20 Mar 2023 20:12:45
Perhaps I am deluded, or playing devil's advocate, but I am not too disappointed by this recent Jude Bellingham news.

Personally, I think we have too many issues, from first 11, to further squad depth, to warrant spending 150 or so million on one position. Yes, Jude is a brilliant player. I will not deny that, he truly can be exceptional if he fulfills his potential.

However, we need 2 to 3 central midfielders far more. We need these players to provide energy, consistent availability and bite in midfield. We may also need a back up keeper, if Kelleher leaves. A right back that can push Trent out of the first 11, possibly into midfield, or provide genuine competition, at least.

I would rather the 150 million be used to buy two quality central midfielders, than one. Without Champions League football, our finances will become strained, so we have to be smarter.

Yes, this is a massive failure from FSG and Klopp. Wasting two years, neglecting the midfield, in order to sign Tchou and Bellingham, only to lose both of them. It is incompetence of the highest order.

However, now, we need to make moves and prepare a plan B. We need to create a new midfield and consider players that will complement not only Klopp's system but each other too. This is imperative, we have not signed a central midfielder, permanently, since Thiago. That was 3 years ago, at a high wage, who has been nothing but injury prone since joining, which many of us knew going in that this would happen.

Also, as much as I love Bajcetic and Elliott, they can not be our midfield starters next season. Both should be used as rotational players, with an understanding that they will be learning and used sparingly. If we want to compete again, at the very top, then we can not rely on two teenagers to hold the midfield. For me, one is too young (Baj) and the other ill suited to the role he is being asked to play (Elliott) .

Next season could make or break FSG, I only hope they realise this because, otherwise, the results will be disastrous.

1.) 20 Mar 2023
20 Mar 2023 21:02:32
Liverpool’s midfield when winning the PL and CL. Millie, Hendo, Gini, Ox, Fabinho all under £40 million and in my opinion none are or were in the top bracket of midfielders but they were excellent in the system we played.
I’ve more concern about our “new” system than £150 million footballers to be honest.

2.) 20 Mar 2023
20 Mar 2023 21:28:59
I'd rather the 1st eleven be top notch before anything else, Bellingham and another No.8 for me achieves that. The return of Diaz is also big.

3.) 20 Mar 2023
20 Mar 2023 22:06:26
How is it incompetence of the highest order?
Tchouameni chose to go to Madrid and Bellingham chose to stay at Dortmund for another season.
We don't have a right to buy players especially when they are some of the most sought after young players in the world.

4.) 20 Mar 2023
20 Mar 2023 22:32:19
It’s appalling what we’ve done to this team. We should’ve walked the League this year, instead we’re hoping for miracles for 4th.
Those that didn’t want a midfielder in summer are trying their best to justify it and just looking like complete fools. Even Klopp looks an idiot at this point.
Even if we got a loan in January we’d got 4th easy, now it’s almost impossible. I think it’s deliberate myself. Finish low as possible and next season qualify for Champions League like it’s a big achievement.

{Ed002's Note - Maybe it is the supporters that need replacing and not the players - who are responding well after a poor start.}

5.) 20 Mar 2023
20 Mar 2023 22:42:47
It’s definitely incompetence …

{Ed002's Note - When you have no idea at all about what the club is doing - don’t post anything, certainly not your complete ignorance.}

6.) 21 Mar 2023
21 Mar 2023 01:38:37
The players haven’t responded well at all. They have been out-fought by relegation candidates all season. Our team is under-achieving in a big way and could be languishing in 10th place if we lose our next game. With the exception of maybe 3 games we have been lethargic and devoid of ideas and inspiration. None of this is the fault of the supporters who are justifiably questioning the work ethic of the team and the tactics of the coach.

7.) 21 Mar 2023
21 Mar 2023 01:47:04
Spot on Irish Rover, the title / CL winning squad didn’t have a standout ‘big name’ midfielder. As I keep saying the sum of the whole was greater than the sum of the parts. What the midfield did have - loads of - was character. They all looked like they wanted to be here and to work together to achieve something.

When Bellingham was 16 he was wanted by Liverpool and it was made known that he was a fan. He went somewhere else because he was guaranteed a fast track into first team football.

When Bellingham was 19 he was wanted by Liverpool. Again we hear he’s a Liverpool fan, just like his family. When we were playing really well rumours started that we were definitely the preferred choice. Funnily enough now that we aren’t going to qualify for CL Real Madrid is now the word on the streets.

Granted nearly all of the Bellingham stuff is driven by social media but accepting there’s no smoke without fire, I’m beginning to wonder if he has the right character for Liverpool. you look at Hendo who refused a transfer because he wanted to prove himself as a player, at Millie who was at 34 / 35 an inspiration for the team and its work ethic, at Fabs, Gini and Ox who were more ‘workmanlike’ than ‘stat’ - there was no guarantee that success was inevitable and it compares favourably with an attitude that I’m only going to play for a club if they are successful, rather than I’m going to a club to make it successful. Of course I may be misjudging Bellingham and I’m sure there will be other factors influencing the final decision but, personally, I’ve been given pause for thought recently.

