Liverpool Rumours Mobile

18 Sep 2026 09:22:25
Over the next two windows I think it would be pretty straightforward for Liverpool to become challengers in all fronts again with some simple additions and sales.
I trust Andoni will know what he needs.
I don't trust FSG or the new group understand what type of DOF we require.

RB- Depends on Araujo and how he performs, the club will persist with Connor Bradley too for now.

LB- Someone mentioned Mitchell from Palace maybe a good idea?

MID- A combo of Camara and Sadiki would be an excellent piece of business by the club. Wharton is a NO from me, not what we need.

RW- Not convinced by any of the options over the past summer, Rayan at £130m is included in that.
Time will tell but we should be scouring all leagues for the next standout. Minteh might be a better option but not for more than £60-65m

FW- definitely required, Ekitike will struggle for a while, Isak will get better but will struggle with fitness from time to time.
El Junior Kroupi might be a good shout, once it is known he has recovered from the current injury?

18 Sep 2026 10:35:34
Alex Scott looks a top player to me. would like us to go for him.

18 Sep 2026 10:48:17
I hate to say it and hope i'm wrong but Bradley will always struggle with injuries, he's only 23 and already you'd say he's injury prone. He's missed 89 games in 3 seasons with multiple injuries to his back, knees, ankles, muscles.
Cracking player but his body isn't up to it.

18 Sep 2026 11:00:18
Pretty sure Defoe retired some years ago, why is he required?

18 Sep 2026 12:43:37
We're miles away.

18 Sep 2026 12:53:22
I can't see us buying another forward anytime soon, to be honest. Perhaps a RW, but AI also seems intent on having our stable of LWs play across the front line, so who knows.

I'm reasonably satisfied so far with Araujo at RB. That seems to have staunched the bleeding at that position.

A stronger midfield spine and competition for Kerkez at LB would both do very nicely though.

18 Sep 2026 13:19:36
Instead of Kroupi, why don't we give Khoumas a chance? Isak, Ekitike and Khoumas should do for the CF position.

18 Sep 2026 13:22:11
We need 2 midfielders a right forward a right and left back.
Bradley is nowhere near good enough to be first choice but great squad player I would say Kerkez is not good enough to be first choice unless there is a rapid improvement but again good back up.
We need a number 6 and an 8 for our midfield then Szoboszlai and Wirtz can fight it out for the 10 spots and also give cover for low and rw and maybe the 8 spot for Szoboszlai if we have a dominant 6 behind him.
For me Gravenberch should be moved on as fast as possible I like said the other day he has been here now for 3 and a bit season and performed for about 4 months in that time the rest of the time he has been awful.
So I would say Gravenberch is not good enough because the 4 months is an anomaly.

18 Sep 2026 13:22:34
Don't think kerkez is the answer, had enough chances and not good enough for us, move him on in Jan.

18 Sep 2026 08:05:11
I just ran into some stats about Lamine Camara. How about these for a player

Tackles won vs PSG - 7
Tackles won vs Strasbourg - 4
Tackles won vs Marseille - 4
Tackles won vs Le Havre - 9
Tackles won vs us(Pre season in 64mins) - 2

I think we will be stupid not to go all in for this lad. At least, he gets stuck in. If this isn't midfield monstrosity, I don't know what is.

Besides, unlike Baleba who sulked and fell off a cliff after his move fell through, Lamine has actually improved and has said he no longer thinks about his move to Chelsea and he is happy to stay.

Good attitude for me. What do you all think?

18 Sep 2026 08:40:36
Can he also pass a football? We need someone who can do that as well because our current crop bar Maccalister couldn't move the ball by a millimeter. The lad doesn't replace Macca rather Gravenberch / Szoboszlai.

18 Sep 2026 08:57:56
@Sonic, I understand your worry about passing, but having both skills, the physicality plus passing range is extremely difficult, so I would be happy if we only got the physicality since we are very soft in the middle. Hence why I feel Camara is a good option, even if not the best one.

18 Sep 2026 09:52:00
I would say stats can be misleading. I have not seen Camara at all but I think back to Idrissa Gueye who was applauded over his tackle per games but he was a very average player. Gueye was constantly out of position and needing to make these recovery tackles which should not have been made in the first place had he been in position.

Not saying this is the case for Camara, but I think you need to look at stats as well as "the eye test" when assessing players.

18 Sep 2026 11:08:33
Actually, he is pretty strong at passing the ball, interceptions and decent at taking set pieces. He's a little weak with aerial duels but not bad. I think he's what we need. Hopefully, Monaco has burnt the bridge with Chelsea and we actually get him in January.

18 Sep 2026 11:29:37
Defensive prescense plus passing and vision is the golden goose. Hence why players like Alonso and currently Rodri are so rare and valuable.
Given there's not many about, I think a partnership of Wharton and Camara in the middle would be great, assuming of course Macca and Gravy move on. I like both at their peak but there's no balance in our midfield at all.

18 Sep 2026 12:02:24
Wouldn't be buying someone just for his tackling. Them days are gone. Camara is in fairness meant to be a good allround player though.

18 Sep 2026 11:59:52
Disagree with your take on Idrissa Gueye, Taurus. I thought he was a really good defensive midfielder, just with a poor taste in colours.

18 Sep 2026 13:42:04
A once great manager said,

A football team is like a piano, you need eight players to carry the damn thing and 3 who can play it.

Our balance is all wrong. We need players to win the ball, whether through interceptions, pressuring the opposition or tackling.
Give the ball quickly to the pianists and let them do their thing.

17 Sep 2026 21:58:10
Credit to Bournemouth and a great win in a proper tough European away tie.
Hoping they'll be a bit leggy on the weekend but I reckon this will be our toughest game of season so far?!
I know I've been banging the drum regards Alex Scott but I think he'll be a great addition for us.

Watched him a number of times down at Ashton gate and he's come on leaps and bounds in his all round game and his physicality.

17 Sep 2026 22:45:54
Daniel Armando Foncesa Da Silva Banjaqui (18) Portugese, Benfica Right Back will be a Liverpool player next summer transfer window hot off the "Press" built like an absolute beast, but a Rolls Royce when running, his speed stats are faster than Barcola?

YNWA Andoni.

17 Sep 2026 23:00:53
Imagine trying to get that name on the back of a shirt.

17 Sep 2026 22:58:51
Please remind me how you mute people again? I can't take anymore of this that has nothing to do with the original post.

{Ed033's Note - My Profile page and scroll down to Ignore section.

18 Sep 2026 07:58:25
Perhaps he's just in the know TFE?!

Oh no it was Dr No he was in 🤣🤣🤣

Alex Scott is a very good player Bristol I 100% agree. I think there have been a number of enquiries about him from top clubs mate so I would expect some competition if AI was to be interested in working with him again.

I think it will be a hard game. We have shown glimpses of the Gel this team needs to get to and I really like the CB additions whilst was pleased to see Konate depart. Let's hope it's a cracking game mate - Bournemouth don't just sit back we know that so we have to be solid all over!

