Liverpool Rumours Mobile

29 Sep 2026 22:30:56
Real Madrid are considering a move for Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, 35, as the Dutchman will become a free agent at the end of the season. (Mundo Deportivo - in Spanish)

29 Sep 2026 23:04:59
They love a freebee do Madrid, despite being minted.

{Ed666's Note - someone tell them Kerkez is out of contract at the end of the season

30 Sep 2026 00:59:05
The Incredible Bulk - Yeah, and what a lot of good this strategy is doing them - thrashed year after year by an average Barca team.

30 Sep 2026 01:01:02
I'd like the football world to shun Real Madrid and not do any business with them. Don't buy their players, don't sell to them. Let them only deal in Bosmans and let them accumulate a bloated squad.

{Ed666's Note - I’d like to give Margot Robbie the best 3 seconds of her life which includes foreplay and a cigarette.

30 Sep 2026 06:56:14
I would not call the Barca team average there is 6/7 players they have I would not mind.

30 Sep 2026 07:52:07
i suppose madrid looked at last years partnership between vvd and konate and thought we need that here?

30 Sep 2026 09:15:46
So they'd have VVD, Konate and TAA, a cheeky bid for Robbo and they'd be set for years to come!

30 Sep 2026 09:26:04
We are going to see stories like this every few days now. Especially as Virg is still putting in top class performances. A week before he signed his last contract the Spanish press had him down as signed sealed and delivered to Madrid.

30 Sep 2026 10:59:07
Genuinely wouldn't be upset to see this happen. Need to move forward without him.

30 Sep 2026 13:13:22
van Dijk has given the club the best years of his career. Absolutely bonafide legend and stands in the same company as the likes of Alan Hansen. If he leaves on a free then good luck to him as he's repaid every penny of his transfer fee and more.

30 Sep 2026 13:21:55
Agree with Vikk and Brisbane, we need to look to the future, at this stage in his career I wouldn't mind him going on a free, he's given us his all.

30 Sep 2026 14:06:00
What people saying they wouldn't mind him going on a free have to ask themselves is if we were playing in a final tomorrow would he be in our best 11z. Obviously the answer to that question is yes, if it's still the answer come May we should be keeping him around.

Age aside he still walks into our 11.I still think he gets in every Premier League side. Time is catching up but there's still a couple of years left in Virg. We'd be an awfully young and inexperienced squad without him and Allison.

30 Sep 2026 14:24:50
I don't understand the folk almost clamouring for him to leave so they can wave their handkerchiefs and bid him farewell, he's our captain and by far the best defender at the club still. Unless you're bringing in one of the best defenders on the planet to replace him i'd be offering him another year, who else at the club currently fills his boots? There's no one.


I get it's inevitable he will need replaced eventually but there isn't anyone who can yet and him leaving will make us a lot weaker, both on and off the pitch.

30 Sep 2026 09:21:40
You're on fire this morning ED0666!!🤣🤣💥💥🫵🫵🥳🥳🤣🤣.

{Ed666's Note - I know someone hide me down 😁

30 Sep 2026 16:16:02
Ed666, you boasting again I see!
Mine included a shower!

{Ed666's Note - I think it’s time for the blue pill mate!

30 Sep 2026 17:36:28
I don't think Virg would go there, I also don't believe they want him. And as for half of you lot wanting to see him gone wake up. theres no one at the club who can fill in for him.

30 Sep 2026 18:17:47
That's all completely irrelevant if he actually wants to go, Florian. You're completely missing the point here, if he really wants to make the move, we can't stop him, and so by comparison, with the last 2 players who left for Madrid, there's no hard feelings if he did make that decision.

SG8, not a single person is "clamouring for him to leave", don't be acting the drama queen.

30 Sep 2026 19:35:40
I'm missing no point Chewy. if he wants to go that's a different story. Of course we can't stop him. I never said we could because that would make me an idiot. I was responding to posters who seemed all to happy to send him on his way.

I disagree with that line of thinking. I think we should do everything in our power to extend his contract.

