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08 May 2026 13:09:01
Most of the posts go to the Liverpool Banter page. Also more posts go to the Liverpool Discussion Posts page and the Match Posts page on Match days.
08 May 2026 11:23:01
Hi Eds,
Are we interested in any RM players? They seem to be in the middle of a civil war.
{Ed001's Note - not that I am aware of.}
08 May 2026 12:42:28
Isn't what's happening a great advert to swerve RM players?
08 May 2026 13:06:37
I wouldn't want any of them in our team.
08 May 2026 10:20:44
Just an update regarding Iraola…. My mate who’s a Palace fan was at the game last night & the talk around the stadium was that Iraola was in talks about becoming their manager next season.
08 May 2026 11:15:48
Not one hope he's heading to Palace. He has bigger fish to fry than them.
08 May 2026 11:40:02
Seems an odd move on paper. Apparently he would consider a move to London, which some are suggesting might be a location his family could feel more settled in.
With all the talks of interest from much bigger clubs, I can't imagine Palace is his first choice.
08 May 2026 11:48:17
Lol
3 games to go!
Have faith, people ... it's going to get sorted one way or another.
08 May 2026 11:53:32
Chelsea will be his destination if he fancies a London club.
08 May 2026 12:40:57
The stadium crowd on match days is not usually the place to get reliable information, but you never know. 😁
07 May 2026 22:20:33
Lots of rumours we want Victor Froholdt from FC Porto. 20-year-old Danish CM with 8 goals and 6 assists this season. Apparently the 3rd highest for average ground covered amongst U21 players in Europe (behind Zaire-Emery and Bergvall).
Made 114 defensive contributions this season in just 32 league games.
Anyone seen him play? I have not, but on paper it sounds good. Seems to be a hard-working, all-action midfielder.
07 May 2026 22:33:00
Excellent, another youngster that Slot can demoralize and ignore when it comes to team selection.
07 May 2026 22:43:16
As if we need another attacking midfielder. Ffs.
07 May 2026 23:26:27
Dripping with positivity, the place.
07 May 2026 23:44:25
Rekon, we should just buy James Garner! :)
07 May 2026 23:56:32
Wasn't Curtis and Harvey classed as in the best when they were in the U21s?
08 May 2026 00:09:20
Harvey was player of the tournament at the Under 21 Euros. Seems Slot doesn't see enough there that he feels he can work with? Doesn't show enough talent, potential? Maybe it's his hair style.
08 May 2026 02:10:22
This guy will be a top player. But he is a runner and is excellent in the channels, so won't work with Slot as a manager.
08 May 2026 04:28:53
Does have qualities that none of our current midfielders have, bar maybe Szobozlai.
Has pace, power, likes to tackle and drive at the opposition.
Not an out and out DM, but an all action box to box midfielder.
08 May 2026 01:58:24
@Snoots, not to get in the way of a great fairy story but Eliot would have had playing time if he stayed - Slot went to press to say he wanted Harvey to stay (he said the same when Heitinga announced he was moving).
Harvey said he wanted more playing time which ant lad with aspirations of a World Cup squad place would have thought about, at the very least, before the season started.
Harvey made the choice to leave - his agent should be shot for the option he pushed given Emery didn't want the player.
If you want someone to blame I'd suggest that Slot wouldn't be the first choice.
Interesting thread for a rumour - OP reports a rumour about a potential CM joining and within half a dozen posts we have Slot, the young lad and the idea of buying an attacking CM shot down. It's almost like the standard of contribution on here is mirroring the coach and team's efforts this season.
08 May 2026 06:28:12
I've seen one full 90 and maybe an hour of him playing MK, in that there was nothing that would make me scream No. I suppose that's a positive review comparitive to the general current mood here.
08 May 2026 07:37:21
Florian you drip with naivety. Or are your rose tinted specs as thick as you are.
08 May 2026 08:00:33
Thanks Dan-Ish, MolbysMagic, and JevonScholes. At least there are some people on here still who can just answer a bloody question and not turn it into a drama thread!
08 May 2026 08:11:42
I'm all up for classic data / Ian / Edwards signings, especially if the ceiling is higher than what we have.
Realistically, we look set to lose Endo, Elliott, Fede, Alexis and Jones, so we will need a few MF's.
Wharton is one.
08 May 2026 07:54:40
Thats lovely Frode, keeping up to your usual neanderthal level of posts this fine Friday morn i see.Trust me i've very little positivity about the club at the minute.I just choose to not be that bloke who's constant moaning rubs off on everyone else.I'd say your a barrel of laughs.
08 May 2026 08:31:21
Doesn't it just show the amount of derision and division this whole season has created, even amongst us aul' sods on here, Mks!
08 May 2026 08:35:00
We do need a Dane to save our bacon.
08 May 2026 09:06:58
It does, Shanks, but the original post was about a player linked with us for a fresh season. Whether you've been great or terrible the season before, you still look forward to the next 9 months with hope and optimism.
Not "no point him coming to us anyway" or "why would he even contemplate coming to us?" all day long. Now I don't know the player, but if I did I'd have offered an opinion on him, good or bad, not moan for the sake of it.
08 May 2026 09:22:30
I think we should spend our transfer budget on cloning Gakpo, so Slot can utilise him more. If he had 3, he could play him at right back and in nets when Ali leaves. I actually like Gakpo. I think Slot overplaying him has ruined his confidence.
