Liverpool Rumours Mobile

02 Nov 2026 15:12:40
Just seen that Yasin Ayari is out of contract next summer. Surely at 23 a player we should be looking at to replace Macca.

02 Nov 2026 15:38:05
Good player but would rather we sign for the system from now on. We need passers.

02 Nov 2026 17:14:21
Get him on a free.

02 Nov 2026 17:36:20
OP you won't believe this but I have been a huge fan of Ayari for the past couple of years. I think he will be good for us in that CM because he has the technical, passing and goal scoring ability that we need.

02 Nov 2026 17:39:52
we have the ammunition (Isak, hopefully to be Hugo, Danns? also), we just need someone to load the gun?

02 Nov 2026 18:36:32
Good player on a free. FPF are Macca and Nyoni not good passers through the lines? Seems our forwards get plenty of the ball. Its what they're doing with it when the get it that's the problem.

02 Nov 2026 20:06:09
FM, Nyoni is an excellent passer and will get better.

Macca is ok but I wouldn't call him a good passer per se. He's solid and better than Szobo and Grav on that.

We need a couple more, whether at fullback or in midfield.

02 Nov 2026 15:10:02
With Tsimikas out of contract next summer who do we go for as his replacement?
If we look internally Chambers could be an option but has been more of a lcb. Beck is to old and injury prone. I don't think we move on Kerkez so someone to fight with him but not to expensive. Here is a list of what Transfermarkt came up with.

Joaquin Seys from Club Brugge only 21 but Carra said price is high at the moment.

Maxi Araujo from Sporting looks good at 26.

De Cuyper from Brighton is a prem proven option and is only 25.

Daniel Svensson from Dortmund at 24 is a good age and has talent.

Max Mittelstadt from Stuttgart at 29 is a older player but should have the legs for a few years. Could be a cheaper option.

02 Nov 2026 15:26:16
How about we take Nico O'Reilly off City after they get relegated :)

Honestly, this is a good question. I can't think of any standout left back targets at the moment.

I know there was a Georgian kid that was impressing the scouts of both Arsenal and Liverpool. His name is Saba Kharebashvili and is currently playing in Turkiye. He would be a ways off the first team though.

02 Nov 2026 15:39:04
It sound ridiculous but Riley could be an actual option depending on the severity of the punishment but he could be one of the ones they try to keep.

Seys looks like he can progress the ball and cross which is appealing.

I like Kerkez and we forget how young he is. If he can add a touch of composure to his warriorness i think we've a solid player on pur hands for years.

02 Nov 2026 15:47:35
Fly that kids an attacking midfielder.

02 Nov 2026 15:54:37
Which one big hairy? Saba Kharebashvili? He's definitely a left back.

02 Nov 2026 16:09:07
Big hairy are you thinking of Andria Bartishvil. We were linked to him but I think he ended up going to Arsenal.

02 Nov 2026 17:02:31
Lewis Hall.

02 Nov 2026 17:31:01
My bad fly and Yorkshire I was wrong. I got the wrong player.

02 Nov 2026 17:39:37
Pelican, I don't want any of the Cheats' players, tbh. They can all go down with the ship with at fraud of a criminal enterprise.

@Funky As for Seys, that kid is legit, mate. Whether the kid is ready is another story but ability wise, great prospect indeed.

02 Nov 2026 18:34:49
@Myrtle - good call - my choice all day long.

02 Nov 2026 18:39:41
Oli don't be silly. I'd take O'Reilly in an act.

02 Nov 2026 18:51:47
Not sure but if he has two legs he will be a better option.

02 Nov 2026 19:27:00
Lewis Hall would be a good option, probably hard to prise him away though.

02 Nov 2026 19:37:51
In ideal world Lewis hall would be my option.

02 Nov 2026 14:47:10
Id sell kerkez isak frimpong and wirtz in the summer.
I would give macca a new deal and add a DM LB and RB and sign araujo.

I dont think wirtz will make it with us. Kerkez is a weak link and isak well he is a great goal scorer but he is just not a great fit for us.

Play 433 barcola ekitike /rio/ munoz on the flanks and someone like koumas or buy Evanslison who can link play in the middle
Macca szobo and trey in mid with new DM and gravy in rotation

Jacquet aruajo as CBs and get new RB and LB . Renew vvd to play the role model / mentor.
Pretty much want kayode as RB but LB no idea.

02 Nov 2026 14:52:24
Tsimikas is out of contract so is Gomez so who replaces those? Evanilson is a poor man's Firmino.

02 Nov 2026 15:40:37
Sell Wirtz and replace him with who? I still think he's one of the best 10s we could of signed. Dom is not the answer and its becoming more and more apparent that rightback could be his back long term position.

02 Nov 2026 16:08:45
I don't expect any forward sales other than potentially Cody if he continues to feel as unsettled as he was in the summer. Chiesa is a given.

Midfield could be interesting. In theory, the club could be open to offers for any of Macca (for contract reasons), Grav or Szobo (for tactical reasons). Nyoni is progressing nice and Endo will be out of contract, so there will be a spot that opens up there. Hopefully Lamine Camara will be one incoming.

At RB, I would be surprised if they weren't open to offers for Frimpong and with Gomez being out of contract, that would open up a spot for a RB signing even if you make Araujo permanent. (you all know I am manifesting Daniel Banjaqui here:).