30 Sep 2026 19:57:04
Nobody said they were "happy to send him on their way", some of us have suggested that he's given his all for the club, and at this stage in his career there would be no hard feelings if he did go and that we need to look to the future, all of which are facts, don't be twisting people's words to try and create an argument where there is none.

If the club feel it's the right move they will undoubtedly do everything in their power to extend his contract, personally I think he'll stay if the offers on the table.

30 Sep 2026 20:18:05
Virgil will go down as the greatest defender of all time at LFC and should stay till he's 40. Chiellini managed to play until then, and Virgil is at that level.

30 Sep 2026 20:19:03
In this thread and the one below it, BOTH about Virg there are indeed Chewy. Dont need to twist words Chewy. They are there in front of you.

30 Sep 2026 20:24:03
Don't know bout that like.

30 Sep 2026 20:24:32
In Serie A, massive difference.

30 Sep 2026 20:35:45
No bother to Virgil.

30 Sep 2026 21:05:09
One would hope that somebody who has won everything with the club, who has captained the club and given the club and fans the best years of his career should be above squabbling about money when he decides to leave.

There's more to Liverpool FC, what it means to the community and what it stands for, than making a few bob on a club legend. We are better than that.

30 Sep 2026 21:19:12
I agree WDW. That's why I wouldn't be asking him to take a pay cut either.

28 Sep 2026 07:51:19
Liverpool are again looking at a deal for Zabaryni, possibly in January, though they know PSG are not easy to deal with.
The player wants the move back to the Prem.
This might mean there is no extension for VVD.
This has been pushed by AI.

28 Sep 2026 10:27:05
I'd be for that.

28 Sep 2026 11:28:54
Me too, albeit I'd still live VVD to extend.

With Zabarnyi and Araujo we would have 2 peak years CBs, with Jacquet and Leoni pushing them as the next gen, and it gives space for Ndiaye and Ndukwe to develop too - a nice production line.

Obvs with Araujo potentially being our RB.

28 Sep 2026 12:07:50
Personally, I would prefer to extend Virgil. He's still the best CB around and unless he and his young family want a different life experience, extending his stay is a no-brainer.

Zabarnyi was a good option before the Araujo loan. So far that loan is going very well.

Giovanni Leoni is back in training soon. Let's see how his return plays out before thinking about bringing in another.

Iffy Ndukwe will also be back with us after his loan. He was exceptional in preseason.

If anything, a left footer that can play LCB and LB would be the most useful next defensive target. Zabarnyi is not that.

We really need to bring in some left-footers.

28 Sep 2026 20:11:24
Makes good sense, replaces vvd and with jacket and leoni we will be fine, vvd has to go at some point.

29 Sep 2026 00:33:51
I'd be surprised if it were a priority. Maybe if Virgil leaves.

{Ed666's Note - I have a feeling both Virgil and Ali end up in Italy next season. I can also see Virgil seeing his career out in the states after that.

29 Sep 2026 04:32:07
@666, I think it is when, not if, for Virg going to America although if we are winning and he's still up for it I can see him staying for another year.

I think Ali will go, I get the feeling that he's not enjoying it as much as Jurgen's time these days.

29 Sep 2026 06:39:16
I strongly believe both will go at the end of the season, VVD is way past his best, so is Allison.

29 Sep 2026 09:28:23
Ali is past his best but he's still a lot better than other goalkeepers out there. I think it will do Brughmas good to be at Liverpool and learn from Ali for at least 1 year.

29 Sep 2026 10:12:04
Virgil is still the best CB in the world by a country mile. Any talk of him not being extended on the grounds of performance is nonsense. The same could be said on the grounds of finance.

I don't get the impression he desperately wants to be adored in other countries. He's a very private person and gets to have that at Liverpool.

I think his kid is in the academy too.

If the vibe changes under Ward and Iraola it might also be possible to extend Alisson for another one or even two years. Especially if his mate Virg is hanging around. Marma has not worked out and Brughmanns might need a year before he is settled at the club.