08 May 2026 09:26:40
It's okay to disagree, lads. Remember, we all support the same team. You can disagree and be respectful about it. Frode, you are entitled to your opinion, and so is Florian. Don't be getting personal or name calling, or making assessments on someone's intellect when you have never met them. It says more about you than them.
08 May 2026 09:27:28
What's his sideways passing stats?
08 May 2026 09:31:24
Chiesa's confidence must be through the roof, so.
08 May 2026 10:23:39
Not sure of the point of signing another midfielder who can only play as an attacking number 8 or 10. Unless the plan (again) next year is to keep on allowing opponents free run at our defenders, as that's proven really successful this year.
08 May 2026 11:08:12
Don't think it's the positions as such we have to worry about as much as signing players who simply won't accept opponents having free run at our defenders. The mentality and attitude of the players has never been as important as this summer for me.
With Mo, Robbo and potentially Alli leaving, we've seen the team of real men from 3 or 4 years ago replaced with a team that, on the most part, is lacking real leaders, players that are up for a scrap.
08 May 2026 11:26:41
I agree with Florian, let's just sign a load of mentally resilient players irrespective of their position. We've been playing a CM at RB all season anyway; more of the same, I say.
08 May 2026 11:47:27
That's not what I'm saying, Chewy, and you know it. Look at our squad for next season as it is now. That's with Mo and Robbo gone. How many would you hang your head on when you're up against it?
08 May 2026 12:09:41
@Vik, It's a rumour about one player who may be used as an attacker. I've read the original post half a dozen times now, but, for the life of me, I can't see the bit that says 'Of course if we do buy an attacking CM it means that we won't buy a DM or two under any circumstances whatsoever'.
07 May 2026 15:29:04
Liverpool are not pursuing Marcos Senesi, with Ibrahima Konate close to signing a new long-term contract.
The club believe they are well stocked at centre-back with Virgil van Dijk, Giovanni Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet all part of the plans for next season.
07 May 2026 15:47:13
That just shows the incompetence of those running the club. We have one of the most error prone defenders getting a hike in wages for a set number of years. Done the same with Grav, who on last season's form was worth it, but they gave him his contract on this season's form.
07 May 2026 15:50:22
We also signed a couple of youngsters at CB, which apparently are promising. I still think we should move for Senesi. Free transfer. Would help being a more senior player, covering game management for VVD.
Also, it's likely Gomez leaves. No idea how Leoni will be following his ACL, and Konate needs pushing to keep his place in the team.
And he played really well under Iraola, who is tipped to take over.
07 May 2026 15:53:20
That's a Paul Joyce statement, isn't it?
07 May 2026 15:54:16
Sorry, PtGorst. Seen it earlier on Google ...
Thx for sharing.
07 May 2026 17:45:00
How good is Senesi? I am not sure, maybe someone can tell me. Last season he was 3rd choice most of the time.
I've never been a massive fan of Konate, would have preferred Gomez alongside Virgil.
But I do think we are going to need a good few players come next season, and with the two young lads Gomez, Virgil and Konate, I think we should be looking at other parts of the team first.
Right back is a massive problem. Frimpong is nowhere near good enough and I am not sure on Bradley, he runs around a lot, his end product when he gets forward is nowhere near good enough, and his defending is not great, and he can't stay fit.
Then we have midfield and the wide forwards that all need addressing.
So cb would probably be the least of my worries.
07 May 2026 17:53:12
We can't depend on the 2 youngsters post injury for a while, and Konate also can have a tendency to get injured, so this player on a free makes a lot of sense.
07 May 2026 18:16:20
If we are returning to a high line, high pressing system, Ibou Konate is an asset. If we are going to play a press-baiting, slow progression from the back, then Ibou Konate ranges between average and awful.
07 May 2026 18:42:26
Agree to a point on Bradley, Grino, and that’s the fitness issue.
If he could ever stay fit (which I also fear his career will be blighted by injury), there’s a really good right back there. Yep, defensively he needs to sharpen up, but that comes with playing multiple games.
07 May 2026 19:27:26
He's from Northern Ireland like me. If the injuries don't wreck his career, he will wreck it himself. That's the way we do things over here.
07 May 2026 19:44:05
Konate is garbage, gone backwards since his 1st season. Shouldn't get a contract, sooner he go for nowt and get Senesi in myself.
07 May 2026 20:08:52
Don't know what the problem with Bradley is? He's a great defender, he gets forward too, he's just been unlucky with a couple of injuries. May as well call out Leoni and Jacquet while you're at it. Bradley is going to be great once he gets consistent.
07 May 2026 20:37:34
I agree, Scouse.
07 May 2026 20:49:26
He really reminds me (in terms of physical development) of Stevie.
He went through a spell in his early 20s where he had a growth spurt, and he was injured quite often.
Comparing Bradley now to a couple of years ago, he certainly looks a lot taller than he was (close to 6ft now), so perhaps it's a similar story? He's still in his early 20s, so hopefully he can come through this spell and deliver on his obvious talent.
However, I do think it would be handy to have someone who could be available with RB as a secondary position.
I don't think that is Dom, as good as he is, as we desperately need him to make that No 8 position (and shirt) his own week in and week out.
It *might* be Curtis, as his versatility, with proper dedicated coaching, could work wonders. I always think of Lucas when I see Curtis all over the pitch, and his transition from AM to one of our most dependable CDMs.
07 May 2026 21:10:50
Bradley is nowhere near Stevie G when he came through.
