team starter, and because he's spent a good few months out with a shoulder injury, they are just making sure he's completely fit before putting him in. Leoni is back out on the grass, so hopefully in another few months he'll be fit enough for cup games.

This guy has been brought in to cover! If he's not playing week in week out, then it's less strain. Who knows what he'll bring with a new start.

08 Aug 2026 08:18:26
Liverpool have looked at and been linked to Araujo since 2022, so it doesn't sound like we just threw a dart at a board to see what stuck.

Everyone's got an opinion, and has a right to say what they think. We didn't see this signing coming, but we have him, I hope he does well.

Forget the reported wages, he has been bought in as a versatile option. We all know Leoni and Jacquet are the future pairing, but they are struggling with injuries, a loan deal for Araujo makes sense, giving them time to recover and get settled.

If he settles and does well, he may stay permanently.

He has admitted he struggles with anxiety and depression, fair shout to him. Maybe let's not write him off just yet. Hopefully, this is a new start for him, a new environment.

YNWA

08 Aug 2026 08:21:12
Good signing in all honesty.

Can provide cover at RB and at CB.

Gives us a whole season then to see whether:
Bradley can overcome his injury issues.
Frimpong can play better at RB in AI's system.
Leoni and Jacquet can command a starting position at a young age.

It's another body everyone has been shouting for. It then enables the younger and injured players to have a bit more time.



If it doesn't work out, then he goes back to Barca at the end of the season.
If it does work out, he could be the one to replace VVD.

And the talk about his wages - a lot of time, the selling club contributes towards the wages too. That could be happening this time too?

08 Aug 2026 08:27:18
Welcome to Anfield, Ron Aroujo!

VVD needs a pacey, aggressive cover for him to play his usual Rolls Royce game. Kerkez to back him up on the left, but Ron will cover the centre and snap into tackles (one we have been missing, well, until he gets injured).

Leoni and Jacquet will not be rushed into being perfectly fit and usable. Both will slowly phase the senior CBs out.

If Ron is fit and still hungry, he can replace Frimpong on the right, leaving 3 acceptable and solid backline while Kerkez bombs forward. A capable defense gives confidence for the midfielders and forwards to focus on creating and scoring. I'm chuffed to bits, yes optimistically.

Oh Macca stays and improves his game.

So we only sell:
Jones, Elliott, Gakpo & Endo. HG/Non-HG sorted.

08 Aug 2026 08:33:55
Trouble is those negative (can I call them fans?), let's say Liverpool followers, become positive at the flick of a switch. 3 good games, we are world beaters; 1 bad one, the manager needs sacking.

The biggest contributor to a successful team is the connection of the team - it's a team, not a set of individuals. You need solid, not all individually world beaters, to make a team, and a special ingredient of man motivation and management to make a team.

We don't have a group of incapable players, we have a very strong unit and this loan signing only adds to that, let's hope the manager can add the special ingredient to make them thrive.

I'm all for continuing to be a fan not a mere follower.

08 Aug 2026 08:42:24
I see Liverpool's no d#ckheads policy has been binned - sadly!

I do worry there are a few 'challenging' players in the team now, hope Iraola can keep them in check.

I'd love to see Milner come back as a coach, he'd drive some standards into the team again and could be a good ally for Iraola.

08 Aug 2026 08:53:15
People need to catch themselves on here and wind their necks in. It's a season long loan. He'll not be first choice. It's to let the other lads get up to speed and make sure we have depth.

Minimal risk.

It doesn't matter who we sign, cos our fans are spoilt rotten and will just say "who's next" and complain the whole way through the window.

I'm behind the lad. Hope he does well.

08 Aug 2026 09:16:14
Unfortunately, the true no d***heads policy cannot be enforced across a so called fan base!

In my club, I trust they get it right a lot more than wrong and silence the haters en route!

YNWA.

08 Aug 2026 09:23:38
The guy played 34 times for Barca last season in the League and CL. I don't think that puts him in the same bracket as Melo, Kabak, Davies and Caulker! That's just a daft comparison.

08 Aug 2026 09:31:06
This player was top tier and has been captain of Barca. He is the perfect fit project for Andoni and Virgil. Understated signing who can be a beast. A good, left field signing.

