24 Jun 2017 19:25:16
Hey ed01, could I please ask you for an update in the CM situation, and what are the expectations for next season?

It would seem that we are fairly serious in targetting Naby Keita, and I am all for that, because he seems an exceptional talent, and sometimes you just need to make room in the squad for such.

However, I am a little confused whether we are pushing for Keita specifically, or will an alternative CM be sought.

We seem surprisingly well-stocked in that position, even with Lucas leaving, we could keep Stewart as a utility player - it seems he did not make the next step in his development, but for me he is no worse than, say, Cocquelen.

The Oxlade-Chamberlain interest also confuses me. The lad needs to be a starter, and he won't be with us. Gini and Emre should be ahead of him.
One last thing - what are the expectations for Gini next year? Does he remain a regular starter, were Klopp and the training staff pleased with him? Personally, I liked him very much, but another of the eds pointed out that he went missing too often, so I am curious how does the club view him?

Cheers, have a good one!

{Ed001's Note - Keita is not looking for the move, Oxlade-Chamberlain is the alternative. Wijnaldum is expected to be a regular.}

1.) 24 Jun 2017
24 Jun 2017 19:51:43
Thing is that Ox isn't a centre midfielder, I can't understand the interest in him, as he's never looked much more than a one dimensional wide player with delusions of being a centre midfielder. I'd be disappointed if we went from Keita to Ox as the gap in ability between the two is huge. We'd be better off giving Stewart a chance than wasting money on Ox if we couldn't get a really top player like Keita.

2.) 24 Jun 2017
24 Jun 2017 19:56:00
This may be stupid ed but I'm going to ask anyway. Say if we sign the Oxs would the club keep trying to get Keita?

{Ed001's Note - keep trying? We are no longer trying already.}

3.) 24 Jun 2017
24 Jun 2017 20:32:38
Ed can you say or not please if there has been contact between us and Arsenal, or even talks between representatives and were talks are at currently.

Appreciate if i've asked to much and you don't want to say, but you do normally advise us of contact.

Thanks again mate.

I really hope we get him tbh.

{Ed001's Note - he has been told he can leave if he wants and a bid comes in that meets Arsenal's valuation. As far as I am aware that is as far as things have gone, but Klopp really does want to sign him, he wants to join Liverpool, so I expect a deal to be done.}

4.) 24 Jun 2017
24 Jun 2017 20:37:01
oh dear. not a good alternative.

5.) 24 Jun 2017
24 Jun 2017 20:48:14
So, across the whole of the world, what we are expecting to believe is that Ox is the best we can come up with for centre midfield? And this is the reason why we fail to ever really compete at the highest level and will continue to fail.

6.) 24 Jun 2017
24 Jun 2017 20:49:06
More average English over hyped players. Just what we need, not.

7.) 24 Jun 2017
24 Jun 2017 20:58:40
Wow. Cheers ed. Spot on again mate. didn't expect that reply. I hope we get a deal done. Have a good evening mate.

8.) 24 Jun 2017
24 Jun 2017 21:01:23
How is that the different option tho.

Just don't understand it. Same as sanchez to ballotelli.

Keita, cyprian, seri, gueye and kante should be the targets.

Obv two of them are not avaliable but there all pretty much the same mold.

How you get from kieta to oxlade is beyond me.

9.) 24 Jun 2017
24 Jun 2017 21:11:48
Why go for ox when today in the papers they are saying renato sanches has been made available for 23m down from 30m. I know he didn't play much for Bayern last season but at benfica he looked like a really promising young CM. I feel he moved to early in his career but he still has time to fulfil his immense potential. Another one we were linked with (to what degree I'm unsure) Gabriel Barbosa another that moved a little early and it didn't work out for him. But remember the last Brazilian Liverpool bought from inter and how that turned out?

10.) 24 Jun 2017
24 Jun 2017 21:17:08
I think everybody's over reacting to Ox coming in.
Everybody was quite upset with Mane and Wiji, I believe at arsenal, Arsene never made any progress with them, he's taken Ox, as far as he can, I believe he'll thrive under Klopp, especially if he's so keen on him to join, that'll install some confidence in Ox. I believed he'll surprise us all and I reckon he'll fulfill his abilities with us.
After the mane and wiji fieasco I think we should judge what they do on the field.