29 Sep 2026 14:13:20
There have been early talks between Virgil and Beckham would imagine about finishing up his career in Miami, would fully expect him to go to Spain/Italy if he was to move. Barcelona would be my guess in Europe if so but I fully expect him to finish his career in the states.

FWIW I still think no matter he is still one of the best CB's around and would like to keep him around as long as possible but I do feel we will let him finish his career elsewhere if he wants to.

Ken.

29 Sep 2026 16:07:20
I see them both staying. I hope so. Virg playing a lot better now, anyone questioning Ali's ability needs to see a dr. He can play well into his late 30's.

29 Sep 2026 16:20:06
Think we have to see how the season goes. If the defense goes the season looking as solid as it does at the moment no one will be calling for Virgil to move on. We have to give EVERYONE a pass for last season don't we not just the ones it suits our argument to.

Virgil played 1 pre season game before the Newcastle game and yes he looked a bit rusty but since then he's been on his game. looks like he's enjoying playing with Jacquet and Araujo. Never be in a rush to get rid of our best ever Premier League era defender. The man is class.

29 Sep 2026 10:35:23
Ed666 I think Virgil would sign a new deal on reduced wages to what he is on now.
The way he talks about the city he and his kids love it here and don't he daughters count them selves as scouse.

With the amount of experienced player we have lost keeping Virgil is a must in my eyes. Virgil should retire here and be part of the coaching if he wants to go down the route.

{Ed666's Note - I get your point Grimm but I think AC Milan might come calling. Let’s see? I hope you’re right tho especially if he keeps up his electric form.

29 Sep 2026 15:33:41
Ed666, VVD will assess his options and if he has anywhere near the type of season he had in 24/25, the world will be his oyster and the possibilities you mentioned are definitely on the table.

We shall see.

{Ed666's Note - yes mate interesting decision he has to make.

29 Sep 2026 19:45:22
Every transfer window is an opportunity to improve on what we have. If we cannot improve on Ali and VVD based on what's available, what might not be available for much longer and youth prospects, I would expect the club to try and retain them.


I can see them both being offered reduced terms, but can't see either of them accepting it. I believe this season will be the last dance for the remaining veterans of one the best LFC teams to ever wear the shirt and I hope to enjoy it.

30 Sep 2026 11:00:55
Sorry FlyPelican, but you're kidding yourself.

30 Sep 2026 11:58:23
Brisbane, which bit didn't you like?

27 Sep 2026 12:02:34
Isak injured again and returning back to Liverpool.

27 Sep 2026 12:41:05
Only a minor injury should be back for the 11th.

27 Sep 2026 12:43:21
Only a slight injury so should be ok for next game.

27 Sep 2026 17:25:30
Gackpo injured too tonight!!

27 Sep 2026 17:54:54
Ffs. What happened Gakpo?

27 Sep 2026 18:26:02
He pulled out at 17 minutes. don't know but he was in lain.

27 Sep 2026 19:32:05
Isaks fine apparently. Thank God.

27 Sep 2026 19:39:36
Gakpo sounds like impact injury hopefully not too serious does have two weeks to recover.

27 Sep 2026 19:40:14
He got a bloody toe he'll be fine.

27 Sep 2026 20:17:15
He broke a nail in his toe, Isak did. He'll be fine.

Gakpo tho? I don't know. Could be precautionary.

27 Sep 2026 20:35:15
Gakpo's doesn't look to good at all. Very bad challenge on him.

27 Sep 2026 21:18:23
The injury to Gakpo looks pretty serious. i'd be surprised if there was no ligament damage.

27 Sep 2026 23:16:21
Given how long it is before we play again I'd be happy if more of our players took a mild knock today so they don't have to play the upcoming internationals .

28 Sep 2026 02:31:25
Injury related, rather than Liverpool per se, but it s relevant.

I know a few lads on here are into RL. I'm a fan and was at the NRL Grand Final eliminator with Penrith playing Newcastle.

