Liverpool Rumours Mobile

03 Nov 2026 11:32:50
Hi Diddly Ho,

Some of you won't really care about this but I think some will.

There has been a lot of (planted) press coverage surrounding TAA's situation at Real Madrid.

Just to confirm what I know, he's had his team approaching clubs across Europe.

He wants out of Madrid.

I don't know where Liverpool stand on this, but from what I recall being told when he left, the club were blindsided by how things played out. A deal was on the table and near enough agreed, so they fully expected him to sign.

By the summer before his departure, the club had come to understand that his team were angling for a move to Madrid.

Liverpool continued to increase their offers and bonuses throughout the season, but his brother effectively shut the door without any reciprocation.

Personally, I don't see him returning. I don't think it would be a net positive for anyone other than himself.

Based on what I've heard about his team approaching clubs across Europe in search of another top club, they're coming across as rather amateurish. One club in particular has even questioned whether his representatives have the credentials to handle a player of his stature.

Diddly out.

03 Nov 2026 12:01:57
Cheers neighbourino.

All a bit of yuck really. Person with actual talent helps brother to become a leech, thus sacrificing his career and legacy. (At least that's how it comes across)

03 Nov 2026 12:39:36
Absolutely, they come across exactly like that.

It's almost as though they've watched how some of the more difficult agents operate and decided that's how you get the best deal for your client. But there's a difference between being a tough negotiator and being unnecessarily difficult, and I think they've completely misunderstood that.

I genuinely believe that if Trent had been managed by a professional representative, he'd either still be a Liverpool player or he'd be welcomed back with open arms.

I've heard plenty of stories about bad agents over the years, but from what I've been told, his brother has to be up there with the worst of them. It comes across as though the game-playing and trying to prove a point have become more important than what's actually best for the player.

Harry Kane is represented by his brother, and from what I've heard, he comes across incredibly well in negotiations. Jude Bellingham is another example. Things are handled professionally, negotiations are smooth, and there's no unnecessary attempt to play games.

It just shows that you don't necessarily need a background or formal education in the industry to do the job well. You need to understand how to deal with people, build relationships and recognise that being difficult for the sake of it doesn't make you a good agent.

Sorry for the tangent but I really think his brother has ruined his career.

Diddly out.

03 Nov 2026 12:59:03
Appreciate the info Ned. Regardless it's not our problem. He'll reap what he's sowed. I said on here it would never work out and yet again another Red thinks the grass might be greener without considering what they already had.

Could have been a legend. Now he'll be little more than a footnote in a legendary team with delusions of the Balon'Dor. I hope the money was worth it for him.

03 Nov 2026 13:14:17
I actually feel a bit sorry for him. Ruined his legacy with Liverpool over notions of granduer and bad management and I genuinely don't think he will ever get back to the player he was at Liverpool as know one else will put up with his laziness while defending.

Particularly when he is probably demanding crazy money. I for one wouldn't want him back, that ship has sailed. Plus I don't think he'd suit the manager's style of play.

03 Nov 2026 13:43:11
Time to move on from Trent without a doubt but agree it's sad to see how his career has or is panning out!

03 Nov 2026 13:44:26
Cheers, Ned!

If he was 25yo, I might be open minded about a potential redemption. He's not, so end of story.

03 Nov 2026 13:51:55
I don't really blame Trent for wanting a move to be honest, there's nothing wrong with wanting a new challenge after winning it all with his boyhood club.
The way it was all handled was absolutely horrible though.
He should have just been honest with the club and fans from the outset and not mess the club around to go on a free and the door would have always been open for him to return and he would have always been remembered fondly.


He has himself and his brother to thank for ruining not just his career but his legacy and good standing with the fans here.
It will be interesting to see where he ends up though, he's a very unique player and talent and he will need to pick his next move very carefully as he's not going to fit in tactically with many teams. I'm pretty sure he wouldn't fit in at Liverpool now even though his passing ability is sorely missed.