11.) 24 Jun 2017
24 Jun 2017 21:17:49
I remember when everybody on here was saying Mane and Wijnaldum weren't good enough.

Not saying Ox is perfect, but people forget he is 23 years old. He finally seems free of his injuries and just had his best season in terms of end product despite it being his first season playing from deeper. He has been historically an attacking midfielder or a winger. Yet last season he played in central midfield due to Cazorla being injured, Coquelin being the French Cattermole, and Xhaka being a thug with no ability. Then he was pushed deeper still to play as a wing back!

I have my doubts over him as part of a midfield 2. He is a bit of a headless chicken. However I'm intrigued to see him off the side of our midfield 3. He could be very good there in my opinion because he has the pace and power to get up and down, he can tackle, he has a good end product for a young player, and he is also comfortable in both central and wide situations.

Nowhere near as negative as some people make out. With Gini it was his fault Newcastle got relegated, and Mane was supposedly some dressing room distraction. Yet last season they were probably level with Coutinho for player of the season. Klopp likes rough diamonds with a point to prove. So we really should stop moaning and let him get on with it!

12.) 24 Jun 2017
24 Jun 2017 21:23:44
I'm surprised Ox being looked at for centre mid, but he's definitely streets ahead of Stewart, Stewart offers nothing going forward. Though Klopp seemed to like him, I think he called him the best tackler at the club.

Shame about Keita, fella looks the real deal.

Ox would give us the option of a further wide player, and considering we sold Ibe for 15m, if the ox was available for 20/ 25 that wouldn't be a bad bit of business imo.

13.) 24 Jun 2017
24 Jun 2017 21:44:34
If we do get Ox i think there will be a few suprised on here. I think what Klopp is looking for is pace in the side, with Mane Salah and Ox we have 3 options who all can play either left or right and all have amazing pace to break teams down. Ox may even be an option for a wing back if we go to 3 at the back, which is my thinking of the way we will play next season (hence trying for VVD) .

I for one hope we do get him,

14.) 24 Jun 2017
24 Jun 2017 22:00:07
Thing is that Ox isn't and never has been a centre midfielder! He's simply not up to it, it was obvious against Scotland and even more so against France that he isn't. He chased shadows and looked like he didn't have a clue with the ball at his feet, you cannot coach intelligence, it's either there or it's not.

15.) 24 Jun 2017
24 Jun 2017 21:37:23
Jesus ed im sorry your info has attracted so much abuse to us so called fans. I for one am happy if we get him.

16.) 24 Jun 2017
24 Jun 2017 21:54:04
Ox is poor in every position he plays and is severely injury prone, end of. He is a jack of all trade and master of none who lacks intelligence or any technical ability. He is a good athlete, which is code for, "he is crap at football itself" cos a good athletedoes not make a good footballer.

That said, if Klopp wants him then I will differ to him as this is his baby but those trying to sell us the Ox as some kind of good player need to stop cos they are failing miserable at it.

17.) 24 Jun 2017
24 Jun 2017 22:22:58
I agree with MK, the Ox is a good player and will surprise many played in a midfield 3 - however, he is a HUGE step down from Keita, who looks like a world talent. Who knows, it might turn out to be reversed.
What worries me is that I do not, (or rather, wouldn't want) to see the Ox as a regular starter. I like what Gini offers to the table. He would be a perfect understudy for Lallana though, since Adam would at some point start to lose his stamina and dynamism. but would he be happy with that?

18.) 24 Jun 2017
24 Jun 2017 22:32:38
'Will surprise many in a midfield three'? Like he did against Scotland and France? Or the humpings that Arsenal got when he played there for them? He was all at sea in those games, and looked like didn't know what to do. And why? He simply doesn't have the brains to play there so doesn't know where to be at the right time. He's a very average winger on a par with Andros Townsend, nothing more than that.

