Liverpool Rumours Mobile

21 Jul 2026 17:51:28
Hi all.

Keep an eye on Liverpool and John Stones. Talks took place yesterday with him.

21 Jul 2026 18:23:43
I mean. I want it, yes. But no bloody chance.

21 Jul 2026 18:26:08
Hahaha, course they did.

21 Jul 2026 18:28:55
Be good to help bring on the youngsters rather than throwing them in at the deep end, but I'm not convinced a) that this will happen and b) by his injury history.

21 Jul 2026 18:31:00
I think it would be a good deal.

21 Jul 2026 18:31:12
I would take him, seems a good fit for us and on a free, but the Everton connection may make it difficult, plus I think I saw Arsenal interested also.

21 Jul 2026 18:38:05
To be fair, I'd take him. He would be a decent back up & can also play DM.

21 Jul 2026 18:53:28
36 Prem appearances in the last 3 seasons. Says it all.

21 Jul 2026 18:59:15
*Another Andoni Wonderkid in the Bag*

Samuel Martinez, a 17 year old midfielder, will join the LFC Academy for pre-season 2027-2028, after officially signing today for Liverpool Football Club.

21 Jul 2026 19:00:43
Regarding John Stones, I've just spoken to my friend who's ITK; he has said Stones was in contact with Everton today!!

21 Jul 2026 19:03:24
@Florian that's probably more than Gomez. 🤣

21 Jul 2026 19:18:28
Stones only played more than 20 times in 4 seasons out of 10.

21 Jul 2026 19:23:15
Do we not already have an experienced centreback who's not available when needed?

21 Jul 2026 19:26:39
Off to Chelsea.

21 Jul 2026 19:30:20
Alls I'll say is he's better than Kanate. If that's a measurement you can use.

21 Jul 2026 19:51:31
That would make him a Stones Bitter, Racey.

21 Jul 2026 20:01:43
I'm sure Stones agents are contacting literally every club in the league. Means nothing. The chap can't stay fit for 3 weeks. No chance.

21 Jul 2026 20:05:53
My claim to fame was pushing a 5 year old John Stones into my nan's Greenhouse... I've suffered ever since..... Those who throw Stones in glasshouses.......

{Ed025's Note - nice Robby..

21 Jul 2026 20:06:14
Raceylfc is spot on.

21 Jul 2026 20:19:21
Can't believe some people want this to happen, probably big wages and rarely available, a truly awful signing in my view anyway. Good player, don't get me wrong, but absolutely not what we need at the moment.

21 Jul 2026 20:38:11
Any movement on Barcola/Wharton/Jones? Season starts in a month.

21 Jul 2026 20:12:18
Rather have Kidney Stones which I just went through this past week. : ) For Ed025 YNWA

{Ed025's Note - thanks for sharing KC.. :)

21 Jul 2026 20:39:49
Medical staff have all fingers crossed.

21 Jul 2026 22:23:40
If he was fit for both derbies and both City games, imagine the fume.

21 Jul 2026 22:39:22
Surely the kidney stones went through you, KVD... painfully, no doubt.

Are those onions?

21 Jul 2026 23:25:42
Stones is made of glass, but I suppose he could keep Joe Gomez company. 🤕

21 Jul 2026 23:45:15
I feel like Djed Spence is a much better option as we probably need a versatile defensive player. Unfortunately, LFC don't seem to be going for him.

21 Jul 2026 17:29:23
Son-in-law of Lakshi Mittal heading a consortium looking to invest and take a minority stake in Liverpool.

Left QPR Tuesday.

Taken from BBC.

21 Jul 2026 18:13:44
Nightmare! If they sell to them.

21 Jul 2026 18:21:24
Postklopp, it's a minority stake... They ain't selling the club.

Probably similar to that minority stake by Dynasty few years ago.

21 Jul 2026 18:22:28
It's only a minority stake, PostKlopp. It's a positive thing, it gives the club more money to spend.

21 Jul 2026 18:22:38
Don't know who they are, and I don't know how much input he had in QPR, but they are not doing great.
So I hope FSG don't sell up to them, better the devil 😈 you know.

21 Jul 2026 18:24:24
Amit Bhatia? If so, I worked in an industry where I saw day to day how bad he was at business, decision making, accumulating huge losses. If he wants to sink money into us without a controlling share, so be it. If he gets near the board, we're f***ed.

21 Jul 2026 19:19:51
Would the investment be in FSG or in Liverpool? There's a difference.

21 Jul 2026 19:28:00
Liverpool, I also believe if FSG do agree on the sale of the minority stake, it will set them up on their own exit strategy plan.

21 Jul 2026 20:13:29
QPR fans seem to love him and say he is a man of integrity. Maybe that's a travesty for some?

21 Jul 2026 20:41:25
It's not just a minority stake. It's a significant one. So it's likely he'll be able to purchase more shares and build up % to get onto the board.

21 Jul 2026 21:00:52
This is the start of the exit strategy. The club has never not been for sale. War will depreciate assets and FSG are initiating the process, which will take a few years.
They don't have the $ that the Mittals do.

21 Jul 2026 23:34:00
It is a minority stake, despite what the haters want it to be.

21 Jul 2026 16:36:22
Hi Eds
Rumours of the Mittal family investing in us today. With the club valued at 6 billion. Have you heard anything. From the Financial Times cheers

{Ed001's Note - nothing I have heard yet, I know someone who knows them well I can ask, but I doubt I will see him before the football season kicks off here. FT would have a much better idea than me before that, I would assume. They used to be considered very reliable I believe, not sure if that is still true though.}

21 Jul 2026 16:59:32
At this rate we will end up with new owners before a DM.

21 Jul 2026 18:09:36
Seems to all be coming out now. Mittal just sold his stakes at QPR where he seemed in high regard by supporters. Interesting timing.

21 Jul 2026 18:26:50
Touche, Fowler. 😀🤣

21 Jul 2026 20:29:02
Ed001 do you not have this close sources phone number to ask him! Or do you only discuss Liverpool affairs when you're in secret with your cult mask on .

Hope you're well!

{Ed001's Note - I don't have his number, I only see him when at the footie here and he is not the kind of bloke you just swap number with! He just sits with the group of lads I meet up with at the footie and buys the drinks and food as he owns the football club.}

21 Jul 2026 13:55:39
Hi Diddly Ho,

PSG have walked away from Diomande.