18 Sep 2026 10:21:18
We should be all over Scott imo.

17 Sep 2026 17:32:47
Seen all these reports on J J Gabriel of United wanting to leave, has anyone here seen him play is he that good? Would we throw our hat in the ring and show any interest?

I've never seen him play and could all just be hype (he is at United after all) so would be interesting to hear from anyone who's seen him play think.

17 Sep 2026 18:06:19
We can laugh at them all we want but Manchester United are still one of the biggest clubs in the world with a track record of giving young players a chance.
Any 15 year old that wants to leave them either has their head up their arse or has a bad entourage and should be avoided at all costs.

17 Sep 2026 18:14:20
Apparently he's going to Real, anyway, he's 15, how good can he be? Every year we hear about the next greatest 15-year-old only for them to disappear into obscurity. I don't even understand why this is such big news.

17 Sep 2026 19:48:40
Let's see what happens with Lacey scored a great goal for united he is the rooney!!
Best keep me nan in the house.

17 Sep 2026 22:24:42
Off to Real Madrid to hang around with Diomande and his rappers 😁

Good luck to him, hope he gets paid 👍.

18 Sep 2026 02:26:33
From what I have heard he's got huge potential. But I think United are the 4th prem youth team he's played for. From what I have read his dad is a complete nightmare. Changed his name to jj Gabriel as it sounds more marketable than his Irish birth name, stories online about his dad refusing to let his son on pitch as he didn't have no 10 shirt, tried to demand mins on pitch in pre season games.

His dad is his agent/manager and sounds like he will either make jj extremely wealthy or (the more likely outcome) ruin his career.

18 Sep 2026 08:14:15
It's interesting if a parent is really that bad and a club still retains the talent.

At any pro or even semi pro level the club needs to show the family who is boss. Actually even at grass roots tbf!!

I really can't imagine a club of our stature (and even if the slightly lower Manchester club 😉) putting up with parental antics - show them the door don't wait for them to walk to it, I say! These players parents need to understand it is the clubs that harvest the talent whether natural or not.

18 Sep 2026 09:29:14
I would be interested more in what the process is for this type of thing? If anyone has the insight it would be great to know.

At this stage obviously there are the elite kids who the clubs believe will make it to the very top, the club clamour to keep them obviously. However, there are many that will not make it and that will be a given. Unfortunately every year there are kids let go.

Now my question would be, if the club can let kids go at the drop of a hat and decide the dream is over, what decision do the kids get?

Why does a 15 year old who does not have a contract with a club have to ask to leave? I understand the club will hold his registration but surely if the kid wants to leave they can do just that?

More a question out of ignorance to the rules and regs personally. May seem a dumb question, but unfortunately that's me. Would love to be educated on the matter if anyone has a spare 5 mins to surmise and educate.

17 Sep 2026 15:40:20
Friend of mine bumped into Kostas Tsimikas in a cafe in Ormskirk on Saturday, he was in there having coffee with ex boxer, Paul Smith (must be mates), anyway he told my mate that some of the Liverpool squad are not happy that most of our transfer budget was spent on Barcola, not that they have a problem with Barcola, but more that other areas of the squad where not addressed instead.

17 Sep 2026 15:46:19
But it was not a matter of budget for why we didn't sign anyone else?

We tried to bring Minteh, Diaomande and Sarr in separately and it didn't work out.

17 Sep 2026 15:54:05
"Yeah, man. Truth is, " leans forward, whispering conspiratorially, "We all, and I mean all of us, wanted to at least get in a better back-up left back. I mean, our current one is apparently complete ass and has no business being in the club. No idea who they are talking about, but everyone is together on this. Ya dig.".

17 Sep 2026 16:10:56
Well, Dickie Hughes isn't there any more so they'll all have to accept it and move on as we fans have to. No one was happy with the transfer window.
Hopefully the next fella gets it right.

17 Sep 2026 16:33:42
So a non first team standard left back is chatting recruitment strategies with his boxer mate in a cafe in Ormskirk? Only Toffees would frequent such a place. Nice try.

17 Sep 2026 16:54:15
This suggests that KT isn't in the know. We have plenty of money.

17 Sep 2026 17:22:53
On today's episode of "that never happened".

17 Sep 2026 17:31:04
Busy lad, in the cafe on his first start of the year.

17 Sep 2026 17:48:09
Unlucky mate. Try again.

17 Sep 2026 17:50:17
Should of told he you agree because we should of got a left because the first choice one is not good enough and the back up is awful lol 🤣.

17 Sep 2026 17:56:11
Was it before or after he played against Fulham?

{Ed666's Note - he played against Fulham? Can’t say I noticed him if he did..

17 Sep 2026 17:39:31
Did Costus order "himself" - a Big Greek Pudding.

3 loan spells during his playing career, tells one everything. Fancy looking at his CV and seeing Arne Slot loaned him out! can you get any lower than that.

El Kroupi will miss the LFC clash, there might be two Araujo's on the pitch this Sunday, one per side?

17 Sep 2026 18:16:34
Sounds like complete and utter rubbish. Players were disappointed the club didn't bring in more players to potentially take their places? Nonsense.

17 Sep 2026 22:36:58
Did Tsimi happen to mention anything about getting a new LB, by any chance?

17 Sep 2026 19:18:20
I can verify this rumour as 100% accurate, it's the same place my mate bumped into Sydney Sweeny who was having a full English with Megan Fox and they told him how gutted they where that I'm married and declined their offer of a 3 sum.

18 Sep 2026 04:31:52
I went to that cafe, broken plates all over the floor, must be true.

18 Sep 2026 09:09:34
Kostas in Costas? Yeah, I can believe that.
And then he went into Spar with Paul Smith, I bet.

18 Sep 2026 12:53:33
To all you above who are basically calling me a liar, go on Facebook and search for Karl Tango Nolan (he has given me permission to put his name on here), you will see a picture of him outside the cafe. I have apparently made up with Kostas over last weekend, ill wait for the apologies.

17 Sep 2026 13:02:56
So i mention Olise to Liverpool and we could involve Gakpo in it and half of X is running with it lol.

I just meant it as a joke. It's plausible, but if you were not sure before most of them X boys get their info from here - us commoners.

17 Sep 2026 14:48:23
Bellingham fever all over again.

18 Sep 2026 09:18:34
Ordinary to Chelsea.
I got it off of a Lime Street wall.

17 Sep 2026 12:59:45
Alejandro Balde has been linked to us today not getting much game time over at Barca and would (I assume) bring more competition to Kerkez than KT does.

17 Sep 2026 13:16:07
Young, skilled and talented going forward, but far from impossing physically and can't defend for his life.

Thats why he's fallen way behind Caicedo and a teenager like Espert.

I rather stick with Kerkez tbh; at least he's used to the PL and worked quite well with Iraola before.