At LB, we will have to replace Tsimikas. I have no idea who that would be though. Carra says we like Joaquin Seys. We will get a chance to watch him against us in a few weeks time.

There might also be some movement at GK. Not sure anyone is convinced by Marmar, so he could be sold. If Alisson doesn't renew with us, which looks most likely at the moment, we might need to dip into the market to sign a senior GK to give Brughmans a bit more time to settle at the club.

So GK, RB, LB, CM.
Hopefully Alisson and Virg get contract renewals.
And if one of Macca, Grav or Szobo move on, possibly another CM.

02 Nov 2026 17:44:30
Harry, are you still sore that Flo rejected your club? I got to say, pretty sure had Wirtz signed for the criminal enterprise of a club you actually support and we missed out, you'd be here cackling about how we missed out on him and how FSG were poor owners.

IMO, Flo ain't getting sold anytime soon and if anything, we will be signing players to play with him to get the best out of him and the rest of that forward line, by the looks of things.

02 Nov 2026 03:20:04
Any of the ITKs
Please tell me we are buying a LB and CM in Jan.
I also think we need a striker too, Isak just doesn't do enough for me.
He is already showing signs of tiredness and is erratic.

02 Nov 2026 06:34:54
Sure we are.
Haaland is being looked at to replace Isak after the latter's dreadful performance vs Arsnal.
Isak to Rotherham in Jan in a £1.5 mln record fee for the South Yorkshire outfit, a telefax from Liverpool's guardian fairy's office just came in. But they are also concerned with his drop of form and lack of hope for improvement, so a lucrative deal can still fall apart.

Jon Arne Riise to be revived with stem cells injection at Royal Liverpool University Hospital, he will be offered a contract to replace Kerkez. Waiting for Tony Blair and Dr Who to finalise the patenting of the stem cell tech.

Following a similar track John Barnes will join to replace Barcola who was absolutely shocking and is believed to be a new Ali Dia by the Club's hierarchy.

Ngumoha to be offered a managerial job inside administration to beat another record by the youngster, what a time to be a scouser! Already spotted shopping for three-piece suits and dress shoes after donating all his footballing gear to Wirral youth.

02 Nov 2026 07:06:44
Was kerkez that poor yesterday? I thought he played well. Nothing much got by him and his pinpoint cross led to best chance of the game.
No doubt he needs to improve on his disturbution and I'd also like to see a lb brought in to provide him with real competition.

02 Nov 2026 07:16:00
Kerkez is this season's main whipping boy regardless if he has a good game, seems there always has to be one for some people.

02 Nov 2026 07:32:33
Kerkez can't tackle without falling over. He left a player stranded in the corner with no help and watch from 30 yards away, if he that good why does every team target him! He has no football brain. He is clearly a weak area and all teams know it.

02 Nov 2026 09:03:34
I don't have a particular whipping boy in our team. I just think we are miles behind Arsenal and city. They both won comfortably at Anfield. That doesn't usually happen. It is a painful reality.

You could pick any of that starting 11 as whipping boys. There is not much point. We just need to improve. The goal we conceded yesterday was a joke and completely our own fault.

02 Nov 2026 09:15:02
inbeta, what part of the win was comfortable for Arsenal yesterday? Other than maybe the the start and end of the game we caused then real problems, should have scored at least one and should have had a pen. We absolutely competed with them and play a much more exciting game of football which actually gets people watching. Against city the red card was absolutely pivotal.

My take is totally different. We've shown we can mix it with the best two sides the the league and given some really promising performances. We could still do with a couple of signings potentially but let's not stifle Nyoni now, and give Kerkez some credit, it wasn't his worst game this week.

02 Nov 2026 09:19:34
Are we really miles behind? A bit more conviction and killer instinct in our attacking play and things would look very different. If we had got a pen for the Isak shirt pull and Timber got a red card for denying a goal scoring opportunity, maybe we would have got a different result? Madley had a 'mare refereeing and fell for every Arsenal ploy in the book, a different referee and we might have had a totally different game.

I feel like so much focus has gone to the result, and maybe that's fair enough, but I can't help but feel optimistic about where we are headed. I see Iraola solving problems, I see us finding creative solutions to move up the field and smother the opponent, the Nyoni and Macca pivot worked really well yesterday and in the first half the two of them each had outstanding games, Wirtz and Barcola are at times showing that they are developing a good understanding on the left, I also see a team that is committed to helping each other out and taking pride and enjoyment in defending as a unit.

02 Nov 2026 09:29:06
Easy to go a bit overboard after a result like yesterday. Arsenal did not win comfortably, they'd have been delighted to get out of dodge with that 3 pts yesterday. Think a draw was the fair result.

City ended up comfortable but it's doubtful they would have won at all were it not for a ridiculous sending off. Our attacking play needs to improve. We are definitely improving under Iraola.

02 Nov 2026 09:56:37
"Isak just doesn't do enough!?? " He puts the ball in the net.

We already have the opposite in Kumas who works his arse off all game but doesn't score!?

I know my preference!