Diddly out.

21 Jul 2026 14:02:24
He's gonna end up stuck at RBL now unless his reps return to us and accept a sensible offer.

21 Jul 2026 14:02:30
Thanks for the info, neg.

21 Jul 2026 14:02:46
Oh, and thanks, Ned, glad to see you posting again, bud. 👍🏻

21 Jul 2026 14:09:17
Excellent, let's hope he and his team of useless agents all rot in mid table German mediocrity for years to come...

Perhaps harsh on the lad himself, but maybe this will be a kick up the bum for him and players like him to understand a valuable life lesson, surround yourself with a*reholes and you'll get nowhere.

21 Jul 2026 14:09:49
Graeme Bailey says we have a fresh approach to Diomande's reps.

Maybe it's back on now, PSG out of the picture?

21 Jul 2026 14:13:08
He will end up at Chelsea, you can see it now... cheers, Ned.

21 Jul 2026 14:13:31
Thanks for the info, Ned.

Will be interesting to see where he ends up, or stays!

Just thinking, like we have the signing videos when players join, could we start a trend to have 'walking away' videos in this sort of scenario?

A couple of geezers, one in a Liverpool trackie and one in a PSG one, both looking at Diomande, turning their backs and walking away, maybe into a sunset?

I reckon it'd catch on!

21 Jul 2026 14:13:41
Thanks. Do you think we will go back in for him?

21 Jul 2026 14:16:17
The guy said in a press conference that he is leaving Leipzig.

Now, I don't know how passionate Leipzig fans are about their club, but if that was a Liverpool player, then I'd be packing his bags for him no matter who he is. When you so publicly state your desire to leave a club, it's very hard to come back from.

It's for that reason that I just don't see him playing for Leipzig next season and all of this is just posturing from his reps, Leipzig, and the clubs interested in signing him.

They are all just playing the game.

This will come to a head and he will be playing somewhere else next season and at this point I don't particularly care where that is.

21 Jul 2026 14:22:26
Ned, who are we going to recruit?
The season is starting soon. I'm curious.

21 Jul 2026 14:33:14
Thanks, Ned.

21 Jul 2026 14:33:26
Rokki, we are not gonna sign anyone, buddy.

21 Jul 2026 14:37:51
Appreciate the update, Ned. Good to see you here. As always.

21 Jul 2026 14:39:43
This has to be one of the worst transfer sagas of all time. I don't know whether to feel sorry for the lad. He's been mismanaged like he has, or if he's got what he deserved for flip flopping and joining a bunch of sharks like Roc.



I like the look of Ferran Torress, but think that will be as hard to get right, and saw he had homesickness issues at City.

21 Jul 2026 14:45:36
Diomande isn't at Leipzig forever... sorry, I'll get my coat.

21 Jul 2026 14:55:38
Cheers Ned, his agents are doing a stellar job at mucking-up his career!

21 Jul 2026 14:56:37
Most probably end up at Arsenal tho... but fingers crossed he comes along with Barcola.

21 Jul 2026 15:00:45
Brilliant, thanks for the information, Ned. Personally, if it were up to me, I wouldn't go back in for him. Let him stay where he is, and maybe think about getting new agents.

21 Jul 2026 15:13:31
All lines up for a Chelsea move. But will he take a year out of Europe?

21 Jul 2026 15:30:28
Dotmars, Graeme Bailey works for Teamtalk, which, along with its sister site Football365, is a horrendously unreliable clickbait site concerned only with generating traffic.

21 Jul 2026 15:31:28
I see an article not sure which site, the other day saying about his agents and that it's going to CAS to sort it out. Apparently, Liverpool and Bayern Munich were speaking with his original agents and Roc Nation was dealing with PSG.

21 Jul 2026 15:33:20
Cheers, Ned. Glad you are still sharing!

This smells right up Chelsea's street now, doesn't it? I think they recently did a deal with RocNation too.

21 Jul 2026 15:37:28
I want Diomande to PSG to happen. Makes getting Barcola a lot easier.

21 Jul 2026 15:50:26
Surely the boy needs to rethink his choice of agent.

21 Jul 2026 16:00:55
Where would this leave us getting Barcola, I wonder? Would PSG even sell if they can't get Diomande?

21 Jul 2026 16:10:26
I'll throw money on the table and bet Chelsea comes in for him and gives Leipzig what they want. Club just has money coming out its arse.

21 Jul 2026 16:15:15
Thanks for the info, Ned. I feel sorry for a kid with so much potential being dragged down by a traveling circus. It's hard to blame him. He's only 19. How many of us were savvy decision makers not influenced by the people around us at that age? I know I wasn't.

21 Jul 2026 16:15:59
Cheers, Ned. Appreciated as always.

21 Jul 2026 14:20:21
Cheers Ned!
Is it true he's with 2 sets of agencies?

Also, I heard muttering of links with Ferran Torres (I really should stop looking at X!!)

I'm assuming these are just 'link us with anyone' types of mutterings, right?

21 Jul 2026 15:35:58
Silly boy has really shot himself in the foot here. He's been giving it stacks for months about Liverpool and PSG being his favourite teams and then out of nowhere it's Chelsea and Man City who he loves.

He's portrayed himself as a lying mercenary who will reel off whatever spiel his agents tell him to, in order to get a big paycheck. I hope he sacks his agency after all this and gets someone who actually cares about his career to manage his future.

21 Jul 2026 17:52:21
Thanks neighbourino.

21 Jul 2026 18:12:37
Thanks, Ned. Hope you are keeping well, mate.

21 Jul 2026 18:14:19
@rudjo,
"We won't sign anyone, buddy!?"
Liverpool Football Club have already made two signings in this summer transfer window: Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz. In fact, we are the only PL club so far to sign a current World Cup winner in this summer transfer window! (Porro, Merino, Zubimendi, Reya, Rodri, Pino, all signed past windows)

Liverpool Football Club always leads the way, that's why we are the most successful English side ever! I would say he was actually wanted by Andoni personally, a typical Andoni signing, vast, vast potential, and under the radar.



YNWA 97 and 20.