15 Sep 2026 09:08:18
Rio linked with Arsenal today. Probably a leaked story from his agents as his new contract hasn't been signed. That's not bad for the kid, Bayern Munich and now Arsenal. He'd be fourth choice at both.

15 Sep 2026 09:23:58
Personally not so fussed if he goes. He's young, raw and has potential but right now we have other priorities instead of keeping a kid happy who is blocked off from his favoured LW position.

I'd like to see him go out on loan in Jan should we sign a RW.

15 Sep 2026 09:32:07
Taurus i'm surprised you are "not that fussed" this kid is 18 and has the potential to be a top player. he's already holding his own for a club like us - who would you bring in to "replace him".

I'd be thoroughly disappointed if he left - very bright future if he keeps his head down

RE Arsenal - wouldn't read much into it.

15 Sep 2026 09:43:07
Id sell him.

15 Sep 2026 09:46:37
Hes simply not that great. Runs himself into problems all the time and never tracks back. I would take a swap with Lewis-Skelly. I know some people are going to lynch me over this but its the hard truth.

15 Sep 2026 09:47:22
I reckon it's Rio Ferdinand that they are linked with.
We all know they like a centre half or twelve.

15 Sep 2026 09:48:24
Youngsters come and go Southern Red.

He has potential but I would not say he is holding his own for us right now. He has not played well and is currently a one trick pony. He fails to make runs in behind and his one weapon is taking a man on but that's it.

He is young and can become better but he is not a starter for us and for LW (which is where he wishes to play), he won't need replacing as we have Barcola, Gakpo and Munoz who are all LWs.

15 Sep 2026 09:59:47
Anyone saying sell him, why? how much do you think you would get for him without that contract signed? Pittance. He signs it and keeps progressing he's a homegrown £100m player down the road. Has more appearances and as many goals as Sterling at the same age.

15 Sep 2026 10:20:54
I certainly wouldn't be selling him. Far from perfect and a little bit frustrating but he has talent, hopefully knows his place in the squad. Tie him down to a new contract ASAP.

15 Sep 2026 10:33:25
Far too early to let such an obvious talent leave. Let's see how AI develops him over the next 2 years.

15 Sep 2026 10:34:25
Rio is not going to Arsenal.

15 Sep 2026 10:35:58
He hasn't progressed in 2 years in my opinion. He has a step over and that's it. He can't cross a ball, his awareness and link up play is poor and his defence is below average. He needs to develop in a number of areas this season and barring injury to Barcola, he won't play on his favoured left side.

Big year for the lad and I genuinely hope he kicks on but I have my doubts.

15 Sep 2026 10:56:38
His current 'contract' to get him to join has guaranteed first team game time. So do you not think that he's going to up that to even more guaranteed game time? He was also linked to BM in the summer and before people say that's just his agent do you really think he was not involved in that decision and discussion.

And now its Arsenal, personally I don't think he cares what club he's at as long as he's a starter, seems like a little mercenary to me at this early stage of his career. Will we really drop Barcola and Gakpo to appease his wants?

15 Sep 2026 11:01:13
It wasn't that long ago people were calling CR9 a one trick pony who played too many step overs.( It kinda was 20 odd years ago )

Now I know there are more flops than there are first team players from the academy but I think this kid is great.

He is young and having to learn a lot of information fast while trying to forget everything Mr Slot had told him.

It feels like he has a definite role in the team and he needs to work on it like every other player.
Up until the beginning of this season he seemed to have a freedom to be creative whereas now he is aware of his responsibilities for the team.
Hopefully he comes good and helps us for many years winning trophies.

15 Sep 2026 11:39:14
Not to have a go at a kid but there's no end product there as yet. Crosses never find a player he doesn't score and he runs into blind alleys. Need to more from him to be honest at present he's no better than say Doak, Ibe or Sinclair.

I hope he does come good but no evidence as yet to show any improvement.

{Ed666's Note - I’d take 60 million for him on January and spend it on a midfielder or right winger.

15 Sep 2026 11:39:28
Mercenary or not, how many players his age are looking this good in the league?

Dont care too much what a players like as long as he's doing it on the pitch, and for an 18 year old under a new manager with kerkez/frimpong behind him, I think he's doing alright so far. Definitely a keeper.

15 Sep 2026 11:56:39
Do what it takes to sign him to a long term deal. Easily 100mil for him at some point.
I would also swap with Skelly who is a great LB/CM option.

15 Sep 2026 12:12:35
That maybe why it's not signed Mcgoveb. Iraola may not want any guarantees to be given, nor should they be. He's got potential but I'm with you on this, I don't see how he gets in ahead of Barcola, maybe Munoz if he settles, also if Gakpo keeps his form up he's in ahead of him as well.

15 Sep 2026 12:28:33
I wonder what Barcola, Munoz and Gakpo were doing at their 18th birthday. Doubt any of them were playing anywhere near the level of competition Rio is trying to find his feet in.

15 Sep 2026 12:47:34
Young players are more entitled and impatient than ever before and loyalty is almost non existent these days.

Rio's family/agent met with Bayern officials allegedly, and had their heads turned, so this link is not surprising.

They want the guaranteed game time and the big contract before they have even proven that they are worthy of it.

Get him signed up, rotate him (he's best as a sub when we are chasing games), and is certainly not (yet) an Andoni style winger since his skill set is limited and he lacks pace.

He must realise than w Barcola and Minteh onboard, he is going to be a distince second choice, although he may turn out to be more effective than Barcola in the end.

15 Sep 2026 14:01:40
£40mill + £1.

15 Sep 2026 14:13:15
Would anyone be majorly surprised if he was named in the England Squad Friday? Lets face it he!s AT LEAST going to be in the u21 squad which at two weeks after your 18th birthday is a fine achievement. We're a strange fanbase with our top kids. We moan about the lack of them and then when we get them we moan even more.

15 Sep 2026 14:38:12
Is Rio now plan B or the next whipping boy? . My god. he just turned 18. 18!!! Sure, there is zero chance he won't improve! He is not progressing like Lamine Yamal so he sucks.

{Ed666's Note - taking big money for a kid that may or may not make it at LFC is not him being a whipping boy. We did it with Sterling

15 Sep 2026 15:03:22
Bags of potential. So did Ibe, Brewster, Sinclair etc. If you're offered £60m+ sell on% You'd have to consider as there is a chance the potential isn't met. He could become a Sterling, once at the level want's out for money or London.

Look where he is now, although he for a few seasons was at the top. I only want to keep players who want to stay and play and are proud to be here.

15 Sep 2026 14:52:43
Already been said, too many step overs and dead ends with no positive end product, carrying on from where he left off last season. Not massively impressed personally from what I've seen.

Hope he's not trying call the shots at this early stage of his career but if he his then get rid in January, tuis is what happens when players take the piss out the club like the 2 Madrid players. Sends a bad signal to the others they can follow suite and hold club to ransom.