08 Aug 2026 10:08:16
Quite surprised with the negativity.
From what little I see, I think he is not bad, and seems very speedy too.
Anyway, it is what it is. Just hope it works out. Give him a chance. Don't kill him before he even starts with your views and words.



Nobody expected Robertson to work as well as it did, did we? Gini too. Even Matip...


If he is not up to it, well, by all means slam him.
I am still slamming Kerkez, by the way...

08 Aug 2026 10:13:00
So much assgas on this site. I've seen a lot of Barca games as my in-laws are ultras, and Araujo is exactly what Iraola needs. Time off for mental health is brave. He'd a unit, rapid and excellent in duels. Most comments have been stultifyingly ill informed.

08 Aug 2026 11:08:12
Well, if he was depressed living in the beautiful sunny Barcelona, I wonder how he's going to feel living somewhere it rains 50% of the time and averages 5C for half the season.

08 Aug 2026 12:08:25
@Davey, virtually everybody on this site from Whitney 4 year olds in the lolly shop to erudite conversationalist, like yourself has voiced the urgent need for cover for our CBs. The club has brought in a player who has captained one of the powerhouse teams in European football, the lad played 34 games last season in La Liga and the CL and has represented his country. He isn't here to play 60+ games. He is here as cover and to act as a stop gap until the young lads are back from injury. That said, he's no mug and we might all be surprised by what we've got. In the context of the current market prices, he is a very reasonable option coming in on a 1 year loan deal and with an option to buy should things work out.



I honestly don't understand how you think it is a 'desperation' signing with the obvious inference that the club has not performed due diligence, and I think you and others are seeking out ways to be negative without any reason other than the player doesn't happen to be the one you and others on here wanted to see brought in.

Anyway, like you say, it's about opinions and you'd have to say the opinion that matters most in this case is the club's and they would seem to think that your opinion is of little or no value.

08 Aug 2026 13:32:01
He was depressed partly because he felt Real players were treated leniently and he wasn't.

To say he can't handle a high line is absolute nonsense. If you said he's not great on the ball, I'd understand, but Araujo is able to shift, and he's excellent at recovery. A high line is ideal for him.

08 Aug 2026 13:46:28
He has joined now, Wdw, and I've accepted it and wish him the best.

I was giving my honest opinion of the signing. I do have concerns that injuries have caught up with him and concerns that he will get injured again. But I truly hope he can return to form/stay injury free.

And I'm well aware the club put too much value in mine or your opinions individually. Not sure this will be posted but you should hear it.

Your point could be made without your constant little snarky remarks. It's quite annoying. I'm happy to have a friendly debate with anyone. Done so for years here. I enjoy it as part of football. And your opinion is valid but in between is constant annoying little remarks. I have to weed through the superiority nonsense to get to your point. It's not needed.

08 Aug 2026 07:39:42
I was calm Ed78 😊 I hope for the best with this one but I'm not the biggest fan of this move. We ll see how it all pans out in the end. And if he fails, we can send him back.

Just would have much preferred mingueza (pior to Palace getting him) if going down this type of route.

But Araujo is the guy I guess. I really do hope he stays fit though. That is a biggest problem with him. And then we ll see what he can do in our system I guess.

07 Aug 2026 22:29:51
We just signed Arujo from Barca.

07 Aug 2026 23:01:08
Yeah, we all saw Romano just announced it.

07 Aug 2026 23:05:37
Better that Berch, Endo, etc. playing CB, I guess?

07 Aug 2026 23:20:47
Oh, sorry Kaka, I thought this was a place to share Liverpool news. My mistake.

07 Aug 2026 23:23:39
Kak, some of us don't use that sesspit X / Twitter and any self respecting Liverpool fan wouldn't be following or interacting with anything from that fraud.

So, less of the snark please.

{Ed078's Note - well said

07 Aug 2026 23:28:36
@Kaka, not everybody on the planet follows Romano.

08 Aug 2026 00:06:04
Kaka009, when you say "we all", I assume you're talking about you and the 2 friends you play Fortnite with.