21 Jul 2026 18:58:12
Cheers, Ned.

21 Jul 2026 11:49:54
Hello Eds,

Maybe a stupid question but I've just looked at the pre season squad and I've seen that ekitike is included. Is it normal for players going through their rehabilitation to travel with the squad to continue their progress? Thanks

{Ed001's Note - yes. A lot of clubs look at the trips as team bonding as well as fitness work in pre-season.}

21 Jul 2026 12:47:03
I would add that it would leave those players at a huge disadvantage not going.

They will get to see what Iraola expects of his teams and how he conducts himself.

The more exposure they get, the easier it is for them to understand what his expectations are.

21 Jul 2026 13:04:47
Ed001 I know you're not a Mac Allister fan but last season under Klopp and first half of the first season under Slot our midfield was good.
Do you think we need to move players on or do you think Iriaola can turn them round again.


It's hard to look back on last season and name any player as been at the level they should have been at.
Sobs the only one that came close but I think he will come on a lot this season.

{Ed001's Note - I still think we need rid of Macca, he was the weak link anyway, under Klopp and Slot, he is best in an attacking role but not even close to as good as even Elliott in that role. I don't understand why people ever thought he was good, he spent most of his first two seasons being terrible but the odd now and again popped up with a goal and it was forgotten how bad he had been. I don't think anyone can fix the fact that he is simply slow and has no desire to work back.}

21 Jul 2026 13:52:31
He gets a free ride based on the fact he's a World Cup winner. Never gets criticised by pundits. Doesn't have a lot to his game and easily upgradeable.

21 Jul 2026 13:55:48
I guess he looked a lot better when he had a proper 6 in Caicedo in midfield with him ..

I can forgive slow .. as you can still make a pass and work hard ..
I can forgive being inconsistent.. it happens.

But ... the theatrics.

Hell no. Constant falling down and feigning some kind of injury .. it's just vile. ... it winds me up, players dropping in the corner in the 90th minute.... let alone first thing you do when the whistle blows to start the game.

21 Jul 2026 14:06:08
Always thought we carried him in most games. Couldn't for the life of me understand what JK saw in him. He's a crier with zero commitment and drive. Good riddance, I say, if we're lucky enough to find a victim to purchase him.

21 Jul 2026 16:21:09
Personally, Macca would be at the top of my 'get rid of' list. I don't want players who only perform for their national team and then do next to nothing for us. He's been dreadful for nearly 18 months now, and it's frankly embarrassing to see him writing around on the floor in faked agony every game.

Basically, he's just taking up space on the field for zero return. He might have a future in the pantomime, but not at Liverpool.

21 Jul 2026 14:51:11
Hi Ed001, as your answering questions at the moment, if you don't mind, if you know how Leoni's recuperation is coming along please?
I think he looks really good, what I've seen of him before his injury, so hoping he'll be back to his best soon.
Thank you. 👍

{Ed001's Note - he is expected to be near ready for the season, but I personally do not expect him to play early on. It will probably need an extra few months of ball work to get the mental side back. Having said that, he is young and that will help him come back much sooner as it is much easier when we are younger. They have him pencilled in around 1st September, I believe, but I wouldn't be surprised to see him play a small part in pre-season, just to help him get his confidence in being able to deal with challenges back.}

21 Jul 2026 14:06:52
After their disgusting antics at the World Cup, I would rather Liverpool be Argentine free. An Argentina free zone, a bit like the Falklands.

21 Jul 2026 14:08:50
Ive wanted the club to sell Mac Allister for ages and after the World Cup I don't want any player from Argentina I can't stand any of them.

21 Jul 2026 16:34:39
I'd be happy for Macca to move on, but I feel like he's got a good football brain and breaks play up well (when he's on it). He was atrocious last season, but so was the majority of the squad. He's had a good WC, if we kept him, I wouldn't be guttered but I do believe there's better out there.

21 Jul 2026 16:34:54
Totally agree with u ed1. I see a good pass here and then but never consistently. A odd goal here and then. But what really annoyed me about him was falling to the floor far to easily and crying and giving fouls in dangerous places continously. Just like the whole of the Argentina squad this world cup. Get rid ASAP

21 Jul 2026 16:57:23
Agree strongly with the above, no argys in our team or set up, horrible dirty spawn.
Need some uk players including a few of the youngsters coming through this season.
Need a big signing for right side though, ready made experienced winner with 15 to 20 a season goals if possible and stay away from Madrid, don't give them a carrot!!

21 Jul 2026 15:43:46
I know many disagree (which is fine, it's a subjective sport) but I personally really like Mac Allister when he's fit and in form. The problem for me is neither of those things have been the case for nigh on 18 months now. He actually had a very good World Cup in my opinion, but just as you shouldn't sign someone off the back of a good World Cup, I also don't think you should keep them for the same reason.

It's a real shame because Mac Allister was seen by many as a huge coup at the time. I even remember Ed025 saying he'd be the best South American to ever play for Liverpool. Macca's technically good, his passing range is excellent, he's deceptively good at scoring goals of all kinds and he certainly doesn't lack tenacity or an engine. What he does lack though is genuine mobility and pace, so when he's off his game, he looks miles off his game.

Honestly if we get any kind of bid above £50m I'd take it, but I am genuinely gutted how his Liverpool career seems to be coming to and end. There was a lot of promise initially and I do disagree with people who think he was never that good. I thought for his first 18 months he was the best midfielder of the 4 we signed in that summer of Jorg Schmadtke (Endo, Szoboszlai and Gravenberch being the other 3).

No room for sentiment though. We have to be ruthless and 18 months of poor form cannot be overlooked, no matter how good the 18 months before that were.

{Ed025's Note - i thought he was great at Brighton MK and started very well for the Reds as well, he definitely has the ability but he seems to have regressed and looked lazy and immobile under Slot, add to that his constant play acting and i have really gone off him mate, maybe a stronger manager can reignite his career but i would not put money on it..

21 Jul 2026 18:35:29
He needs to go. He's nowhere near Liverpool quality and ethos. I'd be telling his agent to find him a new club if it was up to me.

21 Jul 2026 11:00:02
Any new news on Alex Scott? Seen he’s rejected new deal at Bournemouth. And Wharton still a plan?
Sell Macca hopefully and maybe Jones.