Penrith captain, Isiah Yeo started the match half way still in rehab for a ruptured pectoral muscle and their star player Nathan Cleary, didn't start the match as he was "carrying an injury". He was needled up before the game and came on as a replacement after 25 minutes. It turned out that he came on with a broken foot. After being on the pitch for 10 minutes an illegal tackle (the Newcastle player was sent off) he was taken off on a medical with a compound fracture on his other leg. He now requires surgery on both legs.

A third Panthers player, Dylan Edwards ruptured his posterior cruciate ligament about 10 minutes before half time but he carried on until the end of the match. He requires surgery too and both he and Cleary are going to miss the RL World Cup.

The physical courage of all 3 was just immense but I prefer the footy approach of looking after the welfare of players so they are able to perform normal human activity in later life.

{Ed666's Note - Yeh but we have Alexander Isak!!!

28 Sep 2026 04:09:07
In fairness, RL in general is more progressive safety wise, given the physicality.

27 Sep 2026 10:38:13
🚨 Julian Ward on his plans after becoming Liverpool's new Sporting Director:

🎙️ "The first thing I want to do is make sure #LFC never enter another transfer window without knowing exactly what we need."

"I've already spoken to Andoni. We have to build a squad that suits his football. Players who can run, press, fight for every ball and still have the quality to decide games."

"I'll also be looking at contracts. If a player is important to Liverpool, we shouldn't wait until he has 12 months left before starting negotiations."

"And yes, there will be signings. But I'm not interested in signing players simply because they are available or because everyone on social media wants them. We need players who fit Liverpool."

"I know the club, I know the structure and I know what is expected of this position. I'm not coming back to start another project from scratch. I'm coming back to make sure Liverpool's next project is built properly."

"And if there's a midfielder somewhere in Europe who Liverpool have been monitoring for three years "

Ward pauses.

" we'll probably try to sign him.".

27 Sep 2026 10:42:59
Sounds good.

27 Sep 2026 11:05:52
Good on him - he's not only managed to explain what the job entails he has laid out what he needs to do to make the job wo4k for the club.

Not a bad start at all.

And did ya see @Ronf, did ya, did ya see, he's going to buy a midfielder.

27 Sep 2026 11:11:43
Well said Julian!

27 Sep 2026 11:12:36
Finally Zielinski?

27 Sep 2026 11:27:55
A real swipe and Edwards and Hughes. That's all I need to hear.

27 Sep 2026 11:51:02
This is so basic it makes you wonder what the brief was for his predecessor. Good on him for speaking but as Jari says it feels like a swipe at Hughes and co.

27 Sep 2026 12:04:09
Lets hope he lasts longer than 6 or 7 months this time.

27 Sep 2026 12:08:47
That's brilliant to hear from him 👏.

27 Sep 2026 12:21:35
With all that's happened in mind, does this mean that Alonso would have actually been first choice, if it was not for Edwards?

I think Andoni is the right choice, and also that Alonso may still one day manage LFC, since they are both young managers.

Ward is saying all the right things, and my sense is that Andoni is a better judge of players (that suit his system) than any previous LFC managers. i'm not saying he's better than any previous managers, just that he has 2020 vision when it comes to knowing who will best suit his tactics, methods and ability to improve players.

27 Sep 2026 11:33:28
Just what exactly has been going on behind the scenes regarding transfers?

27 Sep 2026 11:42:45
I saw this all over social media but with no source? Does anyone know if it's actually real. Could not see anywhere who did the interview.

27 Sep 2026 12:35:51
Sadly this isn't real.

27 Sep 2026 13:19:28
I couldn't find this anywhere credible too so I am inclined to believe that it was made up. Imo, it's created by someone on the Internet who has too much free time on their hands.

27 Sep 2026 12:39:25
Where did he say this?

I can only find it on a fan twitter account which routinely uses AI to generate statements that are attributed to real people. I hope this is a joke and this site does not become flooded with this guff.

27 Sep 2026 14:19:17
More fake quotes from Twitter accounts. Check your sources guys.

27 Sep 2026 15:51:47
I think you'll find this is tosh.

27 Sep 2026 16:02:28
It definitely is not right. It would be slating past management and the last line would be outlandish.