08 Aug 2026 00:31:57
Chewy, love it mate, that's all I have to say.

08 Aug 2026 01:54:31
Chewy 🤣🤣🤣🤣

But yeah, in beta I hadn't seen it, so thanks.

08 Aug 2026 03:35:15
@BeKind, I at least expect people and ITKs here to know better and ahead of Romano. I am no Romano fan, and I know I am going to get hate for this, but he has been more accurate than most people here at least this window so far. If you and your 1 fortnight friend are not following, better start doing that.

08 Aug 2026 05:13:56
@navada, He has pace to recover, and that's what you need for a high line defensive line. If he struggled, it's for another reason, not because he couldn't cope with it. Xavi played with high defensive line, and Araujo was automatic starter during that period. Flick's high line is out of this world.

08 Aug 2026 07:42:31
Kaka, time to give it up, buddy. Not sure what's going on, hope you're ok. Anyway, have a great day, buddy.

08 Aug 2026 08:34:50
Thanks BeKind, just seeing the news in here now. Thanks for sharing.

08 Aug 2026 09:52:48
Decent signing. We need someone with experience in cb whilst we see what happens with Leoni and Jacquet in terms of fitness etc.

He can cover rb, which is also a bonus, plus he is a leader.



I've read on Sly Sports that it is a straight loan, so have no idea if true or not. Either way, it is an experienced cb in through the door, so Virgil won't have to line up with the kit man against Newcastle.

08 Aug 2026 13:33:54
MickLiver is right. Araujo has the physical ability to be able to do what Bradley famously did. He also adds a bit of bite that we lost when Laird Robbo left.

07 Aug 2026 20:59:17
Victor, this transfer window is depressing the life out of me, like many others, I’m sure. Any chance of another little clue to give us all a little excitement? Or has the situation changed?

07 Aug 2026 21:15:31
Is he male? What's his/her favourite colour? If the ball was nodded up in the air at the edge of the box, does he have it in his locker to smack a volley top bins?

07 Aug 2026 21:24:03
Yes. Not sure what their favourite colour is. And yes.

07 Aug 2026 21:33:35
Does he have facial hair and tattoos?

07 Aug 2026 21:38:18
Does he play for Uruguay?

07 Aug 2026 21:39:16
Is he wearing glasses?

07 Aug 2026 21:39:57
Give us the league he plays in. 👀

07 Aug 2026 21:41:39
Is his name Fede and doesn't he play for Uruguay?

Is his name Eduardo and play for France but not at last WC?

07 Aug 2026 21:49:27
The date is August 29th. "Liverpool are happy with the current state of the squad, we will continue to monitor every player's situation for a market opportunity" Thanks, James Pearce.

07 Aug 2026 21:50:14
Does he that was supposed to be?

07 Aug 2026 21:51:35
Victor, blink once if the player applies his trade in England. Blink twice if it's Spain.

07 Aug 2026 21:54:57
Hey Victor, can you tell me if we're still on for the marquee midfielder you alluded to a few days back?

07 Aug 2026 21:55:40
Does it rhyme with cycle so fleecey?

07 Aug 2026 22:07:14
We need a wonder dog Sparky-esque clue! Come on VG, what you got for us?

07 Aug 2026 22:33:50
It's Araujo loan deal... Weird deal imo. Thankfully, a loan, as not convinced by him at all. My son is a Barca fan, so I watch them regularly. Barca is short in defenders, and he is their captain. So that says something imo.

07 Aug 2026 22:42:50
Is he wearing a green beret?

07 Aug 2026 22:43:07
Araujo is class when fit, but injury prone.

07 Aug 2026 22:45:37
Good business. Gives the new young lads a bit of development room and will give Virgil a bit of experienced support. Smart move, I think.

07 Aug 2026 22:51:31
The deal I am referring to is not the Araujo loan.

07 Aug 2026 23:04:56
Come on Vic, give us the league or something. I'll buy you a pint next time you're in Dublin. 🤷

07 Aug 2026 23:07:17
Well that came out of nowhere, like the Munoz deal.

07 Aug 2026 23:08:28
How are your confidence levels now, VG, on the deal you are referring to?

07 Aug 2026 23:09:24
Vic, can you give us any more clues on the identity of this player?

07 Aug 2026 23:10:48
That is a relief, tbh, VG.

Araujo loan deal is a bit strange given his injury record. He ticks the boxes of cb/rb though, experienced, and has some grinta that we lacked last season.
Probably Barca needs to free up salary to get Rodri on board, which I doubt.