15 Sep 2026 15:31:51
If he wants to go, he should go.
I'd hike the price up though.

15 Sep 2026 15:32:18
Rio seems like a good lad who is working hard at his game. He's spoken in two interviews on learning to play on the right. He's working hard on his off the ball game, which will no doubt get better under Iraola.

He's got a really good shot - unlike Sterling had. And he's got lower limb strength to take the constant kicks/fouling from the looks of it.

The only other thing you could point to is working with a pro sprint coach like Phil Foden did to see if he can eek out some more speed from his sprint technique. He's still physically developing so I don't see why he can't squeeze more out of that.

We should be embracing talents like Rio imo. There's nothing to suggest he is lazy, a troublemaker or not a team player. He was brilliant in the second half of the Atleti game once Iraola made the tweaks. And watch him celebrating for Macca's goal last week.

{Ed666's Note - is he a worldie kid like a Mesloub? Or like Yamal was? No..is he an Owen? Rooney? Fowler? No he’s not even as good as sterling was as this age. I have nothing against Rio I honestly think he could be a fantastic player in the future he has the potential but like it or not we’re pretty shit at the moment and we don’t have time to bed in a youngster. If Barcola gets a season ending injury would you trust Cody & Rio to save the day? If we get an obscene transfer fee for Rio I would take it and fix the holes in the rest of the team. We’re already 482 behind city and Arsenal and I’d rather have a stellar midfielder or right back than a 3rd choice left winger with potential.

15 Sep 2026 15:34:38
Whilst I agree there's room for improvement for sure (what 18 year old doesn't) to say he hasn't progressed in 2 years West Derby is crazy imo. In that timeframe he's made debuts in all the major comps, scored his first goals, becomes a regular in the squad, and even made the England squad which is very hard to do at the tender age of 17. Is he the finished article, absolutely not. But in a world where Liam delap is worth 50 mil, savio is worth 85mil. selling Rio for the likes of 60mil is madness in my eyes.

I'd like to see how he develops under Iraola, wouldn't be averse to him going on loan in Jan if he's not getting the minutes but if he keeps getting the minutes like he is now, then absolutely no reason to loan him out.

He literally just turned 18 lads. too many FIFA experts these days expecting every kid to be the finished article on day dot.

15 Sep 2026 15:39:20
Hike the price up to what Ron? By Jan he'll have 18months left on his contract. If he's all step overs and no end product who is going to give us good money for him. They'd wait until the summer like inter did with jones(someone with much more experience)and take him for a song.

15 Sep 2026 15:44:54
What's with all the paranoia and speculation that he might be getting too big for his boots and wants to go to London? Bizarre the takes that are being bandied about here. People saying he doesn't have a well rounded game. well, he's 18 years old. How many top players did have a well rounded game at that age?

At 18 Sadio Mane had barely even broken into the Metz B-team, Salah was still in Egypt, Hazard had his debut season in the first team at Lille, de Bruyne had barely started his career at Genk, Ribery was in the 4th division in France, Bale was in the early stages of his career at Spurs (he wouldn't properly explode on to the scene until he was 21) etc. etc.

15 Sep 2026 16:05:11
None of our 1st 11, or let's say the 1st 13 or 14 were trying to succeed at the level Rio is at his age besides Wirtz. And even he was doing it in a league most on here would say is easier for an attacking player.

15 Sep 2026 15:33:59
Sinclair and Brewster were nowhere near as far on and a part of the 1st team as Rio is at his age. And Ed we took the money for Sterling because we had no choice. it wasn't us wanting rid it was him moving to win trophies.

Which he won a hell of a lot of. Rio is every bit as good as sterling was at his age. We just need a bit of patience. God knows players 5 or 6 years older than him get enough of it.

{Ed666's Note - I disagree mate Raheem was on a different level to Rio at the same age.

15 Sep 2026 16:22:34
Liverpool fc should never be held to ransom by an 18 year old. If they allow Rio and his people to force Liverpool to give a massive contract when he is still learning and his place in the team is not guaranteed then the club is finished in my opinion. And every young talent will be knocking on the managers door asking for big contracts.

15 Sep 2026 16:39:19
I disagree FM. Sterling was incredibly direct. He might not have had the skills of Rio, but he had pace, electric acceleration, and was very good at switching directions (which in my opinion is a far more dribbling style anyway) and would constantly run at defenders with the sole aim of getting in the box.

Right now, Rio needs to learn to be much more direct to have more impact on games. Dribbling for the sake of it hardly works after youth level. Rio does have better ball striking ability, but I think he lacks the outright pace/acceleration of Sterling. He still has a lot of growing up to do in my opinion.

15 Sep 2026 16:49:54
£100M FM, at his age he can't just leave on a Bosman to Arsenal.
Home grown and all that, if they want him, they can pay.

15 Sep 2026 16:55:46
Well koparmy for all his pace and direct running in 12/13 Sterling got 2 goals and 2 assists in the Premier League that season. Lets see how Rio gets on. Interestingly in the same season Bakary Saka turned 18 he got 1 league goal and 5 assists.

It is not easy at that age. So far in his four appearances this year he's been up against Lewis Hall, Ola Aina, Llorente and Castagne. These guys are no fools they are all good experienced players.

15 Sep 2026 16:58:05
Whatever your smoking Ron, I'll have some of it.

15 Sep 2026 16:15:23
Ed666, you have written my post for me. Everything you wrote is spot on. We have no idea how good he will be and he has holes in his game that he may or may not ever fix. We just don't know. A loan would do him and us wonders.

{Ed666's Note - I aim to please..!!!

15 Sep 2026 16:36:40
Sterling turned 18 during the 2012/13 season and there were the same doubts about him as there are about Rio now Ed. He was competing with the likes of Suso, Borini and Assaidi for a place on the wings not the likes of Barcola and Gakpo and hadn't experienced Champions league football. He ended that season with two LFC goals to his name something Rio already matches.

It was the following season and the title charge when Sterling really took off. You ask is he a Messi? ir Lamal, Rooney or Owen? Really?? is that the barometer? They were freaks. If Rio ends up as good or near as good as Sterling we've hit the jackpot. The man won multiple leagues and cups and was a top player.

{Ed666's Note - your missing my point Rio is expendable due to circumstances Raheem wasn’t

15 Sep 2026 17:23:01
He was given a good few chances to impress last year and some don't get that in their early days so hard to compare all past youngsters coming through to him, his game is predictable just like the salah ended up being, just like step over now, he gets pushed down the line doing his fancy tricks then runs out of grass crowded out, maybe its low confidence to come inside and beat his man but he's had plenty chances to impress and just not done it.


It doesn't look like he's got another trick to try and is far to predictable to be effective, just can't see him being anywhere as good as sterling was or what where looking for in that position (unfortunately).