03 Nov 2026 13:59:57
Zero sympathy for the man, he made a bad choice and can deal with the consequences. Too old, too slow, too injury prone to be worth bringing back and on a purported £300k a week. His career is fizzling out and it can continue on the slide elsewhere. Just not here.

03 Nov 2026 14:39:43
I never begrudge him the move it was just the way that he went about it. As they say never look back. So thanks but no thanks.

{Ed025's Note - im with you Barry mate..

03 Nov 2026 15:30:46
His family saw a big financial opportunity with Madrid.

They emotionally angled Trent away from Liverpool.

He was once a local lad wanting to captain his local club but has been warped into glacticoism and superstar branding by those closest to him.

The day he turned into 'Trent' was the day' Alexander-Arnold' died i'm afraid.


Ta.

03 Nov 2026 16:16:07
He isn't the first player to leave Liverpool with delusions of grandeur and he won't be the last. The sad thing is he was always going to be better off at Liverpool if only he had trusted the club who had made him.

Don't know anything about his advisors but someone convinced he could win the Ballon D'or. He only had to look at his team mates to know that was never going to happen. In his pomp he was only ever our 4th best player.

03 Nov 2026 16:07:52
I said it at the time in the run up to the obvious fact he wasn't going to sign that his brother had been the chief instigator and not Trent himself.

Take the brother out of the way and Trent is still at Liverpool and possibly captain next season.

No you can see on the players face he knows he has ruined his career and legacy its such a shame.

Sometimes the grass is not greener and there are few who leave Liverpool and do any better.

03 Nov 2026 16:51:41
Well, his brother isn't an agent out of meritocracy, is he? He probably doesn't have the credentials. It's pure nepotism. I love to see nepotism blow up in people's faces!

03 Nov 2026 17:06:21
His family possibly swaying him is proof of what my mother often told me: " you can pick your friends, but you can't pick ye family".
TAA signed the RM contract it was totally down to him. One hopes there are no swap deals on the table, we pick our own players, we don't want other clubs to decide who we sign.

Just turned 28 and his best football is now behind him, that young RB lad from Benfica is a better choice for the future, the transfer money from not re-signing TAA can go towards the young Benfica lad. He made his bed for me, let him "LIE" on it.

03 Nov 2026 17:38:18
Sad if true Carra. Like others have said wouldn't have begrudged the move but it was handled atrociously.

03 Nov 2026 17:08:12
Carra
I'm sure you're correct regarding the family who I've mentioned before but it's slim to the fact, "trent" is a grown man who ultimately made the decision.
This wasn't a teenager being pressured by family leeches. Trent was a grown adult who wanted to be glued to jude bellingham and bellingham branding. I actually don't think he ever goes to Madrid if bellingham wasn't there. I'm super confident on that.
Also the lad was learning Spanish well in advance. He was always realistically going when they approached long before the media got wind.

I'm sure his family were certainly not in favour of Liverpool especially the male side. I'm aware the mother wanted him to stay at Liverpool.
Also "trent" had a good old laugh on his own about Liverpool at the press conference. He and his family essentially used the club as a stepping stone and professionally it's been terrible for him. He'll be lucky to see another world cup. Trent has to take accountability.
The decision was made by trent to leave and now it's in our hands. I'm hoping it's a no thanks from the club.

03 Nov 2026 04:51:18
Ayari is a top player, really good I rate him highly.
Of all the Prem players currently playing for other teams, I would list my top 5 in order of realistic options as follows:

Sadiki - wonderful midfielder, would fit into our team really well.

El Junior Kroupi- Btilliant finisher, but good all round ability too, a better fit than Isak for me.

Ayari- All action player, high intensity to his game, not afraid to put a foot in either and can score plenty.

Scott- I probably wouldn't have picked him a year ago, but he continues to get better and is a much better type for our system than Wharton, a lot more mobile and his trajectory continues on an upward curve.