07 Aug 2026 23:32:30
I cannot believe that we're agreeing to a loan for Araujo. Wtf, is there any sense in doing that? Surely this is just media garbage?!

08 Aug 2026 01:01:07
Deal looks like it's legit (loan w/ option to buy).

I can see the logic (to an extent)... Adds a bit of physicality to our fragile back line. He's not particularly composed on the ball by La Liga standards, though.



In all honesty, this screams of poor planning. Part of me thinks he would be good to have for depth, especially late on to close games and in cup games. But... I don't think he's a starter. Hopefully, Jacquet and/or Leoni step up.

08 Aug 2026 03:38:43
He pocketed Vini Jr multiple times in Clasico, good addition if he stays fit.

07 Aug 2026 20:31:40
Liverpool are at the final stages for talking about potenitally entering agreements to make plans for the future signing of a player.


At the moment a lot of the rumour posts are like this.

07 Aug 2026 21:06:02
Yep. It's snail pace stuff but let's hope it pays off in the end before the window shuts.

07 Aug 2026 21:12:19
PSG versus Man Utd friendly game tomorrow, 4 o'clock, Gothenburg.

Might get an inkling on all PSG players on LFC radars, if they don't play, for example, Zabarnyi, Mbaye, etc.

07 Aug 2026 21:12:52
As I understand it, people want us to go after the best players but they are not willing to wait for the process this takes.

Newcastle wanted £150m for Isak which we could've paid in July, but we didn't. We negotiated and got that down to £120m. Leverkusen wanted £135m for Wirtz but we negotiated that down to £115m.

I've seen so many posts on here saying how we overpaid for both of those players and how crap Hughes is. How? He could've just paid what they asked and got them done straight away.

Now PSG apparently want £145m, and we are apparently negotiating the price down. There is no advantage in PSG accepting a lower offer right now, they might as well wait to see if someone else comes in to create a bidding war which will get them more money.



The only way to complete the deal now is to give them what they want. But if we do that then we'll be accused of overpaying and Hughes will be criticised as a bad negotiator.

I really don't know what people want. We don't get involved in agent backhanders and cash under the table or paying people through affiliate companies so we just have to negotiate which takes time. Especially when you are going after the top talents.

It's in the selling club's best interest to let the process run as long as possible in the hope they get numerous interested parties. Surely people can see this?

07 Aug 2026 22:28:36
I think people would like any new arrivals to have a pre-season game or two under their belt before the season starts.

08 Aug 2026 05:52:21
The annoyance from fans isn't waiting, it's more that we're following a trend of waiting until the last minute, pay over the odds anyway, and none of these players have time to bed in. It screams poor senior management which will inevitably impact us on the pitch.

08 Aug 2026 00:02:49
Nevada, Well ironically it appears your sarcastic transfer info was correct and the most accurate info to be quickly confirmed

Who's was your source on the Araujo deal.
Who are we signing next, is the Barcola deal close? Are we still after another winger, is Wharton a target?
Haha be careful, or you'll be an itk

08 Aug 2026 10:42:49
As the sagacious WDW says, a player is worth what the buying club are willing to pay. It's an eye opener, absolutely granite truthtelling.

07 Aug 2026 18:23:26
Hey guys, Liverpool players definitely talking about Barcola like he's arriving, I just prefer to stay sceptical and then hope for a pleasant surprise! But they seem expectant more than anything.

07 Aug 2026 18:40:16
Cheers, Square Tomato. Good to hear from you.

07 Aug 2026 18:41:01
Thanks ST.

07 Aug 2026 18:42:59
Cheers St. This is sounding positive. Varying reports, and some even saying negotiations haven't started yet, but I think this one gets done. You don't spend all summer on one target, and then fail. That would be silly.

Thanks for your update mate.