15 Sep 2026 17:35:27
Well the club were willing to leave a team that had just one the league with one senior option in Gakpo and Rio as our LW options last season. They would have known he wasn't ready but rate his talent enough to leave a pathway open for him.

Does the calibre of clubs linked to him not show you how highly this kid is rated. Like I said earlier we are never happy.

15 Sep 2026 18:01:22
I think Rio has huge potential and would obviously not sell him unless Arsenal or someone else offer some crazy money. However, Sterling just had the directness which felt more exciting to me.
I hope AI will teach Rio to be more direct and he can become genuinely world class.

Even against Atletico, in the 2nd half as soon as he started to run at the RB and move the ball in one or two touches he was unplayable, were as when he was dawdling in the first half he was ineffective.

15 Sep 2026 18:52:08
His agent will be looking for offers, I'd sell he's not going to be the superstar that people think, had to much given to him to young.

15 Sep 2026 17:48:01
My view on Rio is well voiced and known here. I'm with ED0666.

15 Sep 2026 18:06:39
We get it FM, you've a Rio fanboy.

I don't think he's shown anything near enough yet. He for sure has bags of potential, but hasn't really shown anything yet to suggest he's going to make it.

I'm not remotely on his case as he is incredibly young, but I don't think anyone really knows how big a mistake it would be to let him go right now.

Gun to my head, he's more likely not to make it than he is to live up close to the hype.

15 Sep 2026 22:12:34
Jesus christ what is going on here?? he's just turned 18 and he's got obvious talent and seems like a nice lad from his interviews. Won us a game already at newcastle last season and people on here saying he can leave and he's a mercenary based on some Internet rumour. This thread is sad.

15 Sep 2026 22:55:10
@Red-Will, as I say from my perspective I'd love him to turn out to be a world class player for us. I"d love to see him develop the talent 5hat he has. Mu point is that he hasn't really progressed his overall game in the last two years. He showed flashes of what he could become but he is still at that stage now.

Like I say, given the arrival of Barcola he is likely to be second fiddle in his best position which makes his task in convincing AI that he is worth a regular start all the more difficult. The positive is that he has th3 talent, what he needs to do is convince AI that he will be the player he could be.

15 Sep 2026 22:59:47
I really don't get the hype about Rio, other than people wanting someone to put their hope into. He's ok, but I don't see anything that suggests he'll be a Liverpool great.

15 Sep 2026 23:05:12
Sell him.

15 Sep 2026 23:11:41
£100m is not his value FM, it's his "price" if anyone wants to sign him.

Like I say, if he contract expires he can't walk on a free to a EPL club so Arsenal would have to pay.

15 Sep 2026 23:57:19
I doubt the PFCC would make Arsenal pay anything remotely resembling £100m Ron.

{Ed666's Note - in this market Rio should be worth at least 40 - 50 million. I’d take that for him. That money bud you Camara or a starting right back.

16 Sep 2026 08:19:55
I very much see your point Ed I really do. Theres an easy argument to say that as we stand right now Rio could pay to sort one of our problem positions. And if in a coupla years he's an important part of a rivals squad who are winning trophies and he''s playing on the left for England in major tournaments with his value through the roof? We would be kicking ourselves for taking that 40-50m.

I can see both sides. Personally I wouldn't sell. We'll just have to see how it plays out.

16 Sep 2026 09:51:41
@ southern red - I'd replace him with Barcola, Munoz, Gapko . oh hang on a minute.

666 - 100% Agree RE: Rooney, Owen, God etc comparisons, Rio is nowhere near.

Different times etc but I don't even think he's the best in the UK for his age - I'd have Dowman miles ahead of him.

I get the feeling Rio and his team think he's miles better than he actually is - no denying he's at the very top of players his age and in the youth teams he's found the game super easy and has looked like Pele reborn - but there's a massive difference stepping up to the top end of the men's game and quick feet and stepovers wil only get him so far.

I honestly think it's 50/50 with him, get the feeling he's got a bit of the Garnacho, Sancho, Rashford syndrome in him - hope I'm wrong but I just get the vibe he thinks he should be nailed on, and the team should be built around him and his (yet to be proven at the top level) amazing talent 🤷‍♂️

But I guess it's tough to grasp reality when you've been told you're special all your life.

15 Sep 2026 09:54:43
If it's true then get rid, as no loss at present as we've yet to see the best in him. Agent or not, it gets on my tits all of this nonsense, particularly with him being so young. You only have to look at Stevie's cousin (and many more examples) as to why a move seldom works, particularly to one of the bigger clubs.

Regardless of age or talent, if you start with all of them games then you should be launched out of the door.

16 Sep 2026 10:20:56
Rio at 18 is a shadow of a player compared to Sterling, Fowler and Owen at the same. Hope he develops to be top class but there is a lot more work to do - If Arsenal want him a swap with Dowman is the only offer I would accept.

16 Sep 2026 10:39:05
The fact we bought Barcola instead of a RW has has pretty much made the decision easy.

I'd sell him if we get an offer of £70m+ and get someone who's best position is RW.
Rio is completely lost over there unfortunately.
I guess the plan is to keep using him at RW to see if he can adapt to that position before the season ends, if he can't he will be sold.

16 Sep 2026 11:04:00
I still think the plan is that Cody may move on next summer and it will be Barcola and Rio for the left going forward.

16 Sep 2026 13:16:24
Cody has shown very good form but also dignity in the way he's behaved. I don't know if he and Macca can sustain it but let's hope, in which case he may not leave, why would we allow it.

On Rio it'll probably depend on how others perform and his personality, as he hasn't the raw ability or impact to justify a first choice place on either wing.

Will he stay for a place on the bench or will he want game guarantees. If it's the latter he'll probably end up at a Sunderland or Brentford size club and do pretty well. I hope he doesn't go to a bigger club as I don't think he'll play, not yet anyway.

15 Sep 2026 17:41:01
Ed666, sterling was 20 when he left. He also forced to move. If Rio is forcing a move then forget everything I said. My response was just clear that it's absolutely ridiculous for people to be expecting an 18-year-old to be a world beater, saying he hasn't progressed, and to sell him based on that.

On top of that, we're saying we don't use our academy and off and develop players so it literally makes no sense to cash in on a guy that has tons of potential just because he has not progressed to ones liking. Again, he literally just turned 18!

{Ed666's Note - I think you’re missing my point mate. I would accept an obscene amount of money for him because we can use the money to improve is elsewhere. Come January Bayern offered us 70 million for Rio for example and we took the money and spent a little bit on top and bought in Camara and Minteh would you complain? I wouldn’t.

16 Sep 2026 17:08:31
I would because Rio is a much more talented footballer than Minteh.

16 Sep 2026 19:18:38
Can't believe people are suggesting selling him lol.

16 Sep 2026 19:58:24
If Rio is refusing to accept his role then I would be open to selling him. He's not in a position to be demanding a bigger role at that age when better players are ahead of him and with multiple of areas of his game that he still needs to develop.