02 Nov 2026 10:02:34
Begbie_the_Radge you are a gift from the heavens. Please do keep them coming!

02 Nov 2026 11:53:11
Kerkez is targeted because the other 3 defenders are big solid centre backs.
Frimpong was targeted when he was in the team. It's just how it goes, but you can't just put 10 massive centre backs in all the positions, Kerkez is there to go forward and provide width as well.
Defence isn't our issue this season anyway, we have looked quite defensively sound for the most part.
Creating decent chances and scoring them has been what's lacking. Barcola is new to the team and when you take into account Isak missed most of last season you can say he's new as well, and the right side is the old square peg, round hole issue. Isak has scored a decent amount but the attack still looks all over the place.
So I'd sort the attack out first and how it links up with our midfield and also coach some positional discipline into some of our midfielders.


We have decent players they just need to learn to play together, they are just not quite all on the same page yet.
We clearly need some reinforcements but a left back would be quite far down on my wish list right now.
We are a step behind city and Arsenal this season but I don't think we were ever going to be challengers anyway, it was always clearly going to be a transitional year with a new coach and new ideas. I think we have a fantastic coach and we are starting to see more exciting football and I don't think this team is all that far off from the top either. We won't win the league but we might next year with a couple of good additions.

02 Nov 2026 11:53:47
I doubt they move for any fullbacks in January, unless it is a pre-summer agreement, like we did with Jacquet. Tsimikas will be out of contract and the analysts/coaches will have had two full seasons of Kerkez data to opine on.

If there is to be a signing in January, I would think Lamine Camara is the most likely due to Chelsea forcing our hand.

I do think we need two new fullbacks, and even if we sign Lamine Camara, I would still like for us to sign a pass master in the summer. We need to get more passes into our forwards.

02 Nov 2026 14:49:11
Diched Madely ruined the game. Hopefully his wife Judy crushes him.

02 Nov 2026 17:54:00
Indeed, Begbie. You said it better than I could have.

Arsenal were comfortable? When did that happen? because if that was the case then, why did they have to start fouling our players and pulling shirts in the box to stop us from scoring?

Could it be that we were pulling them out of position and creating openings even tho, our finishing was poor? Yeah, so comfortable indeed.

Like Patrick I don't think we are miles behind Arsenal even tho, we are in year one and they are in year 7 and judging by the way both teams play. We have a good defence overall but we play attacking football while they play the way Tony Pulis would be proud of. That matters.

We just have to keep improving and working on the critical areas and we will be fine. Iraola is doing great so far.

01 Nov 2026 09:25:20
The leagues there to win for us if we strengthen in January. If Camara came in and did the business, we would have a real chance to take advantage.
We have Bradley and etitike to return who will be like two new players. Midfield is our biggest weakness.

01 Nov 2026 09:30:59
Whilst I like the optimism Ron, I'm not as confident about that. I admit it can happen, but I think we will have some patchy run at some point in the season. It's a long season and Iraola has not had this challenge before.

Ekitike and Bradley had bad injuries so I think it's going to take them time to get fully back to their best this season.

Biggest issue for me right now is we are not scoring enough in the league. Goals per game is low compared to our peers.

01 Nov 2026 10:09:00
Love it Ron.

I was thinking last night "Hang on a sec Brighton beat Arsenal and Man City, but we beat Brighton, what does that mean about Liverpool? ".

It shows we CAN beat everyone. We were outplaying Man City until Grav was sent off.

What I love about THIS conversation - is it so sooooo different to the one of the last year. The wise amongst us state that AI will need this season to mount a serious attack next year. The hopefulls amongst are like, nah. F*** that let's go for it this year!

What's great is that within just a few months AI already has us playing like a team, pressing harder/faster, and moving the ball forward at speed. Adding strength in Jan will hopefully only make us better!

01 Nov 2026 10:44:12
can we not do this. There isn't there to be won or lost in January.

01 Nov 2026 11:17:41
I honestly wouldn't take Araujo out of this team and put Bradley in. I know we like to think he's the bees knees because he came through our academy but I remain unconvinced and he's had quite a few bad injuries for a young-ish player. Sad to say but I don't see him as our long term RB solution.

01 Nov 2026 11:42:28
Bradley is an injury prone. Can he stay fit? I'm not sure.

01 Nov 2026 12:03:43
I think we are a fair way off winning the league. If you look at us against city we never looked close to beating them. Today will tell us a lot more about where we are.

01 Nov 2026 12:24:22
I'm always dubious about players we're already linked with and fans start raving about them 🧐.

01 Nov 2026 13:12:37
Bradley is not a good enough RB if we want to win the big trophies. He's better than Frimpong. But that's not saying much. We just need to buy a proper RB. Strength for this position is as obvious as anything. Sort that with 2 midfielders and a RW then we have a chance to win stuff. Until then we won't.

01 Nov 2026 13:21:00
Love the optimism too! Today will tell us a bit more about us but overall we're playing some decent football.
On Bradley I'm a big fan and I genuinely think he has enough about him to be our RB (IF he can stay injury free). Seems to be a lot of debate about him but I'm a fan.
Bring on number 21!!

01 Nov 2026 13:39:39
I like the optimism, too. I think winning the title is still rather farfetched and unlikely, but at the same time it's definitely possible. I'm certainly not expecting it. But I feel the squad has gelled so fast and everyone is pulling in the same direction with an excellent mentality. And that, together with the individual quality, is always the main foundation for any team challenging.

If it's just Champions League qualification in the end it's fine, too. But if we're not struck with terrible luck in term of injuries and add sensi ly in the summer you get the feeling it won't be long before big trophies are coming back to Anfield.