07 Aug 2026 18:46:10
Always great hearing from you, St.
Best yo, Joe!

07 Aug 2026 18:53:17
ST,

Where have you been?
Hope you're okay.

07 Aug 2026 19:15:56
Hey St,

I read the news, the gal in valuation is huge and Diomande has gone for a fortune.

Thoughts?

07 Aug 2026 19:17:02
Hey, man. Different name now. Peace.

07 Aug 2026 19:33:48
Great to hear from you St. Thanks a million. 👍

07 Aug 2026 19:38:58
Cheers St, good news. 😊

07 Aug 2026 19:49:48
Cheers, St.

07 Aug 2026 19:56:05
Fair play St.

I'm rooting for Joe. As always.

07 Aug 2026 20:16:16
Inbeta, you mean like Hughes did with Diomande.

07 Aug 2026 21:54:49
Great to hear from you, St.

07 Aug 2026 22:18:26
Cheers, St. 🤞

07 Aug 2026 22:29:58
Cheers ST, hope you're doing well.

07 Aug 2026 14:52:41
Interesting that while many reported we had already agreed terms with Diomande. He's telling people that he rejected us on the grounds that he didn't feel we would be compeitive and would be in transition.

PSG would never meet his salary demands (or the transfer fee) and so he and his team pivoted to Jose's interest in Madrid and he was then signed in contradiction to what Perez advised.



It seems like Diomande may well have been a dodged bullet as he seems to want to ride the train rather than help run it.

07 Aug 2026 16:08:42
Agreed, Nevada, if he did actually say he thought we wouldn't be competitive, I can't wait for Leoni aka YLFP to crunch into him when Real visit Anfield in the Quarter finals of the CL and ultimately lose 8-0.
Sadly for Mourinho, he also gets the sack that night and Vini Junior cries into a small napkin.

07 Aug 2026 16:09:14
The man is a flake. We dodged an absolute bullet with this guy. He chose the right club. He'll fit right in there.

07 Aug 2026 16:11:38
I agree, mate. Now they've got 2 players with Roc Nation agency... Good luck to em. 😂

07 Aug 2026 16:12:39
Say what he wants, he's s****, made up we never got him, he'll end up another Pogba.

07 Aug 2026 16:16:23
Wouldn't believe a word this tit says. Changes from hour to hour depending on how it fits with his ever changing plans.
Hope he spends most of his time on the bench.

07 Aug 2026 16:28:39
Real Madrid at this stage of his career is a huge risk. The expectations there are incredibly high, even more now since they didn't win any major trophies for couple of years now, and the fans can quickly turn against a player after just a few poor games. I think this is a bad decision by him and his agents.

07 Aug 2026 16:36:34
Spot on Davey.

07 Aug 2026 16:44:25
He's a kid getting millions of euros thrown at him.
I'm not going to judge him, he might well live up to the hype, but he's not a 'Liverpool' type signing.

07 Aug 2026 16:49:35
I'm really delighted that we didn't get him. That young chap is listening to the wrong people unfortunately.

07 Aug 2026 16:58:51
Phew!!

Let's hope we move quickly and close out some deals, or we will be starting the season light.

07 Aug 2026 17:13:25
Bad mentality that. You want players with the balls to drag a team to the big trophies, like Kvaratskhelia did with PSG.

07 Aug 2026 17:16:41
Diomande is not a good player and that's a hill I'm willing to die on. His dribbling stats being so high is more a damning indictment of how bad Bundesliga defenders are than anything. This is the same league that made Timo Werner look like Mbappe.

I've seen nothing impressive from him. He looks cumbersome, clumsy, and rarely seems to know what he's doing with the ball in advance.

There is a natural unpredictability to his play that comes from the fact he hasn't gone down the traditional academy route. That will come in useful for a few more months, until he gets found out. The lad will be a dud.

07 Aug 2026 17:25:07
Skezza, lol. What a post. How small is this napkin? I am trying to visualise.

07 Aug 2026 17:44:36
He's undoubtedly a good player, you can't possibly hit 20+ goal contributions in a top 5 league without being good. But to do it in the Prem for Liverpool or over in Spain for Real, on a regular basis, when the pressures on, while you're being expected to increase those numbers to 25/30+ a season, you have to push yourself way beyond good. We've seen many a good, very good and even excellent player flop when brought in to the top, top tier of football. I think Diomande will fall into that category. Mourinho at Real.