He is absolutely miles behind Trent when he came through.
As for a good defender, if he is flying in like he did against Mbappe, he looks good, but if someone stands him up one on one, he is awful.
He has been totally dreadful this season.
I have lost count of the amount of goals we have conceded from crosses from his side when he plays because he never cuts out crosses and just stands off players.
Coming for the odd game like he did for Trent is totally different to being first choice, and this season even without the injuries Sobs Jones and Gomez have been better at right back than him.
07 May 2026 21:22:26
Grino, I was comparing his growing pains/injury history, not his ability, FYI.
At no point have I compared his ability to Stevie G or Trent.
07 May 2026 22:40:50
Stevie G didn't miss that many games, check out his appearances in the league since he broke through. Yes, he has the growing injuries but never anything like Conor's had unfortunately.
And Conor's a decent age now. Hopefully he puts it behind him, but worried he's going to be the next Joe Gomez, all the potential but just can't stay fit. Hopefully I'm wrong and he fulfils his potential.
07 May 2026 22:47:19
Spot on, Grino. Bradley is poor defensively and offers little going forward. Throw in the obligatory yellow card and constant injuries, and it's clear we need better in that position. But after one great tackle on Mbappe, which risked a red card if slightly mistimed, some supporters become blind to his deficiencies elsewhere.
08 May 2026 07:40:03
Kemlyn Road a laughable assessment that. I'm no Bradley fan and his injuries are a problem, but your implication is that he has zero talent or he has nothing to offer is b******s
08 May 2026 08:31:21
Comedy gold this is.
07 May 2026 14:04:48
Rumours from a trusted reddit page jfk guy-
Arne Slot is done at Liverpool and will leave at end of season. His compensation package has been agreed and he will get the CL qualification bonus if he secures the spot in CL.
It's 11m + 15% exit bonus + 3.2m CL bonus. Terms are now presented to Slot's agent and will most likely be accepted.
This is also the end of Edwards as FSG have discarded the multi-club model and Edwards will be moving to manage their new ventures in the US.
Salah is almost moving to US to San Diego FC. Their owner is Egyptian billionaire.
We have enquired for Lens midfielder Sangare and asked for permission to talk to the player (for a change).
07 May 2026 15:20:21
Sounds good, Cafu... Sangare is decent according to reports.
07 May 2026 15:20:56
Hope this is all spot on. Hughes can go too.
07 May 2026 15:31:04
Yeah I read this on X earlier...
07 May 2026 15:38:22
So that's Larry and Curly going. Hopefully Moe will be next. 🙏
07 May 2026 15:48:40
We must have trillions on the bank, everyone is getting extra pay, even if they're leaving.
07 May 2026 15:59:38
I'm far too young to get that reference, Barry.
07 May 2026 18:23:43
Jesus, another ITK.
07 May 2026 18:26:52
OP, thank you for the info and everyone has their fingers crossed. 👍🏻
If Ajax do want Slott, should we not be allowing him to leave and not pay him a comp package - I have no idea, so thought I'd see if anyone knows?
07 May 2026 18:42:42
Hopefully the STC will be shown the door too. Barry, Curly, Larry and Mo are leaving.
07 May 2026 19:03:19
Barry, Curly, Larry and Mo leaving.
I thought there were only 3 stooges.
07 May 2026 19:10:37
Mo might stay if Larry and Curley go. 😂
07 May 2026 19:39:48
Look up the Three Stooges, Bobby.
07 May 2026 20:36:47
No way Slot would be getting £15.85million to leave. If that was the case, they probably would stick by him for one season.
08 May 2026 04:27:47
He earns roughly £6.6m a year and has 1 year left on his contract? This pay off makes no sense if true.
08 May 2026 11:19:27
Oh, for the innocence of youth, Bazza!!
07 May 2026 09:38:59
Lewis Hall is considered as a proper replacement for Robertson.
07 May 2026 10:00:40
Great choice.
07 May 2026 10:01:22
And what is Kerkez?
07 May 2026 10:04:44
Good player, but can't see it given the significant investment in Kerkez. We aren't the type of club to have almost £100m worth of left backs.
07 May 2026 10:05:06
I like him, decent player.
07 May 2026 10:06:28
Well, that would be excellent, but Kerkez is already here. Thanks, StanUA.
07 May 2026 10:20:52
Seems unlikely given Tsimikas is coming back from his loan at Roma.
07 May 2026 10:35:51
Kerkez is Robertson's replacement.
07 May 2026 11:03:57
We'd have Beck, Chambers, and Tsimikas coming back during the off season, so I doubt that LB is one of our priority positions.
07 May 2026 11:36:29
Decent player, always kept Salah relatively quiet, won't be cheap though... and money probably suited elsewhere... and think Kerkez has what it takes myself, still young. Better help from Vvd would help him, and a winger that tracks back too.
07 May 2026 11:53:04
Nah, can't see LB being priority for this window with Tsimikas returning and Kerkez looking better.
More areas to invest in right now.
Of course, we may get a left footed CB who could deputise in case of injury? I do wish we had pursued Hato last season.
07 May 2026 11:55:05
I really like Kerkez. I think he has a tenacity that is seriously missing from the squad at the moment. His decision making needs work, but that will hopefully come with experience. I'd be giving a youth player a go as his understudy.
07 May 2026 12:55:09
Can he pay at RB?