01 Nov 2026 13:50:38
Maybe we've had our bad patch?

01 Nov 2026 15:05:12
To be fair Longthing until the sending off City didn't look close to beating us either. Looked like it was heading for a 0-0 until then. Not that I'm saying we're going to win the league though.

01 Nov 2026 15:23:53
I'm with footyfan, it was the sending off that changed the game, we was on top til then. As for everyone saying Bradley's no good / injury prone. Go back to bed the lot of you. Check out saliba's injury record bet you would mind us signing him, would you's? Probably find isak has had more sick days also.

Bradley has got the potential to be brilliant, go back couple of seasons he was replacing Trent quite seamlessly too. I love the kid he deserves his chance in AI team setup.

01 Nov 2026 16:30:17
How many predicted Slot would win the Prem in his first season?
The odds are against it happening again, but isn't that the crux of what this club is about? Defying the odds?
A good run of games and a couple of astute January signings could put us in a very handy position for the run-in.
Ya never know..

01 Nov 2026 18:53:12
Insanity, We didn;t have a shot on target today. and are 9 points behind already. We are a miles off.
We might slowly be moving in the right direction, but with this squad there is no chance unless the whole league implodes.
We need a few transfer seasons and to shift some of the dead weight.

01 Nov 2026 18:55:14
Errmm, what do you think now?

01 Nov 2026 19:23:56
We are bang average, so many weaknesses.

01 Nov 2026 20:34:57
Didn't think we'd win the league before today. But today certainly wouldn't have made me less optimistic about where we are going. We played well. Came up against the best defensive team in the league.

Wouldn't mind the zero shots on target, but for the gunners blocking like their lives depended on it we'd have had 6 or 7. We are going places under Iraola. We will get better and better.

01 Nov 2026 21:09:14
I found this game extremely frustrating to watch. Arsenal are terrible and just defend. But on the flip side of that, they look like they could score at ease, if they wanted to.

I kind of felt that we played into their game plan.
We didn't play great, but we have played a lot worse. Kerkez is not good enough, I think most on here would agree.

01 Nov 2026 21:24:31
disappointingly played against 13 today inc ref and VAR.

A great advert for replacing refs and VAR with robots at least they won't have any bias.

02 Nov 2026 01:20:55
Ron, I've said it for the last two seasons. I personally found it obvious after observing it, but the big argument on here was always defence. The defence has been exposed and the strikers are not receiving enough service. Even a Henderson in this team would make a significant difference, and it's of his past ability what we need; commanding, influential, energetic and doing the simple things well while holding that position.

Roy Keane was the best at it and United built around him.

02 Nov 2026 02:24:30
We are a level down from Arsenal, and perhaps maybe City. We haven't had a full squad available yet this season so we should improve with the return of Bradley and Ekitike and Leoni.

Winning the league this season is very unlikely but not completely impossible, CL, on the other hand is a possibility, though not something you'd bet your house on.

We are getting better the longer the season goes, a couple of signings that are ready to be starters in the Jan window and we'll improve even more and at a quicker rate.

I can see us winning a trophy this season but I think a co-ordinated approach to bring together a squad that the coach actually wants over the next two or three windows and we'll be at, if not above the level Arsenal are at, and will definitely be in the mix for the PL and CL next season.

02 Nov 2026 02:25:55
Forgot to add, that will be the end of AI's contract and it'll be very interesting to see what he chooses to do.

02 Nov 2026 07:34:12
It's a fair argument WDW, we're certainly better than last season.

While a lot of hope was pinned on coaching though let's be honest we've mainly improved because we bought guys who can defend and are committed in Araujo and Jacquet.

The attack and midfield are generally quite average in terms of output, but Trey looks promising and Macca has improved as his contract runs down. To counter balance that I've not seen much if any improvement in Kerkez or Wirtz tbh, Grav has gone backwards massively, and Szob is a puzzle to get in the side. I can see all four going or being benched.

Barcola shows glimpses but needs to toughen up and show more steel and be clinical. Rio seems to have improved, Gakpo is up and down, often down. Isak slightly better.

Theres a lot of moving parts to resolve, and Iraolas short contract is just another factor in what's already a difficult transition. Its interesting times, just need to be very patient.

02 Nov 2026 08:37:01
We're at least 24 games away from winning the league IMO.
87 points will probably be enough.

02 Nov 2026 12:17:21
When they said we had zero shots on target in the first half Macallister had a shot from about 40 yards that went into Ray's hands does that not count these days? maybe it was the same person who couldn't see the shirt pull.

{Ed025's Note - and one of Alissons kicks went straight through to Raya Worzal, shall we count that as well?...come on mate get a grip..

02 Nov 2026 18:01:33
Spot on, Flo. We will not be wining the title going against a team in year 7 of their project with the same manager and defending champions while we are in year 1 with a new manager. That is pure logic and basic numbers.

Even the year Slot won us the title, the core of that team had won everything while being one year removed from winning it, potentially. That was then. This now and that squad, is not this squad. Just facts.

Can we get close? Of course but that won't happen in a week. We need to continue improving and get better progressively. I trust Iraola.

02 Nov 2026 19:04:10
I'm much more on the optimistic side of this debate, partly because I think it only benefits the team if the supporters believe we can win the league this year.

Agree with some of the criticism of our attack yesterday; it was frustrating and it looked like we ran out of ideas. BUT we still were able to play with both Arsenal and City and lost mostly due to a mistake (Arsenal) and poor decisions (both). I think this team could get to the point where they are undeniable and can overcome those set backs (like Klopps team used to), but for now, even while we're a work in project, we still looked competitive against the "leagues best".