17 Sep 2026 06:15:50
Fully agree that he has lots of areas of his game to work on but I'd probably say that about 99.9% of 18 year old footballers.

Not sure there's many 18 year olds in the top European leagues whose stats and minutes compare to his.

17 Sep 2026 07:25:16
It's likely he'll develop as a footballer and improve. The issue is will he want to do that with us where there's no starting spot for him, or would he prefer to go elsewhere and start.

If it's the former he'll likely be offered an acceptable contract, if not we'll have to sell. Other big clubs will offer him things to entice him, but the reality will be time on the bench.

17 Sep 2026 08:25:59
Is he demanding to be a starter? Where has all this come from? He knows over the next few years he's up against a double UCL winner. I doubt he has it in his head he'll be the first name on the team sheet.

I'd imagine he'll get plenty of mins though as it's a bit of a reach expecting Barcola to go from been in Rio's position himself at PSG to 60 games a season in the most intense league in Europe.

17 Sep 2026 11:35:53
This thread highlights the perils of internet rumours. Poor lad is getting dissected like a frog in a biology class.

17 Sep 2026 13:55:54
FM, he already been given first team football to get him from chelski, so I imagine he's going to want guarantees about first team football,

I'd definitely sell as I think as soon as he gets a sniff of a better deal anywhere, he will look to leave, I'd sell now and add some players who will contribute more.

17 Sep 2026 17:11:41
I can see why you'd think that Fatwallet but as far as been promised 1st team football to leave Chelsea let's get it right ANY kid and their parents that know they are wanted by every major English and probably most major European clubs would demand such things. Thats their prerogative. it is then down to the clubs to agree to it or say"ah here this kids not ready yet we can't promise him that".Obviously we wanted him that much we agreed, I'd imagine we wouldn't have been alone in that.

It seems to have created some ill will towards the kid but imo him and his family are simply looking after his interests and guiding his career the way they want it to go.

18 Sep 2026 09:18:11
Fm, I agree that he and his family are going to want guarantees he gets first team football but I don't think it should be given he flatters to deceive, he's no better than doak was, I agree with crazy horse there's a touch of mercenary about him and I feel as soon as something better comes up he and his family will want to jump ship

I've always said he is no where near as good as some think he is and shouldn't be given guarantees to him getting first team football
It sets a bad precedent for other young players coming through.

13 Sep 2026 14:46:03
Hi all,

Bayern are showing big interest in Florian Wirtz. The player remains committed to finding his footing at Anfield.

On the other side of things, we remain very interested in Olise and are positioning ourselves to be considerable favourites in the event of the Frenchman's departure.

13 Sep 2026 15:13:56
Interesting VG.

I would think Olise would be a 10 here? . Can't see that he fits the profile of a winger in AI's system.

I'm a supporter of Wirtz btw - i think he's one of our better players. Our problems lie elsewhere.

13 Sep 2026 15:31:57
I'd bite their hands off if there is any indication that they would consider a swap deal. And even if they don't, I wouldn't mind selling if the money is right.

13 Sep 2026 15:59:58
Olise is a weapons grade knobhead. Strikes me as the kind of bellend who only wants Madrid next.

13 Sep 2026 16:02:38
More 100m forwards - yes!!!

13 Sep 2026 16:02:54
Are you related to him, VV?

13 Sep 2026 16:16:28
You can tell everything by players post match interviews don't ye know Zed. Cant say anything about the lad on-pitch so he has to be a muppet off it.

13 Sep 2026 16:38:45
Wouldn't mind selling Wirtz and signing Scott as it is.

13 Sep 2026 17:38:28
Selling Wirtz and buying Scott instead would be the worst business idea since the Sony mini disc.

13 Sep 2026 17:55:53
If Wirtz doesn't kick on this season then maybe it's a way out for him. Wirtz out with Olise coming in maybe?
We certainly need someone on the right and Szob can take over Wirtz position with us buying another midfielder more suited to playing further back?

13 Sep 2026 18:11:17
Killed me Zed 🤣.

13 Sep 2026 18:15:06
Wirtz is a brilliant player but has zero protection players like him need to know if they play a risky ball he will b covered if lost, we will only see best of him if we can get a cdm which can cover for him.

13 Sep 2026 18:41:49
As I have said on here before, if you want the best out of Wirtz you have to build the team around him.
He needs two high energy players in the double pivot who can read the game defensively and give the ball quickly to him.


If we are not prepared to sign these players and give him what he needs, we may as well sell him and play Szoboszlai as the 10.

13 Sep 2026 16:11:47
You seen how he behaves and acts at Bayern, Zed? Weapons grade bellend is being polite, complete and utter Berkshire hunt would be far more appropriate. And if anyone thinks he's choosing us over Madrid, boy are you in for some disappointment. We'd be better off fixing the midfield to give Wirtz a platform to actually perform because ours is an utter s*** show.

13 Sep 2026 16:14:36
Too easy zed 😭😂.

13 Sep 2026 18:48:48
@Red Will, I don't think so. Sometimes, some players no matter how talented they are, just don't suit a particular team. It doesn't mean they are not good or wouldn't do well in other team.

Wirtz in our team might just be one of those cases sad as it may seem. If he doesn't improve considerable this season, I wouldn't mind selling for a good price.

I see Scott doing well in our team. Although, I wouldn't sign him if Wirtz is still here. However, if Wirtz is sold, he is someone I would consider.

Another player I would like is Nmecha from Dortmund.

All said, I still have hope that Wirtz will come good.

13 Sep 2026 19:33:44
The more I think about it the more I would take a swap deal for Wirtz, get a proper DM and let Dom play the 10, solves all our problems in the final 2/3rds. To those saying we need to build a team around Wirtz, EXACTLY, I've no interest in a player who needs a whole new team arond him, what nonsense, the best can do it anywhere, they adapt.

let's see how he gets on this season, if he doe the business, great, if he can't find his feet, he's simply not cut out fpr the Prem.

13 Sep 2026 20:09:24
I really liked the Sony MiniDisc.

13 Sep 2026 21:19:19
Can we interest them in Szobo instead?

I would also like to drop Wirtz to an advanced 8 and have a pressing winger ie Minteh do that 4-4-2 press rather than Wirtz.

Just my thoughts.

14 Sep 2026 08:52:47
I find Olise's interviews quite hilarious actually, I don't think he's being a jerk on purpose, he just seems very shy, introverted and uninterested in the publicity side of things and it comes across the entirely wrong way. Most footballers give rote and robotic answers about 'focusing on the next game' or whatever anyway so they might as well not give interviews at all.

14 Sep 2026 09:28:33
Olise is so strange i sometimes think he is an Alien! 🤣 The one clip where he immitates Harry Kane after a game (just to applause the fans) is so strange i thought that's how Aliens would act, try to immitate us "humans" lol.

14 Sep 2026 10:23:45
When or if you have time, Ed01, would love to hear your updated opinion on Wirtz (sorry if it's already been shared somewhere, just rtfp me).