21 Jul 2026 13:01:25
I don't think Alex Scott is any better than Macca or Jones.

21 Jul 2026 13:08:30
Alex Scott seems miles better than Macallister from what I've seen!

{Ed001's Note - I agree.}

21 Jul 2026 13:17:58
Do we hold interest in Scott? If so, do you think we will make a bid?

21 Jul 2026 14:09:42
2shoes, I think the female Alex Scott is probably better than Macallister. 🤣🤣🤣

21 Jul 2026 14:16:19
He would be a very good signing. I think it is clear Szob will be 8 and Grav 6, and we know that AI likes to play through the lines with vertical passing and runners - Scott would add quality and depth to this area of the midfield.


I struggle to see how Macca and, though I like him, Jones fit into this midfield. I actually think, as a backup 10, Elliot would be very handy for us.

21 Jul 2026 18:38:46
I like Scott, but I don't think he's what we need, unless we're buying two midfielders. I'd rather someone more defensively sound if we're buying just one midfielder.

21 Jul 2026 20:06:15
If he's refused to sign a new contract, we might be hanging on to get him on a Bosman.
We could get off Scott free.

{Ed025's Note - good stuff Rigsby..

20 Jul 2026 16:00:18
Liverpool have left the chat regarding Yan Diomande after months of work.

Everyone is massively disappointed but life moves on.

LFC will now make their move for Bradley Barcola.

Interestingly, I'm hearing Rio could be the heir to Mo Salah on the right side.

Ta.

20 Jul 2026 16:10:13
Hi Carra,

Thank you for confirming.

Reds, as I've said back in June, in my first post, we walked away from the Diamonde deal and prioritised Barcola.

20 Jul 2026 16:13:36
Thanks, Carra. If I am honest, I think I am glad we have moved away from Diomande. Clearly the lad has talent, but he has chosen a really bad agency to look after him by the sound of negotiations.

Bazza.

20 Jul 2026 16:14:37
Thanks, Carra and Grizz. Interesting take on Rio. I would love to see it, but that would be a massive gamble.

20 Jul 2026 16:15:15
Cheers, Carra. Hope you're keeping well. 👍🏻

20 Jul 2026 16:15:20
Good bye, Yan.

Come on barecola.

20 Jul 2026 16:21:17
That's a lot to pin onto a kid. I just don't think he's ready for that kind of pressure.

20 Jul 2026 16:24:50
Wharton to Barcola on the break will frighten every defense. Teams would hesitate to squeeze us. Last year, we couldn't escape our own half because the opposition were no longer afraid of a through ball. Barcola changes that. So does Munoz, tbf.

20 Jul 2026 16:25:58
Rio isn't ready for regular first team football, so hope that isn't true.

20 Jul 2026 16:26:38
Thanks, Carra. Shame, I think Diamonde would have been great for us. Barcola it is then... and Rio is gonna be a star... we'll just need a solid RB to help him out.

20 Jul 2026 16:31:07
Thanks, Carra.

20 Jul 2026 16:34:13
Something tells me we might still hear more from Diomande. You don't very often see a player admit he's leaving a club in a press conference, and then stay put.

He might have to force a move himself, but I still think a move will happen. Maybe not to us, but I don't see him being at Leipzig next season.

20 Jul 2026 16:34:47
Rio doesn't look scared to me. If he's good enough, he's old enough. Only time will tell how he does, but there's hardly a player in the world who would be as good as Salah, so just let him be the best version of himself.

20 Jul 2026 16:35:58
@funky061, We couldn't escape our own half even in a Taxi.

20 Jul 2026 16:42:32
Thanks, Carra. I'm so glad we are walking away from Diomande. Looks a good player, but the noise around him. Nah. Great news.

20 Jul 2026 16:43:50
We could be playing the game a bit with Diomande.

The word from the club, though, is that they're moving on.

Ta.

20 Jul 2026 16:47:01
Glad we have moved on, Diomande reminds of Sterling's time when he wanted to leave, signed with a bad agency, let them dictate everything but both were still young but think they're young players need proper guidance.

20 Jul 2026 16:58:45
Cheers, Carra.

20 Jul 2026 17:00:17
I'm not sure about Rio as a starting RW to replace Salah, but then again, what do I know compared to Iraola who's watched him every day in training for 2 weeks.

He certainly wasn't shy of giving Kroupi Jr a lot of minutes last season, and Rio does turn 18 next month, which is a similar age to when Yamal really kicked on at Barcelona.



Let's see how things unfold over pre-season. That could be eye opening!

20 Jul 2026 17:13:00
I am not so worried about Rio mentally as I am physically and positionally. He did get pushed around a bit last season and doesn't always track back. His situational awareness no doubt will improve with time.

20 Jul 2026 17:17:51
On the subject of Rio, I am of the same opinion, I don't think he's ready. I think he needs to learn the game a bit more, so he can understand what's expected of him when he hasn't got the ball.

That being said, I don't think he was getting a whole lot of good coaching last season, so maybe with some decent one to one coaching the penny might drop.



He looked England's best, most exciting player before the World Cup, so going up the levels obviously doesn't bother him either.

I think we'll just have to trust the coaches to make that call.

20 Jul 2026 17:18:06
Thx Carra and all other posters.

There were some murmurs about us looking at Rayan?

Any news your end about that?

Stay safe, and cheers, fella.

20 Jul 2026 17:35:43
Can't see the club relying on a 17 year old to fill Mo's boots, I imagine we'll make a move for Rayan.

20 Jul 2026 17:40:24
I think Rayan will be targeted, but I'm of the opinion that's only if Gakpo leaves.

Maybe "heir to the throne" was a dramatic way of putting it, but he will play there more this coming season.

Ta.

20 Jul 2026 17:40:57
Cheers Carra. You got to keep playing these youngsters... Yamal didn't get to where he is so young sitting on the bench.

20 Jul 2026 17:46:41
I agree Rio is not quite ready. He falls to sleep too much, and drifts out of games at times. Would love to see him on the right getting beyond the full back. I'd like to see the wingers cross over a couple of times during games too.

Keep defenders thinking, and disrupt the flow.
Hope I'm wrong, but Rio needs more time to grow and learn. No doubt he will be great, but slowly does it.

YNWA.

20 Jul 2026 18:02:26
I can imagine that PSG will be asking for Morgan Rogers money for Barcola.

20 Jul 2026 18:06:24
Cheers, Carra.

20 Jul 2026 18:07:43
To be fair, none of our players "looked ready" for 90 minutes last season.

Let's see how the lad does under a manager who hopefully cares a bit more than Slot appeared to last season.