27 Sep 2026 17:07:04
Promising. But I'd prefer him to walk the walk than talk the talk. Eyes on January.

27 Sep 2026 16:52:16
Thin white duke. I hope you do t think we should have gone for Alonso over IA!

27 Sep 2026 19:48:49
With respect, I reckon that everyone that posts on here would have put out a similar statement. It's promising but just simple common sense, which proves what a debacle it was.

27 Sep 2026 20:06:19
If it's true or made up, it's what is needed in this role.

27 Sep 2026 21:19:29
This fake crap quoting people on twitter is very very annoying. People need to be banned on twitter.

28 Sep 2026 07:58:29
I was king to say this reads as untrue .there is no way he would be so blunt in first presser getting a new job.

28 Sep 2026 15:33:48
Sounds like absolute bs to be honest, most likely fan-made nonsense, this is not how suits talk, no chance is a Director who just got the job going to come out the gate admitting the club 'didn't have a transfer plan.' There's a few gullible Garys on here alright, you've been taken for fools I think.

29 Sep 2026 04:33:49
Phew, thank Gid we have someone to blame!

26 Sep 2026 21:36:45
Bit of a pipe dream but If the FA did the right thing and really throw the book at City we should go all out for Elliot Anderson. He is just going to get better and just the number 6 we need.

26 Sep 2026 23:43:22
The FA? Nothing to do with it. The PL.

27 Sep 2026 00:52:05
I think some people are missing the point about City and the repercussions of the findings of the independent panel.

27 Sep 2026 06:39:58
He's just OK in my mind, good games and bad. Lacks consistency. Poor for England.

27 Sep 2026 13:48:54
Metro Red
Just ok? Watch him properly mate. He's a generational talent, the kid is quality.

27 Sep 2026 14:33:22
Chrisy - I'm with Metro on this.
Bang average last night.

He's Neat & Tidy but no where near Rodri's quality.
But hell no doubt be outstanding next season for City in the championship!!😉.

27 Sep 2026 17:10:58
Im not usually one to defend £100M players, but I do feel the comments are a bit harsh. He was very good yesterday against the best midfield in the world. Is he worth the price; no, but he's one of the best English midfielders. Maybe Rice/Wharton better.

28 Sep 2026 08:01:58
It is difficult to know what is right. In some ways I think it ruins sporting integrity if they are relegated as they can play weak teams in the league affecting European places but also relegation, which will strengthen their position for the cups.

I think the following would be fair:
A 35 point deduction for this season
Then a 9 or 12 point deduction for the next two seasons
And a 5 window transfer ban.

I think this would maintain sporting integrity and generally set the club back a few years.

28 Sep 2026 09:48:07
He's good at running. That's it.

28 Sep 2026 18:12:21
IMO England only have 2 world class players (ones that would get into a world squad - note the mention of squad not team so in a 26 rather than an 11). One of those is bearing his end the other is Bellingham.

Anderson is and again IMO won't be not in that class. He's ok he works very hard as he did v Spain but he rarely knows what to do with the ball - or at least it looks that way - once he wins it.

26 Sep 2026 20:12:24
Is Rio leaving?!

26 Sep 2026 22:38:57
Yeah he's heading back to Liverpool.

27 Sep 2026 00:54:02
" Monday morning at 5 o'clock as the day begins " as that band would have it.

27 Sep 2026 10:43:45
Good one WDW.

27 Sep 2026 17:53:53
Rip leaving? Not sure but he's definitely dancing in the sand.

26 Sep 2026 18:09:18
Which Mancheaty players shall we target?

26 Sep 2026 19:51:39
don't look back in anger.. i heard them say..

27 Sep 2026 00:06:20
Stay humble? Didn't one of them quip that out as well.

27 Sep 2026 10:09:16
Get Semenyo, at last.

27 Sep 2026 20:19:45
Nope, don't want any of them at my club.

26 Sep 2026 09:14:39
We love to buy a player from a relegated team.
Who from City would you be buying? The players wouldn't even need to move house.