8.) 21 Mar 2023
21 Mar 2023 02:38:49
I don't quite agree with that assessment of Bellingham, WDW. The way I see it, he has always chosen the best path for him to develop as a player. He moved to Dortmund because they have a reputation of giving young players a chance. He was already playing first team football at Birmingham. He could have chosen to move to a bigger club in England, such as us, Utd, City, etc. but he chose the more difficult option and went overseas simply because he would develop better there. I would say that he definitely has the right character to play for us since he has seemingly surrounded himself with people who genuinely want the best for him and have shown to put his professional development as the utmost priority.

As for his next move, it is mostly guesswork for now. Yesterday, we were favourites to sign him. Today, it is Madrid. Who knows who would be favourites tmr.

{Ed077's Note - Real Madrid or Man City wouldn't be a bad move for Bellingham at this stage though. He will be a starter for any team that manages to sign him so a "development plan" isn't what should be worrisome for him.

9.) 21 Mar 2023
21 Mar 2023 05:29:59
I sort of agree Dracred - he is obviously free to pursue his career in which ever way he thinks is best for him. Totally accept that, my point is that despite his (seeming) personal preference for Liverpool, it isn’t really his preference at all.

10.) 21 Mar 2023
21 Mar 2023 05:06:08
Completely agree with you Ed and I wasn't trying to say that it would be a bad move to go to RM or City. He would definitely be a starter regardless of what club he goes to.

I was just pointing out that his decision to move to Dortmund was because it was best for him developmentally, and not because he would be guaranteed a fast track into first team football as suggested by WDW. He could have moved to us or any other big clubs in England and be part of the 'loanees group' but he chose to more difficult option of moving to Dortmund due to their reputation of developing young footballers. This shows to me that he does have a sound head on his shoulders and has the type of character that will suit us. Apologies if that didn't come out clearly in my initial post.

{Ed077's Note - whoever ends up signing Bellingham is going to end up with a very good young player with the sense of maturity beyond his age that's for sure.

11.) 21 Mar 2023
21 Mar 2023 06:03:03
The world doesn't start and end at Bellingham.
Nothing has changed really, he'll only be playing at Liverpool if he wants to.
If he chooses to go elsewhere, so be it.
I still think if we can get maybe 3 first team starters in Summer, it will put us back on track.
Liverpool have had great success out of attaining mid-priced players, so it just forces us to be wise in future transfer dealings.

You'd have had to be Nostradamus to have foreseen the extent of Liverpool's problems this season after last year, so you can well understand Klopp's thinking.
I agree that the midfield could have been addressed sooner though.

12.) 21 Mar 2023
21 Mar 2023 06:25:21
Cheers, thanks for clarifying WDW.

13.) 21 Mar 2023
21 Mar 2023 06:26:19
If Bellingham is going to be this great player that can be such a huge addition then it doesn’t look good for us if he goes to City.

Over the last few seasons City have managed to beat us to the title more often than not. An addition like Bellingham and no doubts others would strengthen them significantly.

Whilst on one hand we might not be strengthening an area we desperately need our rivals would be. It’s one thing missing out on your no 1 target but losing him to your closest rivals is a tough one.

14.) 21 Mar 2023
21 Mar 2023 06:42:17
Rodri, KDB, Bellingham they won’t struggle. Hopefully the investigation will slow them.

15.) 21 Mar 2023
21 Mar 2023 07:31:53
Can't argue with most of that original post. JB looks to be a great player but we could get 3/ 4 great players in for the supposed price and, to me, we need more than just one body to get our midfield back into shape. It's a pass for me at this stage and hope he goes somewhere like RM instead of improving a team in the UK!

16.) 21 Mar 2023
21 Mar 2023 07:38:44
We won't lose him to our closest rivals. Brighton and Brentford can't afford his wages.

17.) 21 Mar 2023
21 Mar 2023 08:26:03
It's good to see the whinging numpties being slapped down.
Straight as an arrow Ed02.

18.) 21 Mar 2023
21 Mar 2023 08:40:29
A few points:
We signed a midfielder last summer.

We're not doing a very good job at finishing as low as possible this season.

And we're still the favourites to sign Bellingham.

19.) 21 Mar 2023
21 Mar 2023 08:40:36
Mk ??.

They can’t afford his wages and we can’t afford the fee. Perhaps If the 3 clubs chip in we can get him and take turns playing him.

20.) 21 Mar 2023
21 Mar 2023 08:52:50
Spot on, Ed02. You ain't never lied. Hilarious how people accuse the club of being incompetent with NO facts nor evidence to back it up. Essentially making accusations from a position of ignorance of what the club is actually doing. Maybe the "incompetence" accusation should be pointed elsewhere.

Personally, Im not bothered cos I don't know nor claim to know anything. If the Jude deal can be done, great. If it cannot, we move on. People hanging on every word Klopp or Henry or whatever know-nothing journo says is just an excercise in futility I have NO time for cos I know that what will be, will be and I have no control over things. I also see people questioning Jude's character and all that cos he may not do what they want and sign for us, is something I find pathetic and sad.