20 Jul 2026 18:10:19
Cheers, Carra. Is Gakpo not ideal cover for Ekitike, though? Given he's not scheduled to return until January, and even then it will still take a while for him to get firing on all cylinders. Cody's the only one with any reasonable experience playing in the central role, something we're going to need, considering Isak needs his minutes managed and is quite injury-prone.



The way I see it, we need 2 senior wingers and to keep Gakpo, at least until January, if we're going to prove we can challenge on all fronts anyway. I suppose, if that's not a concern, we can make exceptions; I don't see why we should, though.

20 Jul 2026 18:18:30
Gonna be a long season for the manager without enough quality. This is a shambles. LFC need five or six players period. Isak cannot play every game, no chance. Salah is gone, no right back, not enough cb cover.

Tsimikas isn't good enough.
I have to hand it to you guys, u have serious faith in the squad and I don't at all. Right now it's a s***show transfer process.

20 Jul 2026 18:46:57
I know you are just commenting on what you've heard, but I personally find it very very hard to call Rio as a RW as anything other than a massive failure. He's not even fully ready to be a starter, let alone change his preferred position at this point. Tests and experiences are of course valid, but this just reeks of desperation and lack of business.

20 Jul 2026 18:56:16
Thanks for the update Carra.

20 Jul 2026 18:58:39
Hi Carra,

Cheers for your post, any idea what's happening with RB and CDM/CM?

Thanks mate.

20 Jul 2026 19:03:23
I remember when we nearly won the league with 18 year old Raheem Sterling moved to a new position at the top of a midfield diamond. If Rio is good enough, he's old enough. Doue and Yamal aren't too shabby, eh.



There's no point stressing about it. If he shines in pre-season, he gets his shot. If he doesn't, we'll sign someone. The dramatic reactions aren't required at this stage.

20 Jul 2026 19:05:09
Big mistake if we are relying on the step over kid, we need to get a right winger as well as Barr Cola, too much to expect from a kid who has no end product yet.

20 Jul 2026 19:22:16
So the club will spend on Barcola which will fund PSG to move for Diomande. The dominoes will start falling soon. Shame, as I'll be honest, I'm not overly fussed on Barcola; he seems lightweight to me. I want a Mane type winger, someone, when you're up against it, will dig in and play the team game.

Don't know why, and I may be completely wrong, but Barcola looks as if he could down tools at any moment.

But I'm not against Rio playing on the right either, it will improve him massively and stop him becoming a 1 trick pony cutting in from the left to get a shot away.

20 Jul 2026 19:44:40
I reckon this is what Rio needs, to be honest. Bang him on and let the lad get stuck in.

20 Jul 2026 19:55:08
Going to be very lightweight all over the pitch if this is the case. Can see Hughes and co not getting in the players we need, and the manager will be the scapegoat.

20 Jul 2026 20:00:46
Rio has the ability, the mentality and the balls to thrive, he's the best option we have, so play him.

20 Jul 2026 20:03:59
Made up we walked away.

20 Jul 2026 20:14:29
With the narrative changes to we're preparing bids for Barcola, we've walked away from Diomande, Rio is going to be our right sided player, it's no surprise a few fans question our recruitment and planning.

It can feel at times like we make things up as we go. Most business is done with agents and clubs, so it raises the obvious questions like what were we waiting for with Barcola.

It's probably just that, with Diomande dead in the water, we've shifted target. We were never going to buy both, who knows.

It's just a waiting game. We can't influence it as fans. Let's just hope our judgement in the market is as good as it can be this summer. If Barcola is the guy, then fingers crossed he's the best we can get and that Munoz and Rio can thrive out of their preferred positions.

20 Jul 2026 20:17:30
Iraola specialising in making a silk purse out of a sow's ear.

Not worried about lack of quality, we have enough quality, we just lack application.

20 Jul 2026 20:33:38
Thanks, Carra.

20 Jul 2026 20:38:25
Rio is no Lamine Yamal though.

20 Jul 2026 20:17:19
thank you Carra! hope we can pull off the Barcola deal.
It appears to be a difficult one, I am not sure if the player picks us given other options, Arsenal and Byern are also looking at him, PSG usually don't sell players unless they want to, and even if they want to, they will drag it off till the end or at least the Diaomande agents' situation is sorted out & they sign him.

I am starting to sense a quite transfer period, similar to Arne's first transfer window. Only go for very opportunistic transfer targets and if there is no success there, see how the new manager utilizes the current squad. Of course there is a need and pressure to replace Salah but it's gone quite for other positions.

We will end up having a good starting 11 but the depth of the squad has gone down with quality and numbers. At some point we had the option to play Matip/konate/Gomes next to VVD. On the midfield we used to have more than 6 very good options. Milner/Hendo/Fabinhio/Gini/Keita/Lallana/Jones/ probably more. and I don't even have to mention the attacking players.

I will be worried if another midfield player and right back is not signed in this window.
Carra, editors do you know if we are targeting good players for those positions? is it based on players leaving?

20 Jul 2026 20:58:32
Rigsby, at 21 years old, Norwich and Leicester City didn't want Harry Kane, whilst Owen was winning a Ballon d'Or at that age. Not much of an argument who had the better career though! Besides, Rio doesn't have to be as good as Yamal, that's not the point I'm making. The point is that if you are good enough, you are old enough.

If Iraola decides Rio is good enough to be a regular starter, that's good enough for me.

He's got a proven track record. He had Huijsen starting CB in the Premier League despite being 19 years old and built like a stick insect. The guy knows how to develop talent. I just don't get the overreaction to a mere rumour that Rio might be seen as the Salah replacement. Iraola won't put his faith in him as a starter unless he really believes in him.

20 Jul 2026 20:59:46
I thought Rio was excellent on the Rw when he played there for England, like I mentioned a while back, Rio will get plenty of game time this season both left and right wing.

20 Jul 2026 21:02:28
Personally, I'm sticking to what I know and have said, categorically, for numerous months.

We will sign Diomande.
We won't sign Barcola.

Over and out.

20 Jul 2026 21:02:32
What Rigsby said.

20 Jul 2026 21:07:56
Arne mentioned sell to buy before he left, and constraints in our transfer business, so I think that's the rough outline of how we'll conduct business. That'll include the ones we've lost in free transfers, I'm guessing, but we'll need to get a few more out the door.