I tend to think the chemistry, fitness, and guile needed to have a devastating attack is coming. This could be our period of bad league form.

31 Oct 2026 20:40:51
Just an opinion;

Seeing as all the top clubs in England are going the route of 4 CB's across the back, and with the rousing success of Araujo at Right-Back, i think when Liverpool inevitably replace Tsimikas, it should be for Calvin Bassey.

Good on the ball, rapid, powerful, PL experience, 26 so peak years and solid at CB and LB.

Merci.

31 Oct 2026 22:13:04
Or Gomez. He's played there.

31 Oct 2026 23:58:53
I would say no. I just feel there is a better equilibrium with one defensive minded FB and one attacking minded one, hence why I don't see an issue with having Araujo as a FB.

But please, no 4 CBs as FB as 1. That affects equilibrium if you ask me and 2. That wouldn't work in the advance stages of CL.

01 Nov 2026 04:55:40
Do we really need to turn into Arsenal?

01 Nov 2026 04:56:01
Bassey is too hot and cold, in my opinion, which I think is why some better teams haven't pursued him. When playing well, he's capable of really solid performances (often against us, actually), but then you'll some appalling defending the very next week as Fulham lose 1-4 at home to Norwich.

01 Nov 2026 07:39:53
Gomez is not too bad at going forward, I would love to see him giving Kerkez some competition at LB, alternatively pushing him to DM would not be a bad consideration if he can stay fit.

01 Nov 2026 10:23:05
I like Bassey. we might even go back in for Yan Diomande..cause Diomandes are forever.

01 Nov 2026 11:19:24
Hmmmm, not sure I'd want 4 CBs at the back. I do like our current model with 3 CBs with an attacking full back, just need Kerkez to start putting in better crosses.

01 Nov 2026 12:26:54
I don't mind a defend-first philosophy, especially during this transitionary period. It seems we're playing a bit of a hybrid high press/low block counter where necessary; defensive-minded full backs would help to maintain consistency across the back 4, something we were crying out for last season, just look at how well Araujo's done.

It's always good to have options, there's no problem having 1 defensive and 1 attacking full back.

01 Nov 2026 13:32:17
I think the last time we played 4 CBs was when we lost 1-0 at home to Southampton in the 2013/14 season (Toure, Skrtel, Agger, Sakho)

01 Nov 2026 13:42:37
I don't mind Araujo at FB at fullback for the time being but no, not long term. Four CB's? c'mon, we have slagged off Arsenals CRAP football these last few seasons under Arteta. The best team in Europe by a mile doesn't bother with all this lark they play brilliant attacking football and their fullbacks play a huge part in that. People are selling their footballing souls for a guy that could easily turn around and say at the end of the season"thanks folks it's been great but I'm back off to the Nou Camp, they love me again".Cant remember Iraola ever really doing this at Bournemouth.

He has kinda had to play a CB there because of Bradley and Frimpong situations. He said it the other day we lose something in attack doing it and I for one was delighted to hear him saying that. Use Araujo there for the meantime he's doing a great job. But when we can, sort that position. When we do that it will be another cog in the style of play improving. We may never see Jurgen ball again but let's try get as close to it as we can.

01 Nov 2026 15:26:25
Just so you all know I'm not in favour of 4 cbs, I only mentioned Gomez as he's played there before so why sign someone.

01 Nov 2026 16:20:41
Because Gomez is injury prone 😂@ScouseJohn.

02 Nov 2026 10:48:56
It would be interesting to see if Leoni would be given a go there, he looked very good in his one and only appearance. No idea if he actually has any experience of playing there though.

02 Nov 2026 18:03:57
Where do people get this notion that teams are going to an all CB back 4, exactly?

And I agree, Patrick. I want nothing to do with Arsenal and the way they play.

30 Oct 2026 18:04:03
Genuine question - are there any HG DMs in the Prem that would suit us?

We've been linked with players like Wharton and Scott, but they are 8s, and we have a lot of them.

Aside from our own Nyoni, is there anyone we could buy that would improve that no 6 position and is HG?

30 Oct 2026 19:41:08
Neither of Wharton or Scott are defensive midfielders. And for what it's worth I reckon Nyoni is going to be better than Wharton as he's more mobile, more alert to danger and better defensively.

30 Oct 2026 20:01:38
Anderson be brilliant for us.

30 Oct 2026 21:04:23
The Roy Keane at Forest was nothing like the Roy Keane in his later seasons at UTD. Hate the way we just put MF's, especially young MF's in a certain box and think they can't get a grip on being able to play a different way.

30 Oct 2026 21:30:44
All depends on their natural abilities though Florian, by your reckoning, we should have no problem converting Wirtz into a DM, he's only 22, but the truth is you're either the type of player who relishes getting stuck in or you're not.

{Ed025's Note - Wirtz a DM??, you might as well get Julien Clary..

30 Oct 2026 22:07:54
Vik, great response to get likes, but I clearly discounted Wharton and Scott as 8s, and I think everyone pretty much agrees with them. Hence me asking of other HG players who play as DMs.

30 Oct 2026 22:09:46
Billy, is he the French Julian Clary? Maybe they were separated at birth like Rooney and Shrek, or Grealish and Keira Knightley?