26 Sep 2026 09:23:28
If we could finally get Semenyo I'd be happy.

26 Sep 2026 09:26:46
Elliot Anderson he would sort our midfield out.

26 Sep 2026 09:32:40
Semenyo, Anderson, Haaland.

Wonder what Gakpo would be thinking if he had made the move.

26 Sep 2026 09:44:47
Anderson would elevate us to title contenders I think.

26 Sep 2026 10:43:44
I would hope we get Semenyo, Elliot Anderson and Josko Gvardiol.

26 Sep 2026 10:44:28
Pep Ljinders.

26 Sep 2026 10:46:51
I would laugh if Chelsea signed Enzo back for 50m!

26 Sep 2026 11:15:30
Lindjers is with Klopp.

26 Sep 2026 11:17:05
Semenyo seems the obvious one for me.
I wonder if any of them will stay actually stay on if they are relegated a league or even a few leagues.

26 Sep 2026 11:34:14
Has to be Anderson, everything we need in midfield. I was gutted we didn't try in the summer and gave city a free run at him.

26 Sep 2026 11:42:00
Anderson Semenyo and that 18 year old midfielder they just signed.

26 Sep 2026 12:20:28
Don't get your hopes up too much boys!

I can see a scenario where they'll get a 40 - 45 point penalty giving them a fighting chance of staying up, massive financial fine which won't be an issue for them & say a 3 year transfer ban! And that's WHEN this is resolved!! Might be a good few seasons down the line yet!

26 Sep 2026 13:23:22
Very true it could take a couple of years. Makes me think though, who would want to continue playing for city knowing what's coming? And who would want to join them now?
Even with no sanctions yet, the black cloud hanging over them is going to screw them in the short term as well.

26 Sep 2026 13:31:11
Not that I think it would be possible but Anderson, Bouaddi and Gvardiol would be most useful to us at this moment in time.

26 Sep 2026 19:26:33
Haaland has already said he wants to leave at the end of the season apparently, so rats abandoning a sinking ship.

27 Sep 2026 00:23:46
The sanctions have to be now. City cannot drag this out for more years. That's unacceptable. City need to be relegated and the owners booted out of the Premier League.

27 Sep 2026 09:28:04
Liverpool won't be signing any of the City squad.

27 Sep 2026 10:13:55
Semenyo for RW. Maybe Gvardiol for LB or LCB if VVD was to not get another contract.

I like Anderson too but I think he'd be super overpriced.

27 Sep 2026 11:03:02
Would it be a good look for the club bringing in a bunch of players from a disgraced club? I assume it would be a hard sell for our PR department.

27 Sep 2026 13:15:51
Guehi and semenyo. The 2 we shouldn't have let city get.

27 Sep 2026 20:20:28
None for me. I despise the stench of cheating and corruption.

24 Sep 2026 07:05:17
Hi Ed's, any truth to Julian Ward. Becoming our new Sporting Director?
If so what are your thoughts on this. I recall you saying Hughes and Edwards would be a disaster hopefully if Ward is true you have a more positive outlook?

{Ed001's Note - I am not sure how anyone would know if Ward was the choice. There would be no secret meetings to be spotted or anything as Ward is already there in regular meetings! The choice of Ward would mean probably one of two things.

Either it is a stopgap as they are intending to sell up sooner rather than later and hand over to the new consortium to bring in their own long term solution to the club's set up.

Or they are reverting to a system where the manager/head coach has more control over transfers.

Either way it should be a major step forward over the Edwards/Hughes era, Ward will listen to Iraola and I doubt he will be looking to buy for his ego with big money star players over building a balanced squad. He certainly didn't do so when working with Klopp, he worked towards what Klopp wanted, with choices discussed and approved together. So any unbalance at that time was down to Klopp rather than him and he was not driven by his ego to want signings to make himself look good by bringing in superstars over what the manager felt he needed.}

24 Sep 2026 19:47:58
Julian Ward was reportedly one of the most vocal figures within the club regarding Arne Slot's reluctance to utilise academy talent.
It is understood that these concerns emerged relatively early in the season, with Ward questioning whether Liverpool's growing focus on recruiting elite young prospects was aligned with a first-team environment where pathways for youth promotion appeared limited.