20 Jul 2026 21:15:03
What MK said!!

People flapping over nothing as per usual.

20 Jul 2026 21:16:46
Based purely on YouTube clips at club level, dangerous, I know, out of Barcola, Diomande, and Rayan Diomande, looks like the type of player we need most to replace Salah. There may be better alternatives out there, and that's ignoring the money side, but, based purely on the type of player he looks the best of the three.



World Cup wise, none particularly impressed, and neither Diomande nor Barcola played right side at all in any of the games I watched.

20 Jul 2026 21:27:41
Do people on here want us to buy a 100mill winger for this season then bench them next season when people on here think Rio is ready? Every season that passes while Rio isn't a regular for me that increases the chance he ever will be a regular.

20 Jul 2026 21:51:18
Barcola is a riskier signing than Diomande, imo. I am not convinced he will suit the prem style, hustle and quantity of games. It's gruelling compared to what he's been used to.

20 Jul 2026 21:30:07
WelshRed, I'm not flapping over anything. It's just football. The truest thing Klopp said was football was the most important thing out of all the things that aren't important. Or words to that effect.

My opinion on Rio, and I also believe that Ed01 is of a similar opinion, is at this moment in time Rio isn't good enough to be holding a regular spot in the first team. Hope he proves me wrong. But there is one thing I'm certain of and that is I'm not in a flap.

20 Jul 2026 23:19:53
With Rio, I'd buy into the 'heir to the throne' talk (appreciate it was just a coin of phrase) if we hadn't put so much effort to sign Diomande.

I would have thought that we'd be targeting a different type of presence for the RW if there was genuine feeling that Rio is that guy. My read on it is more akin to the context that we've made this decision to walk away from Diomande and now we're like "Well, how about that Rio on the right idea again!?"

And honestly, I'd love the idea of Rio getting that shot. I think he is very raw.

The real aspect I want to see in his game is his connection with other players in the build-up and how well he presses. We know he can dribble, so can Yamal. But one thing Yamal has done effectively since he broke into the Barca team is his interplay with the attackers, the 1-2s, 3rd man runs behind, connecting beyond just trying to get the ball and beat his opponent off the dribble which we know he can do.

That'd be cool to see from Rio this season, because for me, it would be an indication of the growth in his mental approach to the game.

20 Jul 2026 23:22:19
Rio as a proper right winger?

I'm in.


Would we need a proper number 9 to make that work tho? 🤔

Check the spacing. KFA right here.

Len.

20 Jul 2026 23:51:15
I don't mind that.

Rio, Munoz and Barcola can rotate on the left and the right, while Gakpo can rotate on the left and CF when Isak needs a break, if Gakpo is staying, that is.

Add to that, 2-3 players we already have who could potentially cover left and right if necessary on a cup game like Elliott, Szobo, Koumas, Frimpong etc.



I think we'll be totally fine if we just sign Barcola plus the already signed Munoz and Rio likely getting more minutes. Looking forward to it!

21 Jul 2026 00:09:54
I think Barcola would thrive in our team, however, I trust the manager in this.
Was Kroupi ready? Was Rayan ready? He made them ready as teenagers and they didn't have the benefit of growing up in English football.

21 Jul 2026 03:30:51
Rio may or may not make it. The only way to properly find out is to play him regularly and see if he learns lessons and steps up. He certainly looked the part last season in a team where only he and Dom stood out.


Let's see how he can perform under Iraola and then judge the kid.
btw, he did very well for England on the rw in a friendly before the WC.

21 Jul 2026 06:42:51
Well said, Ron Keague. It would not shock me if the club are looking at Rayan and Diomande (both 19 years old and very unproven at any level), seeing the 7 figure asking prices and just thinking "well sod it, Rio is only 18 and he's already ours."

As I said in my very first line in my very first reply, I personally don't see Rio as a starter at rw.

However, most of us wanted Iraola to some extent. For some (yourself, Ron) he was top pick, but for most of us he was at least top 5. If he opts to make Rio his primary rw, we should show faith in a head coach that we were all so excited for when he was appointed.

21 Jul 2026 06:58:48
I doubt this is Iraola opting not to buy a RW if that's where we land. More likely, a Richard Hughes decision not to buy would put the coach in that spot.

The successes we've had out wide, in Mo and Mane, both had great pace and strength.

Neither were amazing dribblers, but they could exploit the ball over the fullback or beat them with pace running with the ball. I'm not sure Rio has the pace, and that can't be coached. The rest of his game can be developed though.

21 Jul 2026 07:16:11
Cheers, Carra.

The a club upstairs are impacting the new season again. Flaky targets and no clear plan. We've gone from wanting to do our business early to nothing. We should have had alternatives to Diomande and moved on well before.

21 Jul 2026 07:16:34
I don't think anyone's against increased mins for Rio, but as first choice for right hand side?
I don't think so.

21 Jul 2026 08:10:54
thanks carra great info.

21 Jul 2026 08:39:47
MK, I'm not overreacting.
I reckon mentioning Yamal, because they are a similar age, is, though.
Lamine Yamal was good enough, so he was old enough, but Rio Ngumoha isn't as good yet.
They are more comparable by age than ability, and I don't doubt that Yamal would have been good enough to start for us regularly at the age Rio is now.


I doubt Rio is.
I'm happy to be wrong about that, though.

21 Jul 2026 09:05:53
Happy we walked away from that deal. Looked a right mess up at this point, rather put the effort into other areas that we are desperate in.

On Rio, I didn't think he stood out at all. 2 goals and 1 assist, if im not mistaken, doesn't set anything alight for me. Maybe his flappy legs dazzled a few of the supporters, but I can swing my legs in circles a lot too.

Now, don't get me wrong, I hope he succeeds and becomes a player for many years, but even trying to say that he could do a 10th of the job Salah did last season would be a stretch for me, and Salah did not have a great season.



Then there's the risk of burning him out and damaging his career if you just throw him in and not develop him properly. But then again im no pro coach, I coach an u13 school team as a hobby, so my knowledge is pretty bog standard on development.

As much as I want him to succeed, it's just as crazy to just expect it and play him regularly in a position that has been one of the strongest we have had over the years.

21 Jul 2026 09:19:03
Interesting. I love Rio. He should've played more last season before the season was dead and finished.

We need 2 wingers though, one isn't enough imo, and will leave the new manager short already.