07 May 2026 12:57:55
I agree, Red-Will, would be a huge waste of funds to invest in a LB when we have Kerkez, Tsimikas, Chambers, Beck & Scanlon. One of the 4 can back up Kerkez, am sure!
07 May 2026 13:34:36
Kerkez has been steadily improving since the start of the season for me. He didn't have an optimal start, but neither did Robertson, and it took time (6 months, remember?) for Robbo to make the position his own.
07 May 2026 13:35:29
Lewis Hall always looks decent going forward, defensively, most times I've seen him this season, he has been average. Certainly not worth what Newcastle would want. Kerkez is a better player.
07 May 2026 14:12:17
Replacing Robertson with Lewis Hall to "complement" Kerkez is reminiscent of last summer's imbalanced window. We're effectively building a three-man human shield (with Tsmi also returning) at left-back to hide the fact that our right side is a ghost town, our midfield is a sieve, and our post-Salah attack is currently "thoughts and prayers."
Yeah.... This one ain't happening!
07 May 2026 15:22:00
Great player, but it's not happening. Kerkez has been fantastic for large parts this year, passionate seems like a good solid successor to Robbo overall.
There's no way we spend all that money for another player around the same quality and dumping one on the bench.
07 May 2026 15:30:06
More chance of getting Stuart Hall!
07 May 2026 18:11:57
ArneSlotaBarber, Chambers, Beck and Scanlon will be nowhere near the Liverpool team sheet. Nor should they be, as they are not good enough. Amazing how so many Liverpool supporters think they can challenge for the top trophies by putting Academy players in, most of whom have bombed on loans to lower division teams.
07 May 2026 20:51:32
A bit like Harry Kane bombed on loan at lower league clubs, Kemlyn?
Not saying we have superstars in our academy, but I certainly don't think we should completely write them off.
07 May 2026 22:35:45
I can't see Scanlon or Beck being near ready. Scanlon has had limited minutes in League One, and Beck's injury issues have set his career back massively. Looks like Chambers has played 18 times for Charlton in the second half of this season, so clearly has made an impact and got valuable Championship minutes.
08 May 2026 09:25:48
Would really like Lewis Hall. Admired him all season and has passion for football.
07 May 2026 08:13:58
Morning Gents,
I've been told late last night, that the number 1 candidate to replace alot is indeed Iraola.
The decision has been made from higher up than Hughes and Edwards.
I've also been told both of them are potentially leaving at the end of the season.
Cheers.
07 May 2026 08:34:58
Robbo, the bearer of fantastic news.
07 May 2026 08:37:29
Morning Robbo, thanks. Perfect news for me and the right man for the job. Hopefully we get it done quickly.
07 May 2026 08:37:57
Really brightened my morning that Robbo, I can walk the dogs with a spring in my step, cheers, Robbo.
07 May 2026 08:44:39
Regardless if true or not, we can dream.
We can fantasise.
I'll get through my work day with a smile now, thinking how intense we can be next season with a young, hungry, passionate manager!
07 May 2026 08:45:32
I don't know if he is replacing a lot, but whoever he is, he has a lot to do, that's for sure.
07 May 2026 08:46:36
Can I just ask, please, Robbo:
Apparently Iraola can't settle in Bournemouth and wants to return home to Spain. If this is true, how can he settle in Liverpool if he can't even settle in Bournemouth?
This is why I never believed the rumours about him to any other PL club, it doesn't make any sense to me unless the above is complete waffle.
Any insight, mate?
07 May 2026 08:50:27
If the rumour that Alonso talks broke down due to disagreements with Edwards and then Edwards leaves anyway will be a kicker.
07 May 2026 08:54:37
Hello, Robbo
If Iraola is a strong candidate, are Hoenes and Alonso difficult?
Or are you weighing Iraola, Alonso, Hoenes?
07 May 2026 08:57:47
Thank you. A bad day has just turned perfect.
Let's hope August's optimism returns...
07 May 2026 09:04:51
Woohoo!!!!
Robbo for President!!
Please let this come true. ❤️
07 May 2026 09:05:31
Edwards won't leave with a half assed job mid way, it would be deemed a failure if he did.
I'd say Alonso has more aura than Iraola, and obviously a deeper connection to the club, but perhaps prem experience will tip the scales.
Would his methods translate to a big club? It's going to be a shock back to reality for the players after 2 years of coasting under Slot, whoever comes in.
07 May 2026 09:18:21
Thanks Robbo.
Hope all is well.
Ta.
07 May 2026 09:19:18
Iraola will be just like a gamble to me, no big team experience or connection to the city/fans. If things go wrong, it will go wrong fast, with no turning back, especially this time there won't be Klopp's heritage left anymore.
07 May 2026 09:20:43
Thx Robbo.
Would be happy with any of the 3 we are linked with ... all based on hard work and having a go. For me I can live with that. We will still lose games, have bad periods, but work rate and leaving nothing on the pitch should be a priority... and let's face it a minimum! (Shouldn't really be a criteria but that's where we are)
Any one with any real tactical knowledge or watches Bournemouth enough to know if he just plays the same way, or does he have more to his bow ...
that being said he has done an amazing job there .. hopefully he does not underestimate the job and its pressures ...
Would be surprised to see the suits go .. I want them to .. but more likely they just see out their contracts.
07 May 2026 09:22:39
The day has started well. I believe he'd be a brilliant appointment. Especially if there's competent people appointed to replace the other 2 clowns. Much appreciated, Robbo.