I can hardly think of a worse combination for a young marquee signing who underperforms 'out-of-the-box'. Especially one who seems to have a weak mentality/character.

He would have been much better off with us, we're far more supportive of young players who need to develop and hone their skill set, but I have zero interest in a man who can't keep his story straight. Delighted he's been cast to the lions, he'll be back to the Bundesliga or on to Ligue 1 in 2 years, and I'm not talking about PSG or Bayern.

07 Aug 2026 17:50:13
I'm always sceptical about signing players from the Bundesliga. I think I'm scarred for life after Naby Keita ripped that league up and we went big on him only to be so, so disappointed in the player we actually got.

Werner, Havertz in recent times have been hugely underwhelming after being the best player in Germany.



I was one of the few to voice concerns about signing Wirtz, and although I can see he clearly has talent and I'm praying he comes good, he has been underwhelming so far.

I would've welcomed Diomande but not signing him doesn't bother me either. We'll let Madrid take on that risk.

07 Aug 2026 18:02:12
I doubt a 19 year old is going to be concerned about our club's transition. Those types of comments come from players that are in or entering their peak years.

Besides, Real Madrid haven't won a trophy for two seasons, have players fighting each other and had to call an outdated Mourinho in to establish some order.

07 Aug 2026 18:05:10
Had three of the biggest clubs on the planet after him. He's a good player. Would have been what we needed on the right.

07 Aug 2026 18:17:19
Definitely a really good player, FM. It is a worry as to the sort of people he has representing him at this early age.

Perhaps Mbaye may turn out to be more of a revelation on the RW and we congratulate ourselves on getting a (relative) bargain?

We'll have to wait and see.

07 Aug 2026 18:45:28
It's fair to suggest that the warning signs were there. Boss player or not, if you get the feeling that you'd judge him in the ale house as a complete blert then your intuition is likely correct.

07 Aug 2026 19:08:58
End of the day, only want players joining who really want to join us.
Good luck to him with his move.

07 Aug 2026 19:17:06
Personally really not bothered.
I never rated him that highly, and the World Cup highlighted to me he was one dimensional.

07 Aug 2026 19:23:41
Hopefully, Zeddicus. I actually really like the idea of getting Mbaye in.

07 Aug 2026 19:25:20
He's raw and could be shtcakes.

07 Aug 2026 19:35:12
After Slot setting us back a couple of seasons, he's not wrong.

07 Aug 2026 19:17:59
These guys are always compromised by poverty. Don't trust those in the cheap seats. Ever.

07 Aug 2026 19:50:17
Not like Mourinho to sign a kid, bit surprised by that.

07 Aug 2026 20:30:19
@FlyPelicanFly, that is one of the reasons he gave in brief intro to some club officials. He claimed he wanted to go where he could win trophies, and felt that Liverpool would be in transition, as we were poor last year and had just hired an unproven manager.

Jose really wanted him, and is expecting him to play as a wingback, so I hope he likes defending, because he's gonna be doing a lot of it under Jose in that position.



I can see this transfer being a big fail for all parties except RBL, who have a knack for selling Duds for huge profit.

07 Aug 2026 20:22:34
How did that wally Hughes waste all summer pining over him and not know he wasn't ever going to sign for Liverpool. Has to be the worst person ever to get any kind of job at Lfc

07 Aug 2026 22:09:19
Diomande is just Nicholas Pepe 2.0.

07 Aug 2026 23:05:08
You'd be a fool to believe a word out of Diomande's mouth. He said, live on stream, straight out, that Liverpool was his dream club, right around the time rumours we were keen first really gathered pace. As soon as he heard PSG were keen, he came out and said "actually that was my father's dream, not mine", that he loved PSG since he was a little boy and would love to play for them, then he signs for Real and says it's a childhood dream come true.

He will literally say anything, that lad.

08 Aug 2026 01:42:45
He's going to do well in Spain, but in England it was 50/50. He could've been Nicolas Pepe 2.0.

Spain or France was probably the right move for him.