21 Jul 2026 09:20:42
@Overkill, fair points, but you probably only need the pace in one of the front positions which could be on the left with Barcola if Rio is on the right.

@Rigsby, I love watching Rio going forward, but I think his problems have been in other parts of his role.

That's probably why opinion is divided. He will have learnt, though, he will be getting the coaching in pre-season and I'm expecting that if he does get regular game time this season by the end of it, we will see a much improved player. I'm hoping he does get that opportunity.

21 Jul 2026 10:01:27
Didn't we say something similar about walking away from a signing with Isak and Virg only to then still sign them? Could be just part of the dance.

21 Jul 2026 10:25:01
I am concerned for the under 13s kids you coach if you can't see how good Rio is for his age, Mr Jones. He has played and delivered at the highest level at just 3 or 4 years older than the kids you coach.

At under 13, kids should be encouraged to try things, get it wrong, learn from their mistakes. That shouldn't be coached out of them.

21 Jul 2026 10:48:01
Kopite, by no means did I not say he is talented, I don't think he's the next Salah for next season though, I think every single kid in Liverpool's youth team is talented, extremely talented.

I can't see where I have written him off, he must try things and he must experiment to find his place and learn new facets to his game. He's not 13, but he is still a kid, and you are saying throw him in the deep end in our first team, in a position that, literally, he's not used to, and expect him to pick up where Salah has left off, but it's ok if he makes mistakes and costs us games "he's learning".

This is the first team not development team. He will have expectations in the first team not afforded making mistakes.

Don't have a go at my kids, they're good lads and I take good care of them. I still know they are children, so I don't put too much pressure on them. People seem to forget this at the top level, these are still kids at 17 18 19 years old.

Then if he doesn't perform people will pan him, that's the nature of professional footy. You think that will be good for his development.

21 Jul 2026 10:53:39
Why does Rio get so much criticism? The only blemish on his short career to date was his off the ball role in the Villa away game, when, quite frankly, the whole team was stinking.

He's 17 btw.

21 Jul 2026 10:58:35
According to this morning's reports PSG are standing firm on their stance and are prepared to pay around EUR110million/ £93.5m to conclude the deal.

21 Jul 2026 11:30:18
You said his flappy legs maybe dazzled supporters, and you can do that too, that kind of suggests you don't see how talented he is. I think he's shown more than that in the short amount of time he's played. 14 of his 19 appearances have been as a sub in a team that struggled last year compared to our normal standards. He changed some games when he came on. I don't think many, if any, players would be able to replicate what Salah has done since he's been at the club, and I don't think many supporters would expect Rio to.

He could do really well if given more game time to develop, with other players also chipping in so he's not run into the ground early. He could definitely do more than a 10th of a job of Salah last season. Your post came across as a bit disrespectful to Rio and our supporters, in my opinion. It's good to hear that you don't try to coach the fun out of the game. I've seen coaches with tactic boards for 8 year olds and you can see their eyes glaze over.

21 Jul 2026 12:15:15
I can't help but think we'd all be talking differently about Rio if he was in Klopp's side. Young, yes, inexperienced, yes, but we would have seen much more. The lad was impressive considering the style and low confidence of the side last season.

21 Jul 2026 12:49:35
Honestly, glad we are walking away from Diomande. His agents sound disgraceful and shouldn't be anywhere near football. If that is the path and guys Diomande wants to listen to, then maybe he shouldn't be for us, as I can see them only getting more and more difficult the longer he stays with them.

21 Jul 2026 12:55:48
Koppite out of order there, Rio imo won't be good enough and I'll stand by this, is he better than doak was? He stood out because everyone else looked poor, but after ed 1 had said something, watch him he does step overs and ends up nowhere, doesn't track back and was given a first team spot not earned it, he should be learning his trade with the u18s/u21s, I know he's 17 but you say he's good enough he's old enough for criticism, he will not make it with us and I hope I'm wrong but I don't see it

21 Jul 2026 14:01:36
Koppite, I do have a tactics board haha, but it is very simple and I keep it light mate. I'm also no pro with any badges either, would love to in the future, but I'm a bit too busy with life's problems atm. It's my old alumni and they have just introduced a good soccer program a few months back and wanted to give something back, they are generally geared towards rugby where I'm from.

I meant no insult or disrespect. I've got a thing for not having massive expectations and when it does go right I'm pleasantly proven wrong and I hope so in this case.

So I agree he needs more game time but that spot should not automatically be given to him, there should be a senior player in there helping him. For example, when the first team of the school plays, I encourage the young guys to watch and get involved, cheer and carry on so they get that drive and hunger.

And yes, I can do crazy step overs... when I'm not going forward or moving in any way....

21 Jul 2026 14:15:22
Why am I out of order Fatwallet? I think its a bit out of order to say our supporters are so stupid that some step overs mesmorize them into thinking someone is a good player. I'm not sure I said on here at the time but I never thought Doak would make it at our level. It's obvious to me anyway that Rio is better than Doak. Doak was very one dimensional. Rio has something which isn't just pace and step overs.

He can go on the inside or outside and defenders have no idea which way he's going. I'm not sure where the he ends up going nowhere came from because for the most part he is making things happen.You've said you don't think Rio will make it with us, that's fair enough, he might not, but I think he's got a better chance than most and I'm excited to see his progression.

21 Jul 2026 17:34:42
To be honest, Mr Jones, I think the club see Rio having a more prominent role than last year, but I doubt they expect him to be starting every game like Salah. If they do, that is concerning, but it seems like posturing to me to let the players or the clubs of the players know we aren't desperate.

Munoz can also play on the right. I'd honestly prefer us to let them share that rw role than overpaying wages/transfer fee or to just get anyone in for the sake of it if there are doubts about the incoming players' ability or character. Good luck with your boys in the season ahead.