07 May 2026 09:25:50
Would love Iraola, but his family's reported inability to settle in on the English Riviera, still niggles at the back of my mind.
07 May 2026 09:35:14
If Carslberg did brilliant news/rumours on a Thursday.... Thanks so much for the info Robbo. As always, greatly appreciated.
07 May 2026 09:36:32
Ed001, please could we have a manager profile on Iraola?
{Ed001's Note - yes mate, will get on that asap.}
07 May 2026 10:01:46
Thanks Robbo. At least he knows the league and is a massive upgrade on Slot imo. I would still want Alonso, but Iraola would be a good appointment. Would Iraola come if Hughes is about to leave? Only saying this due to the Bournemouth ties. I suppose Hughes left Bournemouth for us. Fingers crossed Slot is gone ASAP.
YNWA.
07 May 2026 10:10:47
Cheers Robbo,
I'd be more than happy with Iraola. Just down to how he would get our wide players working and getting the energy levels up would be a massive improvement to start with.
Add to that what he's done with Bournemouth despite having some of his best players leave before the season started, he's done brilliantly to get the right players in and fit a system that just works for them.
Let's hope you're on the money, Robbo! :-)
07 May 2026 10:14:56
The return of heavy metal football! Can't argue with that. LFC need to throw the kitchen sink, kitchen, house, whatever at this. Nice one, Robbo. 🤞
07 May 2026 10:18:35
Thanks, Robbo, and hopefully that all comes to fruition.
07 May 2026 10:21:32
Iraola makes perfect sense.
He has openly said he doesn't want to get involved in transfers, which works with what the club's layout is.
Watch this space, I guess!! Hopefully beat Chelsea, guarantee CL football, and wheels can start rolling.
07 May 2026 10:24:01
After losing his GK and 3 of his starting back 4 last summer, he is still able to get them into 6th place. That's phenomenal. Plus we've been told on here he doesn't have a huge say in transfers, so shows he can get the best out of what's purchased for him. We certainly can't say that about Slot.
And as for whether he can deal with big players, who exactly are our big players now? Mo and Robbo are gone. Alli could follow them.
VVD has one year left. The rest are young and new, and not like the clowns at RM. They'll respect him as the manager, or he'll drop them, I'm sure.
Stop looking at the negatives. He'll be given a great squad, top class reinforcements, a first class training complex, the best of everything at a huge club. He's PL proven. He can get 6th on a shoestring, losing his best players every year.
He'd be a great option.
07 May 2026 10:40:25
If it is Iraola, I think that would be an indicator that Edwards is staying, given Iraola doesn't care about transfers. If Edwards is leaving, I would expect it to be Xabi. I'm half expecting it to be Xabi anyway, considering the talk of attempts to plug leaks by any means necessary.
07 May 2026 10:40:59
Endo__3, Klopp had no ties to the club, and look how that turned out. Souness had ties to the club and was crap, every manager appointment will be a gamble of varying degrees.
Of the 3 many on here are hopeful we appoint, Iraola has the most boxes checked with regards to in depth knowledge of the current way the Premier League works, and to get a club the size of Bournemouth to be our potential biggest threat to top 5 at this stage of the season dexpurs losing his best playing in January on top of the churn last summer would give many a feeling of hope that he can integrate players bought for him into the style of play he wants better than the other potential candidates, the downside is he might be more of a 'punching up' manager than a 'heavyweight', his win% is of concern though.
The others are bigger risks for other reasons, namely Alonso perceived 'failure' at Madrid and the concerns that if the current crop of players aren't working with Slot and his team, there is a chance of 'player power' striking again, plus he may want the control over transfers and the club model may not be attractive ve to his management style, and Hoeness, seen as the most inexperienced of the 3 in terms of games played.
07 May 2026 10:45:35
Who would be higher up than Edwards and Hughes that would be making football decisions though?
07 May 2026 10:47:10
Sorry guys, it's not happening, unless it's after Slot has completed his contract.
07 May 2026 10:49:51
Lfc1312/Mcgoveb, All Ok if you completely trust that Hughes and Edwards are capable of building a functional, balanced and efficient squad without a figurehead and leader such as Jurgen and a savant like Ian on side. As things stand that is far from confirmed.
Add to that, neither of them are likely to renew their current contracts then, isn't it better to have someone like Alonso, who is a complete manager?
My personal opinion is that Iraola could be the next Enrique and is undoubtedly one of the top coaches around.
Alonso has the intelligence, understanding, cultural connection and the potential to be around for a decade. Where else would he go?
Iraola is bound to end up at a big club in Spain sooner or later, hence we would likely be a stepping stone.
For those reasons, Alonso is the one for me, and the most likely imo.
07 May 2026 09:57:47
Thx Ed1.
Was going to wait til an announcement is made to put in a cheeky request for the potential new man. in case we end up with someone else.
{Ed001's Note - if it is someone else, I would get on that immediately anyway.}
07 May 2026 10:10:41
Cheers, Robbo.
I have stated my concerns with it being one job too early for Iraola as there's no data on whether he can adapt to being a big club manager that plays every three days, mostly against low and mid blocks.
I fear the sheer size of the job at the club would swallow him up.
Perhaps Mickey and Dickie see him as cheap (out of contract) and compliant enough for their boardroom circle jerk to continue for another year before heading off to their Saudi paradise.