I'm worried there is some momentum picking up 'round here to throw him under the bus. I remember how excited you (and I, and others) were when he arrived. I'm still a believer.

{Ed001's Note - my opinion is the same - he needs movement around him or he can do nothing. I lost my voice shouting at Isak to make the early run, but he failed to do so against Fulham. I don't understand it, both of his goals last weekend were as a result of an early run in behind, so this weekend he doesn't bother making them. A lot of Wirtz' lost passes are playing the ball for a run but Isak, Szoboszlai etc are just stood waiting instead. It frustrates me as the lack of movement and effort kills us as a team, not just Wirtz role in it.}

14 Sep 2026 10:29:26
Cheers, mate.

{Ed001's Note - very welcome mate.}

14 Sep 2026 10:52:28
IMO Wirtz is twice the player Olise is.
Like others have said . We need to build the team around Wirtz. Players need to be quicker thinking like him. He reads the game and sees passes way quicker than the rest.
And most of the time he's got no support around him and no runners to pass to.
No Olise please!

{Ed025's Note - hmmmm..

14 Sep 2026 11:15:42
Just go and sign a number 6 who is solid in tackles and can get the ball to the forward line with 1-2 touches. Watch the difference it makes to the likes or isak, wirtz, barcola etc.

14 Sep 2026 11:56:12
Spot on Origi. We all knew where we needed to strengthen in midfield and we didn't.

14 Sep 2026 11:02:45
Ed, you're wasting your breathe, man. Anyone that thinks Wirtz is the problem simply is just being lazy, dishonest or does not know what they are watching. It is a witch hunt at this point and can't be arsed.

They want Szobo to play in the no. 10, a guy that barely possesses any of the creative qualities Wirtz possesses and who lacks the vision to spot a pass in the spaces our forwards sun into.

Also, people say "Oh, we won the league with Szobo in the no. 10 role". Great, was he the creative spark in the final third like Wirtz is now? because that was Trent and esp. Macca playing in those creative spaces that Wirtz occupies now. Again, you can tell people don't really watch him.

I pray Wirtz gets benched for Szobo in the no. 10 so we can watch him prove us all right.

14 Sep 2026 12:21:54
Olise is an Edwards laptop signing, not an Andoni one.
This is a non starter.
Wirtz will come good, as Molby has pointed out, when he has the right MF behind him and a player like Minteh to the right.

14 Sep 2026 12:29:54
Is it just me or is Szob part of the problem rather than the solution, Wirtz work rate is great and I noticed several times he was back defending before Szob but everyone seems to be harming Wirtz.
I think Szob is not as good as he thinks he is and needs to improve a lot.

14 Sep 2026 12:34:38
"Oh, we won the league with Szobo in the no. 10 role". Great, was he the creative spark in the final third like Wirtz is now? "

Oli - Wirtz is not a creative spark in the final third for us.

We all want him to do well mate but let's be honest he's barely creating anything.

Fulham game was the first one I've managed to get to anfield for this season and I have to say I'm struggling to see where Wirtz fits in.

Doesn't seem to have the pace or style to be a winger in an Iraola system (like Barcola or Rio or Munoz).

And honestly his impact in the no 10 was so poor. He just isn't having any impact on the game at all. Right now I'd describe him as a poor Phil Foden - few nice touches and flicks and clearly technically excellent but no meaningful impact on the game.

I think there's a player in there and I'd love him to come good but I'm losing faith honestly.

His only saving grace, was Szob played one of his worst games on Saturday (moaning, throwing his arms up, not coming to meet passes, turning the ball over, committing fouls).

What I would say is Szob was playing so deep on Saturday, almost between the centre backs in the first half, and that just does not suit him at all IMO. It shackles him and takes away his athleticism and pressing. I assume Iraola thought it would allow his long range passing to be effective against a low block Fulham side but it didn't work out.

I'm not #Wirtz out but I would like to see us try a lineup with him out of it and see how it works because the Fulham game was as poor as I have seen us play.

On a positive note, Munoz worked very hard and looks like he could be a good signing for us.

{Ed025's Note - Munoz does work hard NK, but have you ever seen a chicken without a head mate?.. :)

14 Sep 2026 13:32:37
OliRed, but you said the problem was Slot last season. It was 'all on him'.
He's gone but what's the difference for Wirtz?
Wirtz isn't the only problem just as Slot wasn't the only problem but you are accusing posters of what you regularly do.

14 Sep 2026 13:53:34
Olive looks good in the dominant team in a farmer's league.

Like @Vik, I know nothing about the bloke, never having met him, so can't comment upon his character but from what I've seen he looks good in a poor league. I'm not sure that he would solve our, perceived, issue with the RW position.

14 Sep 2026 15:07:17
I'm a fan of Wirtz, skilful, high energy. I'm sure Andoni loves him.

I would actually play Szobo on the right wing, I said it when we signed him and wondered if he might one day 'replace' Salah there. Why not? He has pace, he has work rate, he has an incredible shot on him, he can cross, he can beat a man, he can even help RB out.

So my front 4 would be :
Barcola LW
Wirtz : 10
Szobo : RW
Isak : ST

MacA and Grav in midfield as 'double pivot'.

14 Sep 2026 15:28:30
There is no witch hunt whatsoever when it comes to Wirtz. Every LFC fan is desperate for him to be a huge star for us. But just like you make it sound like there are fans that can't see any good in Wirtz and are blind or worse dishonest, there are also fans who just won't accept any slight criticism of him the way all the other players get.

its always excuse after excuse. Everyone else's fault. He can't be exempt from that. Lets hope he starts smashing it and everyone moves on to the next poor bugger on the list😂.

14 Sep 2026 15:31:39
You're crazy if you're thinking of selling Wirtz. Olise would be the best Salah replacement we could get.

14 Sep 2026 16:13:32
What Rigsby said. Some of the tosh that posters come out with, making excuses for Wirtz. Top quality players grab the game by the scruff of the neck and make things happen. I've watched Wirtz for over a year and up till now he hasn't shown me he's one of those players.

He's got the rest of this season to prove that he's not been a complete and utter waste of money.

14 Sep 2026 17:18:24
Wirtz should be going nowhere, we should be building the team around him.

Szobo, offers little but the off set piece and running around aimlessly. I think there's a player in there but I'm not sure his ego can take what the team needs from him. His engine is washed when he runs aimlessly, he opens up passing lanes for the opposition, he spent most of the previous game fouling as he's out of position.

Macca has shocked me, he's been the closest thing to what we need, his legs may be gone but he has the intelligence to position himself preferably.

Give me Scott and/or Wharton and the team will be fine.

We're wasting Wirtz having him cover szobo and gravy's mistakes yet Wirtz seems to catch the flack. Pointless having Wirtz, Barcola and isak when the former two are spending so much time in our half that isak is left isolated.