19.) 24 Jun 2017
24 Jun 2017 22:34:06
Also agree with mk. So many people were asking where does Gini fit it in and say how he is nowhere near good enough. Last season he was almost ever present and was a key player for us. The I'd could do the same.

20.) 24 Jun 2017
24 Jun 2017 22:38:16
£30m apparently. Far too much for someone of such limited ability.

21.) 24 Jun 2017
24 Jun 2017 22:39:39
This it a bit like an old western movie where the Indians say the white man speaks with two tongues, out of one side of the mouth people say they "trust Klopp and he is the best manager" blah blah blah, out of the other they say "what is he doing this player is no good, that player is no good, what is he thinking". BEFORE A PLAYER IS SIGNED!
Either you trust Klopp or you don't. #hesnotlisteninganyway.

22.) 24 Jun 2017
24 Jun 2017 22:46:35
Embarrassing we are berating a player for being linked with us. Agree with MK on Wijnaldum and mane being frowned upon and look how that turned out. I don't think ox is anywhere near as bad as he's being made to be above, plus even if I did I would support he managers decision him to get the best out of him. I was ready to say bye bye to lallana before Klopp came in now he's one of our best players.

23.) 24 Jun 2017
24 Jun 2017 22:51:08
I was one of those who was doubtful about Wijnaldum, and Klopp basically took skills that he saw in him and put them to far better use for the tactical structure he wanted the team to play in. And it worked. Klopp took a supposedly lazy midfielder with a powerful long shot and turned him into a multi-faceted player who plays with far more skills, in many ways, than he ever did at Newcastle.

So why can't it happen with Oxlade-Chamberlain? Klopp has a plan. Trust the man and trust the plan!

24.) 24 Jun 2017
24 Jun 2017 23:26:03
Firstly, the Ox is young and English and will still have a lot of sell on value if it comes to that in a few years time. If we do manage to get him for 25M or so, that's actually at a cut price as he only has 1 year left on his contract. Secondly, he can play in CM or on the wing which will be a massive bonus when the afcon comes around, aswell as our fixture schedule looking a lot more congested this year with the CL games. Lastly, we need a top class squad to compete with the likes of Chelsea for the prem, which is ultimately klopps goal. Forget the other cups, the prem is the most important. Players like stewart can't even be mentioned in the same breathe as the ox. The ox has played at the highest level against the highest teams in the world and they're both the same age. I agree he's not in the same league as Keita, but i still think its a total no brainer for us to buy him, we'll have genuine options next year and players on the bench that can actually effect games.

25.) 24 Jun 2017
24 Jun 2017 23:34:36
Is there a better way to throw £25m away?

26.) 25 Jun 2017
24 Jun 2017 23:51:01
Have some faith in Klopp, we had the same doubts about Gini and Mane, and nobody mentions their transfer fee anymore, if Klopp thinks he can improve a player then there must be reason for it, he's not English and does not give a carp about 'English talent', your man is looking to add players he think will improve our team regardless of where they come from, and he hasn't given us a reason to doubt him so far.

27.) 25 Jun 2017
25 Jun 2017 00:10:10
First Milner is a better full back than Alves. Now Stewart is better than the ox. Silly season.

28.) 25 Jun 2017
25 Jun 2017 01:25:22
I cannot understand the negativity around ox. Seems like he's been about forever. Regular for england and arsenal for 5/ 6 years. That's not the career of a journeyman. I agree with the post that said he may surprise many fans. I'm excited by the interest and eager for it to happen. Another talented, attacking player heading for liverpool.

29.) 25 Jun 2017
25 Jun 2017 01:56:12
Gini and Mane were both starters and in Manes case considered one of their best players in the team. 25 million seems ridiculous for a squad player in his last year.

30.) 25 Jun 2017
25 Jun 2017 02:24:23
Jonny.

9 goals in 129 apperances. from a winger.

3 bad knee injuries.

Atleast 6 weeks out every season.

Got no actual position.

Average wherever he plays.

Cant play cm.