07 May 2026 11:04:05
Player power will not be a problem at LFC under a genuinely good manager and leader of men. Few well run clubs permit the kind of influence Real's players have.
Alonso is a strict disciplinarian who forms genuine bonds with players.
Ongoing negotiations involve posturing and compromise, which is an area where Edwards and Hughes like to flex.
The fact that Chelsea and Man U are likely to end up with whoever we don't, plus the far from ideal structural stability and how the first round of purchases have shown up, means this is a pivotal moment in FSG's tenure, especially as the club has likely reached peak value with all that's happening in the world now.
The pressure is immense and will test even those who believe they are at the top of their game.
07 May 2026 11:16:36
I'm genuinely concerned with this information. Going for a manager that has never won a thing, yes he has players playing for him, but when you have big egos playing for a club like Liverpool, when the going gets tough, how can players really believe in a manager that hasn't won a thing. Such a weird move... screams of Brendan Rodgers.
07 May 2026 11:20:33
Please God, no. Iraola is giving me Thomas Frank, Graham Potter, Brendan Rodgers vibes.
Some managers are very good at taking lower to mid table clubs and getting them to push for European places. There's less pressure because their fans are just happy they stayed up. Iraola has that written all over him.
I think he'll fold under the pressure of having to win every single game and the scrutiny that comes when he doesn't.
Alonso has the experience of playing at top clubs so already has that mentality and will not only expect it but will thrive under that pressure. His record at Leverkusen is nothing short of spectacular.
That being said, if it's Iraola I'll hope I'm proved wrong and he'll have my full support.
07 May 2026 11:25:20
Happy with that.
07 May 2026 11:29:35
Seems like a good fit, but Bournemouth play teams who are attacking, not low blocks. Do we know he can handle that?
He hasn't been in a title race or vying for trophies.
That would be a concern.
If Edwards and Hughes are going in 12 months, would it be wise to give them authority to pick a manager that suits them, only for them to leave?
07 May 2026 11:45:23
I think it's clear what has happened here.
FSG have read my article from a while back on why Iraola is the best choice for the job.
You are welcome, everybody.
07 May 2026 11:59:51
All this talk of his family missing Spain... get a grip. They could have a nice walk down oggy shore, a nice day out at the greaty market, shop at Garstons finest boutiques. Not to mention all those wine bars down Picton Rd... He'll be begging to come here.
07 May 2026 12:01:19
Maybe Bournemouth's excellent recent form, and the low number of losses they've had this season with a team in transition, have convinced the decision makers he can make the step up.
Strong links with Senesi again today, and a few other Bournemouth players could all be tied in to this.
Also, rumours that VVD maybe leaving end of this season, and he's been Arne's main support in the dressing room.
07 May 2026 12:33:10
Andoni Iraola is close to joining Crystal Palace.
@marcosbenito9.
07 May 2026 12:40:28
Iraola or Slot, tough decision ;)
If Spanish Tony can get that Bournemouth team of relative unknowns to 6th, then I'm 100% on board.
07 May 2026 12:47:47
Iraola to Liverpool is a bit like Frank to Spurs... don't you think?
07 May 2026 11:51:54
Firstly great news, thanks Robbo. I'd be happy with any of the 3 suggested front runners for different reasons, but all are an upgrade on Slot in terms of playing style.
Secondly, for Ed001, did you do the comparison profile between Iraola, Hoeness, Alonso and Slot?
Not pushing, just wondered whether I had missed it
{Ed001's Note - not yet mate.}
07 May 2026 12:57:35
Thanks Robbo. Excellent stuff as always to keep this rumour hungry forum awake day and night.
A question for the Eds, Do you really think Iraola is possible especially when confirmed the other day that he was Man united's number 1 option and was pretty nailed on? will be a crazy dogfight to get him to sign and definitely a coup if possible.
And, a big thank you as always to the Eds for keeping this place in check :)
{Ed001's Note - who confirmed it?}
07 May 2026 13:33:56
One of the regular ITKs had mentioned Iraola was less likely due to ManU interest. Can't remember who said that
Who is higher than Edwards and Hughes when it comes to the football side? Or is it messers Gordon, Werner and Henry?
{Ed001's Note - difficult to be sure who is higher than Edwards, with him not actually even being employed by LFC. He is meant to be running a multi-club system. I would assume he must answer directly to FSG.}
07 May 2026 13:37:52
Press saying he is going to Palace. Bit of an odd move, Bournemouth to Palace, but let's see.
07 May 2026 14:01:16
Gordon is not directly involved with LFC anymore. Billy Hogan effectively took his job and is the current CEO of LFC.
From a business decision making point of view at LFC, only Hogan, Werner and Henry are above Edwards.
And from a sporting point of (coaches, players), Edwards is the main decision maker.
And when has FSG ever side-stepped the lead authority to make a decision up/down the food chain? I don't believe they ever have at LFC.
I am sorry, but that is difficult to believe.
07 May 2026 14:17:03
People are actually happy that we might go into one of the biggest summers in our recent history without a sporting director?
07 May 2026 14:19:26
Florian - "Who would be higher up than Edwards and Hughes that would be making football decisions though?"
Billy Hogan, potentially, although I have no idea whether that's correct.
07 May 2026 14:45:43
ArnieJ, you do realise we'd hire somebody else right? I would be absolutely delighted if Edwards/Hughes were let go, they've been completely incompetent this season and hold far too much power. They're as much to blame as Slot in my book. But I don't actually see FSG pulling the trigger on more than one person in the immediate future (not unless people are walking voluntarily); the optics are too negative, and could make the club look unstable.