{Ed025's Note - very possibly Zed.. :)

30 Oct 2026 22:22:05
Stuck in Chewy? in this league these days? Were hardly looking for a Souness or McMahon are we. Jesus the same Anderson that people act like is made of granite was throwing himself to the floor like a fairy a coupla weeks back.

31 Oct 2026 01:04:17
Don't get me started, that's a whole different tin of beans, this lot these days make Robbie Savage look like Norman Hunter.

30 Oct 2026 23:48:13
Anderson might have acted like a massive fairy when he got tackled Florian, but he still dog walked our powder puff midfield, again.

31 Oct 2026 02:08:05
Anderson dog walked our midfield? I don't think you even watch the games.

31 Oct 2026 05:37:07
I find it strange when people argue two players 'aren't DM's' when they are listed as DM's all over the internet, they play as the deeper midfielder (indeed, one did so for our current manager, the other was very close to joining Liverpool to play that role under our previous manager), they both have significant defensive contributions per 90, and either one, if brought in, would be brought in to play the deeper, more defensive midfield role.

30 Oct 2026 23:01:35
Ed25 - it's that time again .

Hmmmmmmm.

31 Oct 2026 07:14:17
Did anyone actually answer Zeds question?

31 Oct 2026 08:46:58
Yes they did "Who".

Elliott Anderson.

31 Oct 2026 08:48:54
Missed the boat on Sangare before he went to Brentford.

31 Oct 2026 09:11:51
I don't think Sangare would count as HG though.

31 Oct 2026 09:21:25
Who knows, Anderson may be viable depending on the punishment City recieve. he'd thrive under the lights at Anfield.

31 Oct 2026 09:35:01
I'd say Anderson played a part in getting the best midfielder sent off that day Victor. Thats about all he did. That best midfielder was one of our powder puff lot by the way.

31 Oct 2026 10:11:17
Archie Gray, Lewis Miley, Miles Lewis-Skelly, Felix Nmecha, Shea Charles, Jobe Bellingham, Jack Hinshelwood, Elliott Anderson, Nico O'Reilly, Adam Wharton.

31 Oct 2026 10:17:19
Anderson is a water carrier. There are hardly any decent HG DMs (or midfielders in general). If anything, nurturing Trey is the way to go.

{Ed025's Note - "Anderson is a water carrier"....say no to drugs.

31 Oct 2026 10:46:57
or just give Nyoni the game time as a DM and don't play gravenbech.

31 Oct 2026 10:53:02
I'm with Salah Ed - Anderson is decent but nowt special and Scott is more than capable of playing that role.

{Ed025's Note - really BR?, i think hes excellent mate and one of the best around, but of course some people will think otherwise...but they are usually caught very quickly and detained.. :)

31 Oct 2026 11:27:16
Anderson is a good player but so is Scott. I would say Scott has the higher ceiling.

31 Oct 2026 13:06:18
Leaving aside judging a player on one game, Anderson has been performing in that role in the Premier League for over a season.
That's why City paid £116m for him. He's good at what he does and there aren't many HG alternatives.

31 Oct 2026 14:20:54
Grav was far better than Anderson until the sending off. City had offered nothing all game until the sending off. What did for Liverpool was too many injuries up front.

31 Oct 2026 16:22:24
Scott and Anderson are hardly the same kind of player? Scott is kind of like Macca, but more mobile, he's not a 6 if that's what people want.

31 Oct 2026 17:31:06
Seen Scott play with Anderson for England few weeks back and he had a good game. Was every bit as disciplined as his partner.

31 Oct 2026 17:32:03
Nmecha is a really good shout. Andersen is a really good shout too, but we have to hope City go down and he wants to move. Keep forgetting about the players who were recruited pre-Brexit into academies - like Nmecha and Frimpong - who were born overseas, represent other countries but came to England before the age of 18. Fabregas was another older example.

Nmecha won't be cheap though, but it's such a crucial role, hopefully we will spend the money.

31 Oct 2026 18:46:20
I'd say given that Endo & Chiesa have one foot out of the door, being home grown isn't as big a deal as it's made out, my view remains that Chema Andres would be an excellent addition as he's disciplined, physically strong and can defend.

31 Oct 2026 20:17:03
I would push for Sedikie as a future buy. he's got it all, his engine is really good. In a top class team he will be great. I'd love him at LFC along with Scott. Now that's best part £160-£180M gone will get £60m for Macalister, been playing well this year.

31 Oct 2026 21:13:51
Never mind home grown or not. All the best proper Defensive Midfielders have had an upbringing in the game as a fullback or centre half. Their natural mindset is to spot danger Defensively.
I honestly believe, which won't be popular with many, but I don't care, Jacket would be awesome as a DM.

Two strong centre halves and him in front would be outstanding. He played as a centre midfielder when younger, is good on the ball, has plenty of experience as a centre half and is physicality dominate.
Mac Allister, Szoboszlai or Nyoni alongside side him and I think it would transform the team.

31 Oct 2026 23:17:06
As a nation we've got an obsession with "ball carrying". Congratulations on being able to run with ball in a straight line. As a result there is a new breed of midfielders can't defend, can't attack, but they can run round a lot.

We're not producing destroyers or deep-lying playmakers, but if you want to spend £100 million on a golden retriever there are plenty of those around.