Abd how in any way is he next after keita. How. How does that happen.

31.) 25 Jun 2017
25 Jun 2017 02:31:49
What say you, Ed1, what's your view of The Ox?

{Ed001's Note - I have given my opinion a number of times, there is no point just repeating myself mate. He is not my choice but Klopp likes him.}

32.) 25 Jun 2017
25 Jun 2017 08:21:28
My initial reaction is fairly underwhelmed by the suggestion that Ox might join Liverpool. However.
I'm old enough to remember Shank's signing of Ray Kennedy from Arsenal. That didn't make much sense to any of us either. A complete waste of 200,000 on an aging striker, we thought.
That turned out pretty well though.
Maybe some of us don't know as much as we think we do.

33.) 25 Jun 2017
25 Jun 2017 08:48:08
Ed001 summed it up quite nicely actually.

"{Ed001's Note - I like Salah, he is lightning, maybe even quicker than Mane, plus he is excellent technically. If he can settle in ok and build a partnership with the other players, he will be an excellent signing.

I do not see any reason to think the same of Oxlade-Chamberlain. He is big and strong, but lacks intelligence, which is why he has yet to play well (when I have watched him) when he starts. Like most that lack intelligence, he does his best work when used as an impact sub. Technically I remain to be convinced he is that good, he is all about physical over technical for me. That is not even mentioning the injury problem. }"

34.) 25 Jun 2017
25 Jun 2017 08:50:16
Difference was that Ray Kennedy was a very clever and intelligent footballer. You can't accuse Ox of being either of those.

35.) 25 Jun 2017
25 Jun 2017 09:05:09
I have liked the Ox as a player for a while and think he could do a job for us if we sign him. Klopp must have something in mind for him, so will wait and see. Though, my personal opinion is he is a luxury and not something we need, I would like us to sign a midfield enforcer (tough in the tackle), a CB and LB. But there is a reason I am not the manager and Klopp is, I trust Klopp to get it right.

SA.

36.) 25 Jun 2017
25 Jun 2017 09:10:31
Ox is a good player but not great. When it was first announced that he was going to be available Klopp said he was not interested so I do not expect Ox to arrive at LFC.

37.) 25 Jun 2017
25 Jun 2017 09:16:53
Do you still need a certain number of English players or players who have played in England for s certain amount of time for a champions league squad? Is this possibly the thinking with the Ox?

38.) 25 Jun 2017
25 Jun 2017 10:51:51
Ox and VVD. 90m wasted if we get both. Just go all out for Mendy and prepare for next season.

39.) 25 Jun 2017
25 Jun 2017 11:02:43
The Ox is just not good enough to be a starter for Liverpool. That being said if we can get him for £20m then I would be happy as he would add good squad dept. But you should not be spending £30m on squad dept.

40.) 25 Jun 2017
25 Jun 2017 11:12:26
Brussels red you say people need to stop saying he's a good player, yet you're allowed to say he's a bad player? It's called an opinion and I for one would much rather side with Klopp at this point, seeing his track record, than sit here and proclaim a player isn't good enough for a shirt he's yet to wear. Wenger has struggled to develop players the way he used to, regardless of how Ox has played I think there's a strong argument that Klopp could improve him significantly. Do I personally think there's better midfield options, yes. But this constant 'I'm right you're wrong' from people on here is getting a little draining!

41.) 25 Jun 2017
25 Jun 2017 11:18:25
Better off ignoring people like Brussels, TIA. Been here for years now and you see his kind all the time, but they only last a few months. Some people just cannot respect the opinions of others and attack them instead of their argument. He'll go after Ed002 eventually and get banned 😂.

42.) 25 Jun 2017
25 Jun 2017 13:19:53
I think Ox is a decent player. I also think he'd surprise a lot of doubters if he did come. I think when it comes to signings most of Klopps have been successful and we just have to trust him on this one too.

43.) 26 Jun 2017
26 Jun 2017 17:30:56
Killinghome your memory is playing tricks on you, far from being an ageing striker Ray Kennedy was 23 when he signed.