If they do plan to replace manager and execs, then I would expect them to phase it in.
07 May 2026 13:45:22
Not fussed on Iraola personally. Yes, he's a decent manager who has done a great job at Bournemouth and has an exciting playing style but he's won nothing in the game yet and still has a LOT to prove before being seriously considered for the Liverpool job IMO.
Personally I'm still not all in on moving Slot on, I'd understand and would accept it if it happens but I still think he deserves the chance (at very least) to try and turn things around.
Don't get me wrong, this season has been a disaster and he's played his own part in that at times. However, as much as everyone is sick of saying it and doesn't want to hear it anymore, there have been MASSIVE mitigating circumstances that would test ANY manager.
Pre-Season preparations were destroyed by the Jota tragedy and effectively killed our season before it started. We've had ridiculous bad luck with a number of serious long term injuries, big players form has fallen off a cliff and we got the recruitment transition all wrong leaving ourselves seriously short. All this has happened at the same time to create one massive cluster fuck!
I think it's unfair to lump all this at Slot's door and so many have been so fast to ridicule and write him off. Even the likes of Klopp and Pep have gone through similar bad season's in the past and it hasn't defined them.
Granted, Arne is far from perfect and there are definitely some things he can work on regarding his connection with the fans but at the same time the we all need to accept that he's not Klopp and he shouldn't pretend to be.
A lot of people point to the poor / boring playing style but I don't for a minute feel this is by design or in any way reflective of the way that Slot sees the game and wants to us to play. I feel its more down to.
- The squad imbalance with the lack of adequate pacey wingers.
- The transition from a team built around Salah to Wirtz.
- The integration of new players.
- The rapid fall off from important players (Mo and Macca to name two).
- The Fitness issues stemming from an inadequate preseason.
- The lack of suitable game changers off the bench and subsequent overuse of certain players.
For now, I still think he has a large part of the dressing room onside with Arne and until that changes I'm fine with him staying on.
All that said, I am also conscious of the weight of fan feeling against Slot now and believe that might be counterproductive going into next season. He's effectively needs to really hit the ground running and any minor slip will be jumped all over by everyone!
I wouldn't blink if they decide to move him on and bring in Alonso. I would be excited by that and I think it would re-unite everyone again in one quick hit.
Anyway that's my two pence worth!
Lets just all hope they sort it one way or another and we get back to the real Liverpool next season.
07 May 2026 15:29:42
I know a lot of us are excited about the idea of Edwards or Hughes leaving at the end of the season. Are there any suggestions on their replacements? If both leave and Slot leaves, who is responsible for finding each of those replacements and making player signings?
07 May 2026 15:52:38
Surely he'd know about as much as John W. and Bill Hawkins?
07 May 2026 16:23:48
JevonScholes, If the club is planning to axe the lot of them, it's extremely unlikely it will all happen simultaneously. It will likely be done in phases, unless people are walking voluntarily. Hughes and Slot may walk in a similar time frame, but I would imagine Edwards stays n at least until a replacement is found further down the line. If Slot is being replaced, Edwards will have picked his successor before he leaves himself.
If all 3 were to be axed before such decisions were made, Ward would undoubtedly step into the role in the meantime, at least until suitable replacements were found. But there's no chance the club would actually make such a move. Too dramatic, too many headlines, too much negativity.
07 May 2026 16:27:17
Iraola would bring back high fitness levels, intensity, a high aggressive affective press, organised chaos, running further, faster and longer than the opponent, and he knows the Premier League, that is key for me. He will probably at some point be tempted back to Spain in 2/3 seasons' time, to one of the big two.
Dare I say, if that happened to coincide with Enrique's leaving PSG and coming to us, that would be a pretty good prospect for the next 7/8 seasons, I'd say.
07 May 2026 16:26:07
Jevon, a new sporting director by all accounts. Apparently they are going to come in, throw out all the groundwork Hughes and Edwards have done on potential new signings and just start signing new players. Anyone who thinks the summer is a good time to change sporting director doesn't know a thing about how transfers work.
07 May 2026 17:18:04
That's a fear of mine with Iraola, Eddie, he knows the Premier League. Am I right in saying he's never managed a team in a European campaign in his life? I could be wrong, someone will know.
Would his team be able to keep running further, faster and longer than the opponent over a 60-plus game season? How will he himself cope with the difference in schedule, concerning more matchdays and training?
07 May 2026 17:26:41
Hi all,
What's the fuzz about Iraola? I really haven't seen much of Bournemouth this season, but they have done alright in the table. Can somebody please enlighten me why he is in favour compared to Hoeness, Alonso or Nagelsmann, just to name a few of the names popping around.
Thanks in advance.
Smedegaard.
07 May 2026 21:15:19
Why is he favoured?
I would say there are 3 main reasons and several other reasons:
1) Sustained period of exceeding expectations as a manager in the Premier League.
2) High intensity, ultra-attacking style of play.
3) Able to deal with loss of first team players and lots of changes to squad without drop in form.
07 May 2026 22:02:49
Andoni Iraola is simply not good enough for Liverpool. This is dreadful news. Missing out on Alonso for Iraola is going to set the club back years. FSG have lost the plot if this happens.