31 Oct 2026 16:38:50
Sorry Ed, going to respectively disagree.

Anderson is robust and has physicality, but offers nothing other than graft, which is typical of HG midfielders. I prefer players that offer those traits along with having a bit more about them technically.

I'm not trying to be controversial, but this country does like to build up players more than they are - it happens over and over again. Put Anderson in a more technical league and he gets found out.

{Ed025's Note - its all about opinions Salah, but i do take your point about certain players suiting different leagues mate...look at Wirtz, he was decent in Germany but in the prem he has been pathetic..

01 Nov 2026 06:08:28
I think Anderson is pretty good technically, at least he's better than a lot of people think. He's also a very decent passer, a very decent crosser and can take set pieces too. He's all around a very good player, just not elite at any particular aspect, that makes him a top midfielder in my opinion.

01 Nov 2026 07:58:48
Is Anderson getting found out in another league (allegedly) reason to not have his skillset in your team? that seems like a bit of warped logic to me.

01 Nov 2026 12:30:14
Faith, I just think there are better options at that price tag mate. Sure we need a more physical presence in our midfield, but I'd like someone who offers more with the ball.

I've seen a lot of Anderson (both at club and international level) and he only excels if he has someone alongside him that can dictate the tempo and play effective progressive passes.

He can carry the ball if there is space, but a lot of players can do that at a lower price point. If there isn't space, he'll always play the safe pass sideways or backwards. Compare him to Trey, for example, who does have the ability to progress the ball between the lines, but granted lacks the physicality of an Anderson.

01 Nov 2026 13:47:03
Chema Andrea was mentioned on here last summer Victor. As usual people found a few reasons why he wouldn't suit this team or league. Looks like he's settled in pretty well to me.

02 Nov 2026 01:22:37
Julian would keep hold of the ball and would chase everything.

30 Oct 2026 16:29:04
Maybe an old rumour, but hey-ho here goes:

Andril Fedchenko scout at Flamengo currently, will join Liverpool Football Club in January 2027, specialising in South America football, he takes over from Neil Mckee?

30 Oct 2026 16:39:10
I don't think this is a rumour I think it's happening/ happened.

30 Oct 2026 16:51:30
My go to region on football manager.

30 Oct 2026 15:34:53
Some talk of Araujo joining permanently as early as January, if a reduced fee can be agreed to, and Barca always needs the money. I wouldn't be against it, frankly. However, I would much rather the club focus on a DM as a first priority to solidify our midfield. Araujo is not going anywhere anyway, until next summer (if the loan is not taken up).

30 Oct 2026 16:15:29
All day everyday. He's been fantastic and is a great option at RB.

{Ed666's Note - he’s a limited RB although he’s having a purple patch currently..let’s see what his abilities are at CB for a few months before we spunk a tonne of money on just warrior spirit

30 Oct 2026 17:34:46
Well I would rather spunk money on some warrior mentality, physicality and desire than the money we are spunking on players going through the motions and taking their wages.
He is already rubbing off on some of the other players. Nyoni is throwing himself in to tackles and some of the others.
We need some fire in the team! Also can cover two positions.

30 Oct 2026 17:21:34
Ed666, I think we had this same convo on a previous thread. I get where you are coming from, but I would be more than happy to spend up to the £47m (obvs less if possible) even if he were a crap CB. We have spent as much as £47m on current FBs (and Cheaty have spent a lot more over the years) and if AI thinks that a more defensive focused RB fits how he wants to set the team up (making a back 3 for fast breaks when the LB is playing up the wing) then I'm all for it.

He did look composed on Wednesday playing at CB, and that was enough for me. His attitude and his timing in the tackle is just amazing.

{Ed666's Note - I have no qualms about ronnnies abilities I just want to see if he can sustain the form before I would sounk the money

30 Oct 2026 17:24:21
I tend to agree, Ed666. I like him but it would have to be a really good deal to convince me.

I have seen people make the argument that we need an experienced centre-back to lead the back-line if Van Dijk leaves but I don't think Araujo speaks English so I personally don't think that would work.

I personally would rather sign an out-and-out right-back, extend Van Dijk for one more year and give the game-time to Jacquet, Leoni and Ndukwe. Maybe then go for a truly transformative centre-back like Vuksovic depending on how all the young centre-backs develop.

{Ed666's Note - I would be shocked if he’s not having English lessons right now to assimilate into the club and new cultural surroundings

30 Oct 2026 18:46:53
Do we have to pay more if he rubs himself off on other players?

30 Oct 2026 19:20:53
He will be in front of h. r if he's rubbing himself on other players.

30 Oct 2026 21:50:18
This is where cold business has to rule, unless Barca are willing to take a large lump out of the fee why would we rush to pay it? We've got the deal already - why rush to bring it forward? A lot could happen in 7/8 months, ruptured acls, chronic anxiety or a collapse in form.

If Barca want to shift that liability onto us then they need to pay (via reducing the fee). Let's not forget they are the club that took Luis from us for silly money and got one of our players to strike.

30 Oct 2026 22:07:46
Ronald is doing well but is there any sense in doing the deal earlier, a lot can happen in 6 months, as others have said he could get a massive injury, drop off on form, or another younger player could emerge as a target.

No complaints about him so far he has been immense but unless an early deal saves us millions then let's just wait and see!