20 Jul 2026 14:25:16
Pecsi is not going on tour he's off on loan to an Austrian Premier League team for the season.

20 Jul 2026 14:36:17
He's been left Home Alone, then? He'll be like a Raging Bull.

20 Jul 2026 14:47:19
I just spoke to my cousin Vinny at the casino and he reckons he's a lethal weapon.

20 Jul 2026 14:51:28
Heard he's a pretty funny guy. : p

20 Jul 2026 14:51:41
You amuse me, Rome.

20 Jul 2026 14:54:37
Hey, should do really well, he's a goodfella.

20 Jul 2026 15:05:55
Zed, you've won it for me mate. It was right there.

20 Jul 2026 15:09:51
Thank you, Cantremember. Few people have ever said that! I'm a Man on Fire, today.

20 Jul 2026 15:14:18
Rome, with honors, mate.

20 Jul 2026 15:20:09
Funny how? Funny like a clown? Does he amuse you?

20 Jul 2026 15:33:52
Like the Man on Fire reference, Rome.

20 Jul 2026 15:38:58
Ahhh, go get your shine box.

20 Jul 2026 15:40:46
Hi Rome, have you been playing your violin?

20 Jul 2026 15:43:40
Thank you, Jimjim. I'm not working today. I should really get a life!

20 Jul 2026 16:29:31
You've all been flying over the cuckoo's nest.

20 Jul 2026 16:48:03
Baby Yoda as Ricky Gervais said.

20 Jul 2026 16:56:18
I heard they wanted to sign Pecsi permanently until they realised he'd cost them an Armin a leg.

20 Jul 2026 20:41:13
No more shines, Iron Man.
And you bought your button, you fake tough guy.

20 Jul 2026 12:31:52
Hi all,

Personal terms have been broadly agreed with Bradley Barcola. A bid is being prepared, likely to be rejected but a good start.

20 Jul 2026 13:07:14
Thanks VG, I so hope we can secure both Barcola and Rayan!

20 Jul 2026 13:07:23
Is that not tapping a player up illegally?

20 Jul 2026 13:09:00
Thanks, Vic. I think he has great potential, but we still need someone more specifically for the right. Hopefully we get him in while working on other targets.

20 Jul 2026 13:16:22
Whilst I think that Barcola could be a great addition to the squad, I am really struggling to get excited about this. I think it is due to our lack of a specialist right winger. Whilst I know Barcola can play on the right wing, I do not think that he is the answer, and I think that I would be far more excited with the idea of his signing if we had already landed somebody like Rayan or Diomande (or even if it felt like we had made some progress).

20 Jul 2026 13:16:34
Fingers crossed we don't faff about. Cheers VG.

20 Jul 2026 13:18:31
Haha, here we go again. 3 bids Liverpool.

20 Jul 2026 13:22:46
Some people are never happy! Thanks, VG.

20 Jul 2026 13:23:00
Looks like the first bid is 85 million.

20 Jul 2026 13:26:39
No, it isn't, Kloppers. All clubs agree personal terms with players prior to placing a bid. I think they need permission from the potential selling club first, though, to speak with agents.

20 Jul 2026 13:28:20
Hope we get him, his pace is frightening, and he can finish, dont get why people dont want him to be honest. His potential is through the roof.

20 Jul 2026 13:28:54
Any idea what fee would be acceptable?

20 Jul 2026 13:44:45
We're so boring with the hard to bargain crap, if he's our Salah replacement, go get him. 3 bids then lose to Chelsea or Arsenal drama.

20 Jul 2026 13:57:22
Permission from the selling club is needed for official discussions and agreements as well as to contact the player directly. It is not needed to talk informally to agents to discuss the player's interest in the move and to talk about what sort of contract might be acceptable to their client if a bid were to be accepted.

20 Jul 2026 14:09:34
I've been told that there will be a flurry of activity starting this week...

Watch this space.

Ric.

20 Jul 2026 14:12:31
I think a bid of about 105m pound gets the job done easily, but I might be way off on that. Time will tell.

20 Jul 2026 13:27:54
So while I don't know much I've listened to the eds for years enough to know that.

You can get in touch with a players representatives and broadly agree terms on wages contract club project expectations etc. This is not tapping up.

Club does this and honestly makes sense because the alternative could end up quite embarrassing if we went in with 120 mill bid that gets accepted for the player to simply turn around and go ahh actually I have 0 interest in playing for you or moving etc.

So it is common practice for broad terms to be agreed with a player to make sure that if the deal can be done between clubs that the actual deal also then gets done.

Sometimes things happen differently and sometimes players just straight up change their mind or have preferences (Caicedo)

But that is different from direct contact and discussions with a player not through their representatives (Van Dijk scenario)

At a high level I don't think I have messed up here but as usual correct me if wrong eds I am always here to learn.

Then any deeper as a wise man often said just confuses people

20 Jul 2026 14:24:37
Finally some traction. The joys of the WC, I guess.
From what I've seen of him he's a decent enough player. Obviously the market is stupidly well, stupid at the moment and I think all prices are inflated, but I'm glad to see we are in for him. Be nice if we didn't draw it out.



Ta for the update, dude!

20 Jul 2026 14:27:25
Regarding tapping up, every club does it. It's just kind of an unspoken rule that that's how the game works these days and the very odd time a club will pipe up threatening to report it as a way of saying f*** off.

It's very standard procedure. Were PSG to call this tapping up, they would have trouble on their hands as they do it to their targets too.

20 Jul 2026 14:38:19
People keep moaning about Barcola like the winger market is full or great players. I think, if Iraola gets us playing as fast and direct as he did Bournemouth, he will be great. The system works for near enough any pacey player, as he's proven by getting the same out of the team regardless of who gets sold.

20 Jul 2026 15:21:30
Why are we funding PSG's move for Diomande?

20 Jul 2026 15:37:46
They want Akliouche.

20 Jul 2026 15:54:52
Jesus, some of the comments on here are ridiculous, 3 bids Liverpool, we won't sign anyone, they won't sign the players I like, etc, etc. Really need to get a grip, some people, only happy when they're moaning. Cheers Vic as always.

20 Jul 2026 15:57:09
25M+ Gakpo should do it.

20 Jul 2026 16:23:50
Exactly, Fatwallet, it's exasperating sometimes!

France put him on at half time against England, and his pace caused us loads of problems, culminating in him scoring a great goal. He's a brilliant player, I really don't know why anyone would say different. He's exactly what we need.

Cheer Vic as always. :-)

20 Jul 2026 16:30:55
Thanks VG.

20 Jul 2026 23:43:30
Happy with that. I think he'll be excellent for us. Rio, Munoz, and Barcola can rotate on the left and the right, while Gakpo can rotate on the left and CF when Isak needs a break, if he's staying, that is.

21 Jul 2026 12:17:10
Kloppers, that's how the world turns, mate. Sad but true, but regardless of rules etc, the game has always been like that.