07 May 2026 22:05:30
I honestly think you need your head testing if you want Iraola, just cause you want Slot out. What PL team has he managed in Europe for a start? And he's done well with Bournemouth, but is that our level, seriously? Emery is a serial winner in Europe, is doing a great job at Villa, that's the kind of proven manager we need with experience and European trophies! Alonso won the German league over Bayern Munich, definitely worth the risk and has the link to the club, Enrique though is the one we want, the level of manager we should be after.
Cmon, don't lose sight of who we are to throw it all in just to get Slot out... honestly, Iraola, come on. I hope FSG have greater aspirations!
08 May 2026 04:04:54
Enrique would be top of most people's lists but he is not available and has just signed a contract extension. What had Enrique won before Barcelona gave him a job? Nothing.
He didn't magically become "Luis Enrique serial winner". He was given a chance by Roma and Celta Vigo before Barcelona and won nothing.
Barca could have said "Celta Vigo? Is that our level?". But they didn't, they saw past his managerial history and picked someone with the right tactical ideas and the right mindset.
06 May 2026 21:00:10
Are the rumours regarding Becker accepting Juventus offer true?
06 May 2026 22:03:09
I think we have to accept an offer first, seeing as we hold his registration.
06 May 2026 22:09:06
Probably against popular opinion but I think that would be a good move for both parties, provided that Mama is not our first choice keeper next season.
Ed, what's your opinion on Costa from Porto? Seen the latest unreliable media reports linking us with him.
{Ed001's Note - I hear a lot of good stuff about him, but I have only seen him a couple of times and he was not good. So I am very unsure.}
07 May 2026 04:05:57
I watch Portuguese football sometimes as my mate over here is a mad Sporting fan.
Costa plays in an ageing team, Porto scrape 1-0 wins regular, they are like the Arsenal of Portugal but they have a dogged defence that protects Costa.
I would swerve him to be honest.
Lunin would be the choice for me, Ed001 what chance is there of Lunin leaving RM if the right offer was made?
{Ed001's Note - there is a very good chance of him moving on.}
07 May 2026 06:51:11
Hampo, I read that on X this morning by Nicolo Schira, who's usually fairly accurate. It does also state that nothing has been agreed with us yet and we've not decided whether we'll sell.
07 May 2026 07:21:37
Do we report Juve for tapping up then?
07 May 2026 07:52:44
The problem with losing Alisson is that he is basically an elite goalkeeper coach as well as being an elite goalkeeper. So, worried about our club right now.
07 May 2026 08:00:33
Doesn't Diogo Costa have a mad release clause? Something like 80m euro? Surely he isn't a good enough keeper to warrant that price.
07 May 2026 08:03:40
Does he have his coaching badges? Didn't realise that.
07 May 2026 08:05:08
Is it the Dickinson Hillfinger brand?
07 May 2026 08:22:01
I think we are slowly turning into the Wenger last season Arsenal team. A load of good players with zero ambition, no cohesion, and massive contracts. Would love to get some players like Milner or Hendo in. Our midfield is a complete embarrassment. Imagine lining up against MacAllister. He looks like a timid child and plays like one.
07 May 2026 10:12:24
Yes, Inbeta - we are a late-stage Wenger team, but not just for the reasons you mention, but also in terms of style of play and fragility.
06 May 2026 20:38:23
I have never had a bit of information before but I wanted to share, no matter how irrelevant it maybe!
An ex colleague I know works for a fashion brand associated with the club. A new association as of this season. Senior members of the squad have felt that this association has caused a distraction to the whole team throughout the season, as it is a high end and well known brand.
One senior player flat out refused to be part of a piece of media that they were doing for the brand earlier in the season. They also cancelled multiple senior players being part of a promo at the point we were trying to salvage the season and the club had to provide a legend instead.
Not sure how much impact it has actually had but thought I would share.
06 May 2026 20:47:42
Is it Diadora?
06 May 2026 20:55:30
It has to be Tommy Hilfiger.
06 May 2026 21:03:06
Tommy Hilfinger.
06 May 2026 21:40:36
FSG milking any possible corporate angle. They used to rent Jurgen out for 1m to school CEOs.
The Hillfiger stuff reminds me of men in white suits. Champagne Charlie drivel.
06 May 2026 21:58:05
The Spice Boys, that went well for us.
06 May 2026 22:04:13
Is it Fruit of the Loom?
06 May 2026 22:14:00
Anyone remember when football was a game?
06 May 2026 23:20:14
Yes, WDW, I remember. But I have to accept that it is now a business, first.
07 May 2026 00:45:17
Football is a business, and we need to generate revenue somehow if we want to buy the players we're all salivating over. FSG has never pumped in or loaned money to the club to buy players. They only do that when it comes to improving infrastructure around the club.
All players we bought have been with the money we generated in the first place. And with the inflated cost of players nowadays, these kind of things have become more of a necessary evil imo.
07 May 2026 01:40:35
Fair comment @ArAy, it's just that sometimes it would be great for it to be a game - like PSG vs Bayern last week.
07 May 2026 08:28:12
A guy in our local market used to sell "Johnny Brubaker" jackets. Looked exactly like the real ones. Just spelt wrong, haha.
07 May 2026 08:40:42
Got to be Lonsdale, pure quality, but I thought only the blue half wore it.
07 May 2026 11:19:51
inbeta 1989
Few years ago I bought an Adidas T-shirt at a US flea market. Made up with the price, till I opened the pack and it read Adiaas. 😩😂
07 May 2026 14:20:51
Got to be Benetton.