30 Oct 2026 22:33:55
When you buy a used car, do you tell the dealers that you'll only pay the full amount after using it for 6 months, in case of an accident, or in case you and your family stop loving the car, or in case it breaks down on the highway? It's a terrible analogy, but I hope you get the point. It sounds like what we're doing here with regards to Ronald Araujo, and I personally find it baffling.

Every team needs fighters. If I think about all the money we've flushed down the toilet and the amount we've lost on good players leaving on a free the last few years, I don't think the amount we're talking about is too much to pay for "warrior spirit." Did you see our team last season? Forget about whether we came out first or fifth. How "dead" was the vibe? Boy, it was dead everywhere, from the pitch to AXA to the Kop; everything was flat! Dead! Some of us even stopped watching altogether; just watching highlights and replays.

The psychology of having an absolute fighter having a renaissance in your team; how much are you willing to pay for that when you have young kids (players) coming through, like Nyoni and Rio and Jacquet, seeing and watching that everyday? I don't think you can put a price tag on that. You can see the reaction of the fans to him everyday; you can see that this fight is infecting the whole stadium and the whole team, and you're sitting comfortably and asking for more time to see how he does. How will he do?

Players lose form; players get injured and anything can happen. But in Araujo, this is not like getting a 22-year old South American who has potential but ultimately dreaming of playing for Barca or Madrid. This is actually the reverse. He's already been there and done that. He was the freaking Captain of Barca, guys; won them things. We got a discount due to a cruel twist of fate, and we're screwing around waiting to see how he develops. We should be thanking the gods for this opportunity and sorting this out ASAP.

Honestly, in Ronald Araujo, we're so lucky to have a Day 1 leader who can naturally command the respect of all the players especially as Virgil ages, and we're second-guessing that? I don'tcare if he speaks English or Chinese! It's a very young team; we've lost Robbo and Mo; we lost Millie and Hendo before that. [Just look at what Hendo is doing for Chelsea this late in his day!] Everybody knows how laid back Virgil is as a captain, even though he commands the respect of the team. How can you muck around with this gift-wrapped delivery right in our hands? You're willing to plunge hundreds of millions on players who may yet come good, but you turn around and second-guess and hesitate to spill much less than half of that on a true warrior who's just been reborn and fresh out of the fire and rising from the ashes like a phoenix???

30 Oct 2026 19:44:20
I suspect he is, Ed666. But there are language lessons and language lessons, aren't there? I've learnt three other languages besides English and you have to go all in to get anywhere.

Bale was supposedly having language lessons at Madrid and never got anywhere after nearly a decade. Kane can't speak German after over three years and he is supposedly having lessons. Diaz and Nunez never really got very far with their English.

I don't know all of their personal circumstances so I'm not making this point for the purpose of condemning them. I am just not putting my hat on Araujo's English being good enough to be the leader in the defence by next year.

{Ed666's Note - like I said mate it’s not his English I’m worried about it’s his form. If he plays CB enough this season and plays well then signing him is a no brainer irrespective of his anglais.

30 Oct 2026 22:16:21
Fair enough Ed666, and given the concerns we had on the boards when he joined regarding his fitness, then I think it is worth seeing if his body can last out a full PL season.

I don't think we need to see too much of him at CB though, as, given him proving his fitness through more of the season, then I would be more than happy to spunk the money based solely on his RB showings.

{Ed666's Note - mate there’s better right backs out there for 45 million plus

31 Oct 2026 13:09:27
We had a huge leadership void last season IMO.
Araujo had adequately filled that void and is playing well. It'll be tricky to sustain that form but unless he completely flops I'd keep him as a CB/utility defender and LEADER.

We need that, the many young defenders need it.

31 Oct 2026 08:47:12
Name a few guaranteed better right backs there ed666?

Frimpong cost what 35mil and he can't kick snow off a rope.

Kayode is one I can potentially think of who knows the league and even then he's a gamble, look at kerkez and i'd be surprised if we got Kayode for cheaper than 45mil too.

Although I do agree there's no rush to signing him unless we got a significant drop on the asking price which I'd imagine we won't given his form. Frankly I think he's been just what we needed at right back, we have plenty of attacking talent on the pitch, shoring up the back line was a massive challenge and he's helped do that ten fold. My only concern is injury record but touch wood so far so good.

Attitude wise he's a throw back, love the passion! It's Contagious and something the young lads will no doubt benefit from. Of course maybe he's not a nice bloke around the training park or something but haven't heard anything of that sort yet anyway nor in his past. He's at a good age, I also think his ability is underrated because of his all action style, he's strong, not slow for a big lad and knows when to play an easy pass. has he Trent range of passing, no but who does. but the rest of what he gives you is an absolute no brainer for me.

Love Big Ron! Let's hope he can stick the boot into Lego heads side tomorrow!

Mon you Redmen!

{Ed666's Note - Livramento and Reid

31 Oct 2026 17:59:51
Ed666, Ronnie is playing really well and I think is angles are spot on, don't know where you get that from mate!

{Ed666's Note - It’s a small sample size mate. If he continues in the same vein and proves himself at CB I have no problems signing him up.

31 Oct 2026 18:16:13
Edd666 name one and not trent. Name me one top class rb who'd also be avaliable. Hakimi is never joining. Name me of these loads of better rb's🤣.

{Ed666's Note - Reid and Livramento

01 Nov 2026 08:00:06
unless there is long term injury to Jacquet / VVD, we will never know if Araujo can sustain it at CB.