{Ed025's Note - come on Jerry, what has Wirtz done up to now to think you should build a team around him mate?..

14 Sep 2026 17:31:54
And yet more excuses. Szoboszlai doesn't escape my criticism, either, but I don't read posters making excuses for him, or Mac Allister.

14 Sep 2026 18:53:36
Once the price tag is over £100m you get immunity from critical review. It's fanboy law.

14 Sep 2026 19:29:20
Isak didn't. And you can be sure Barcola won't get away with a year of average performances before he starts getting slaughtered.

14 Sep 2026 20:54:27
But Wirtz is getting slaughtered just not by all. He has so far failed to show the player we bought except in a period last season before he got injured. He looks bereft of confidence to me. When you pay that money you want someone with the resilience and confidence to show what they can do not a shrinking violet. Its sad. I watched him at leverkusen pick the ball up and nutmeg players and jink and play through balls and score. I want to see that again.

I do think its hard to have that confidence when you know if you lose the ball there's a gaping space behind you that often just let's counter attacks through and I do feel if he had some protection behind him he would feel more secure to try things. he's still young and he's still got ability i just hope he can start showing it. I've never wanted a signing to do as well as I want Wirtz to because when he's confident he's a joy to watch. Come on Flo.

14 Sep 2026 21:36:23
Unbelievable that Isak, Szoboszlai etc are not doing the basics: pass and move. But it's all Wirtz fault.

Sorry but the quality of today's players currently wearing red is at a worrying phase if we are having to teach them how to perform
the basics of football! In Fagan's immortal words to Souness: we spent all this money on you and you want us to tell you how to play football?

14 Sep 2026 21:51:37
When it was Ekitike up top and Dom was having a fine season were Wirtz's performances any better?

14 Sep 2026 23:52:05
I don't quite get the call to build our team around Wirtz when he has been playing this poorly.

The team will naturally be built around a player that's showing consistent high level performance week in, week out.

I think there have been too many excuses for Wirtz because we all want him to do well and don't want to believe he could be a flop for us.

I personally want Wirtz to do well. I seriously do. However, if you are going to cost a £100m then you should be doing much more.

Dom, Grav, Macca, didn't cost that much so maybe that's why I am not as disappointed in them.

Isak had the nasty injury and came without a proper preseason while Barcola has just arrived. So I guess that's the reason my focus has been much more on Wirtz.

15 Sep 2026 03:27:18
I think fans want Wirtz to be successful. I'm no different but that's the weight of having a heavy price tag. While he is a very skillful player, it does seem like either he is not that suited to the prem league or the managers (Slot & Iraola) does not know how to use him correctly. I think with Iraola, there is still hope because we're just a few games into the new season.

But the time is ticking, Wirtz will need to improve significantly otherwise he might actually be sold next summer. Sometimes its neither the fault of the player or the manager, if it doesn't work, it doesn't work. If only things were so easy where you just buy any player and he will fit right in, then there won't be issues. Isak has not shown his true potential too. I think they need a bit more time under Iroala to truly shine.

15 Sep 2026 05:48:24
So we should build the team around Araujo then @nigerred?

15 Sep 2026 07:15:22
Bayern are the most realistic option for him, he'd do well there. If we get close to £90m offered, and his numbers haven't improved, I can't see how we'd not accept that next summer.

15 Sep 2026 07:34:32
I'd get Rayan instead of Olise but Camara is the dream buy, and sell Grav.

15 Sep 2026 08:13:34
@WDW the manager should be looking to build a working system. It does not have to be around any player at this point.

I would expect the players to be flexible and discipline enough to adapt to the system. If you are not good enough or too lazy to adapt then you may as well be dropped or sold.

15 Sep 2026 10:23:43
The arrogance of Oli to think that he is right and anyone else is being dishonest or don't know what they're watching 🙄.

15 Sep 2026 13:44:31
Hi Ed, couldn't agree more on the lack of runs in behind. i was at the game Saturday and it was infuriating to watch! it wasn't just Isak, I cannot think of a time where someone tried to run in behind to stretch them unless it was a hopeful long ball from allison.

its unfair on Wirtz at times as they expecting him to find someone but no one is making the runs!

15 Sep 2026 20:17:35
He has had a couple of good substitute appearances. That's it.
As a reward he is rotated in to a struggling side every game and he is out of his depth. Bags of potential but there is so much pressure on him its not doing him or the team any good.

Nyoni is another who adds nothing and looks totally out of his depth.

{Ed666's Note - now Nyoni I wouldn’t sell. I think he’s got a massive part to play this season.

16 Sep 2026 00:15:08
I'm a bit confused as to people's expectations of Wirtz. As I've said on here he is the best instinctive footballer we have in our squad by a miles. The trouble is for him to plat our striker has to be on the move half a second before the defence does - if the CF is. Step ahead of the defence I'd put my house on Wirtz playing the ball to set up the chance for the CF.

Isak, in patches, seems to be getting the idea and I think AI can see what the two of them can do. Personally Iam waiting for a fully fit Eki playing the CF role with Wirtz providing the passes as I think. Eki is a bit more 'tuned in' than Isak.

However, the main issue impact Wirtz's effectiveness are the two that are sitting in behind him. We have 4 choices Grav, Szob, Macca and Trey. Grav lacks discipline and oftentimes goes wandering off both physically and mentally and Szob just isn't effective in the role. To me, the preferable solution would be Trey who, as @Ed666 is saying, can be an excellent player for the club for years to come and Macca, who seems to have found his 'taking it seriously' head again so far this season. I'd play Szob on the right if the 3 - in some respects it harks back fo Stevie G who would have been great as a right sided mid but wanted to play central.

I'd go:

Ali
Araujo, Jacquet, VVD, Kerkez
Nyoni, Macca
Dom, Wirtz, Barcola
Isak

I see Ndukwe played for Levante the other day which rakes him over the threshold for his UK work permit.

I'd have him back from his loan in January on the first plane from Spain and, if you add Bradley, Leoni and Eki coming back and Camara as a purchase I think we will see not just the best of Wirtz, but the best of a very good team.

{Ed666's Note - I think you won’t see the anything like the best of Leoni, Ekitike & Bradley this season.

17 Sep 2026 07:40:16
We're not likely to see many matches this season with all parts of the preferred team available and fully functioning at the same time, particularly given Connors injury record and the recovery required for the likes of Ekitike.

Tough as it may be Wirtz just needs to deliver more goals if the assists aren't happening. Ideally both, but at the moment it's neither.

We've had more effective attacking midfield players than him, in worse teams than this, in the past who didn't have or need the long list of excuses that we have for Florian.

We've also had a few who had great pedigree but just didn't deliver. Hopefully he just hits his stride, and delivers more, but if we're waiting for the optimal conditions they're not likely to come.

I doubt he'll get more than this season to put up better numbers, if he doesn't and there's a willing buyer at the right price he'll likely be gone.