Joao Pedro- Not really realistic but a belter of a player, really wanted to sign him when Chelsea did, he has some injury issues but he is a brilliant forward and again a better fit than what we have.

There are others I rate too, Minteh would be a good fit, but I do think he lacks end product maybe that could be coached.

Vuskovic is a great CB and will continue to get better.

Archie Gray is a great player, currently playing RB at Spuds, but can play midfield, a thoroughbred all action no nonsense player.

03 Nov 2026 06:11:03
Kroupi has scored 13 goals with 1 assist in 35 matches forcBournemouth. The descriptor 'brilliant' might be a bit of hyperbole.

03 Nov 2026 07:24:17
Which two can play Left back?

03 Nov 2026 10:16:31
Much prefer our striking options tbh. Isak knows where the goal is and Ekitike is back soon. Why would we change from those two!??

03 Nov 2026 13:44:49
13 Goals in the Premier League with Bournemouth as a teenager IS MOST CERTAINLY brilliant. Not all starts either. Actually averages a goal every 129 minutes in the Premier League. If he kept that up he would be a superstar in this league.

03 Nov 2026 14:54:10
Yeah Flo don't understand that. Good figures for a teen.

03 Nov 2026 17:42:54
Actually like every player on that list. Seen rumours of Grav to Turkey earlier. If he was to move on I think we would be straight in for Scott.

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 21:26:51
Whartons the best at what your looking for but apparently he would be incapable of taking aboard what Andoni would want from him.

02 Nov 2026 23:00:10
Flo, Wharton is not mobile enuff to play that role. Macca (who isn't mobile himself) is a better passer from deep and in the final third as well but what he does is that for this season, at least, he is very experienced and tries to ancticipate and intercept passes to make up for his lack of mobility.

What we need is a passer who has some defensive nous and mobility about him and Wharton simply ain't that, imo.

03 Nov 2026 06:22:54
Wharton is the best progressive passer in the league. However his running style is incredibly flat footed which means he has very poor acceleration both going forward and back. He is good positionally but that doesn't make up for his flat footededness unfortunately.

{Ed001's Note - I really don't see how he is the best progressive passer or even a good progressive passer any more. He was when he joined them, but not any more. He had ample opportunity to play progressive passes in their last match, despite them being down to ten, Spuds gave their players acres of space to play in every time they got hold of it, but he continuously gave the ball away or played it backwards. He has regressed to a shocking degree during his time under Glasner.}

03 Nov 2026 10:17:56
Glad you said that Ed as I've never been keen on us moving for him so fingers crossed we've moved on from him now!

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 22:40:22
Halls just renewed on a much better deal. No way Newcastle let him leave unless he pushes for it.

{Ed025's Note - the way Merlin Rohl schooled him tonight you dont want him BHA..

02 Nov 2026 23:01:42
Flo, why am I silly? For not wanting any of the players from that criminal enterprise?

Then, sign me on to the Silly List.

{Ed025's Note - you dont half talk some crap at times Oli, their players are not criminal or cheats they are just employees mate, its the club and their owners that are guilty not the players, in a hartbeat you would take Haarland instead of Isak, Cherki instead of Wirtz, Doku instead of Barcola and Anderson instead of any of your midfield...or you do need locking up my friend..

03 Nov 2026 03:11:24
Not far wrong @25 apart from Cherki and Wirtz.

{Ed025's Note - hmmmm..

03 Nov 2026 04:04:32
Take Cherki over Wirtz all day
Wirtz continues to look average to me Cherki has done a lot more since they both came to the prem.

03 Nov 2026 08:47:22
Below average @shughes.

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 don't 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.

03 Nov 2026 03:09:57
Yes yes what a great idea to get rid of all our best players.
Nice one Harry.

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.

03 Nov 2026 08:56:45
We don't have a good defence Oli.

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.

02 Nov 2026 22:39:22
maybe we stop playing players on the right one week, left the week after, right again, let them stay on the left and for the righgt we get an out and out RW.

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.