The concerns were reportedly raised with Michael Edwards, with the argument that significant investment in young talent would become increasingly difficult to justify if opportunities at senior level remained scarce.
This was reported on the Anfield voice back in June.

25 Sep 2026 00:19:42
It appears the triumvirate of Slot/Edwards/Hughes was toxic.

25 Sep 2026 05:06:54
What toxin was it they used?

25 Sep 2026 07:49:00
Definitely didn't use laughing gas.

25 Sep 2026 08:56:14
I used laughing gas to get me through last season.

25 Sep 2026 11:56:18
Whoever comes in has a clear set of objectives.

1) Rio, Virgil, Alisson contracts
2) Figuring out the midfield and right-back puzzles
3) Selling those players Iraola doesn't want to use
4) Figure out how to give the young talent we have invested in a pathway to the first team.

25 Sep 2026 09:52:53
U would be happy enough with ward then ed1?

{Ed001's Note - yes, I think so. There is no perfect option out there, but I believe he will work well with Iraola and also he very much champions the youth players. That is important to have someone who will take the time to look and see what we have there before spending 100m on our 9th left winger.}

25 Sep 2026 15:16:03
Ed, it'd be cool to know what you'd have done prior to summer 2025 with the transfer outlay. I'm not asking you to be a sporting director and explain who you would have gone for etc, but rather which of the signings would you not have gone for? I know you were a big fan of Wirtz at the time (as was I and still am), but how about the rest?
I was a big fan of Isak but the price was silly.

Frimpong was a confusing signing I still don't understand. Ekitike is a good player but, again, we spent a huge amount on him. Leoni could turn out to be a fantastic signing, but again he wasn't cheap. Kerkez I was happy with but I'd have preferred a slightly more two-footed player.

{Ed001's Note - I would have gone for Kayode rather than Frimpong and I wouldn't have signed Isak, even though I rated him. To be fair I probably would not have gone for Ekitike either, which looks like I would have been wrong about, but I would have gone for strikers who press. Leoni and Kerkez I was very happy with personally, though I did have worries about Kerkez's fitness as he was always going down with cramp near the end of games. There is not a lot of left-back options though, it is a very small pool for those!

I didn't understand the signing of Frimpong, though I do think he comes across as a lovely lad and he did win me over with his obvious desire to play for us. He had barely ever played at right-back or as a right-sided forward, so it was a strange signing to take on a specialist wing-back when we don't play with them.

My biggest issue was always the prices paid. Everyone was top dollar, which made it impossible to bring in everything needed. Sometimes you have to look at the bigger picture and we needed a rebuild, you can't do that when every player is top end cost. You have to have your Andy Robertsons to balance it out when you build a side, but we just bought big names at top prices. It is not a good way to work.}

25 Sep 2026 16:16:40
Its good to know ed you wouldn't have gone for isak.
I still can say this drop isak and we will see the best from wirtz.

{Ed001's Note - I would also drop Isak. But he scores goals so I can see why he plays,

25 Sep 2026 17:04:36
Fantastic, Ed. Thanks.

{Ed001's Note - very welcome mate.

25 Sep 2026 17:09:02
Thanks for the reply ed, it sounds like Ward would be a sensible choice.

{Ed001's Note - it certainly looks that way.

25 Sep 2026 18:05:11
I can't argue with that ed001. He indeed has scored goals but he stiffles out so many of our moves. i'd rather unleash barcola and gackpo from flanks and play wirtz like bobby.

And shore the midfield with 3.
But isak has a price tag and i guess very difficult to bench him. But he definitely comes in the way of how iraola would want this team to play.

{Ed001's Note - I would give Koumas a chance, but understandable that he will instead be a regular sub.}

26 Sep 2026 05:54:17
Isaks goal last night is why he plays.