The boy has a right to sign for whoever he wants and to question his character cos he may not sign for us is nothing but sour/ bitter grapes, IMO.

21.) 21 Mar 2023
21 Mar 2023 10:23:54
A few caveats Rigsby.

We signed a chronically injury prone midfielder on loan in desperation last summer, to join a midfield known for containing a lot of injury prone midfielders. We may as well have not bothered quite honestly. I can’t see him getting a game without picking up another injury or making any impact if by some miracle he is fit.

We are doing a very good job at finishing as low as possible this season, given that we can’t beat the likes of Bournemouth, Forest or Leeds who were all in the relegation places at the time we played them.

We’re not the favourites to sign Bellingham, as to be favourites, you need to have the funds to pay the fee or be willing to pay it. And it sound like we neither have the funds, nor are willing to pay it.

22.) 21 Mar 2023
21 Mar 2023 11:09:24
Look Bellingham will sign for whoever first meets Dortmunds price and then second, sells the idea of the club to him and how he'll fit in

I think he likes Liverpool, likes the idea of playing in a Klopp team, would love to follow in Gerrard's footsteps etc - we have a decent shot with the second part, our problem will be with the first part

Irish is right though, our title winning midfield weren't all 100m plus superstars - Bellingham is a generational talent and its great to be in the picture, but we need more than one with confirmed outgoings and potential outgoings as well

Bajcetic and Elliott are good players and should get chances imo, great seeing them do well - look I've posted before guys, we're having a bad season, no doubt about it

Injuries play a part in this, also I think some have just played far too many games. Also the tactics the end of last season and this season are strange - why is Trent always cutting into midfield? Why is Salah so wide all the time? What happened our pressing game? Why do we play a high line if we're not pressing?

If the above bits gets answered then I don't think we need this huge rebuild some fans are talking about, more a refresh, a reset. Then, purely in terms of ins I'd say 2 new midfielders and a quality cb, to be able to rotate and rest Virgil - that's not that bad is it?

I mean guys, this site has had meltdowns over this season, but here we are talking about actually making top 4 and maybe signing Bellingham in the summer - looking at that, are things really as bad as some have made out? Like I said lads, I believe it's a reset tactically to what works for us, training better to include the constant pressing and a refresh with perhaps only 3 ins needed and others based on sales/ outgoings - we'll be grand lads, we've had it much, much worse than this over the last 30 odd years.

23.) 21 Mar 2023
21 Mar 2023 12:04:32
Dirt, they are not caveats.

We signed a midfielder last summer whether you like it, or him, or not. I know you preferred Adama Traore but he isn't pulling up any trees, Old. They just slip through his hands.

We are not near the bottom of the table, Old Dirt. We are above Forest, Leeds and Bournemouth and we beat one of them 9-0. Stop making things up, McGirt.

We are the favourites to sign Bellingham, Old Dirt. Go to Sky Bet and see who is the favourite to sign Jude Bellingham. It is Liverpool.
What do you know to say we don't have the funds for and are unwilling to pay it for Bellingham? Has a fee even been set for him?

24.) 21 Mar 2023
21 Mar 2023 12:18:44
I'm not sure you know what a caveat is.

{Ed002's Note - It is like a wide tie.}

25.) 21 Mar 2023
21 Mar 2023 13:54:16
Thanks Ed, I thought it was holes in teeth.

26.) 21 Mar 2023
21 Mar 2023 14:31:11
thomas, I can see you're not sure, mate. Can you point out Dirt's caveats, please? Maybe there's one about Arthur but what about the others?
Do you really think we are trying to finish as low as possible?
Are we not favourites to sign Bellingham according to at least one bookmaker?
Dirt is disagreeing with me, not offering caveats.

27.) 21 Mar 2023
21 Mar 2023 16:34:12
The Bellingham one is a caveat to be fair, he suggested us being favourites is meaningless if we don't actually have the funds. A bit like City are always favourites to win the Champions League but they never actually do. They'll have shortened the odds because a lot of people will have thrown a lot of money at it. And also, unless we're below evens- the bookies still think there is more chance of us not signing him.

Pointlessly long paragraph form me there, but I'm in work and procrastinating at this point. I'm also sure we're not trying to finish as low as possible, so I'd agree on that one.

28.) 21 Mar 2023
21 Mar 2023 17:19:14
thomas, Dirt said 'we are not the favourites to sign Bellingham'. We are according to at least one source. It's not a caveat.
And Dirt doesn't know whether we have the funds to buy Bellingham or whether we are willing to pay it or not.
He's already written off any signings that we do make next summer!
He just makes things up.

{Ed002's Note - I would not consider betting companies being a decent source of information - they are reflecting the money gambled in the odds they have.}

29.) 21 Mar 2023
21 Mar 2023 21:33:00
They will also have information but not necessarily the right information, Ed002. I know it's almost a novelty market and they wouldn't take a hefty bet because someone might have more information than them. I wonder how much information forum members have to say we are no longer favourites to sign Bellingham, though.
I don't know where he'll go as I'm sure most other people don't.

{Ed002's Note - It is not about information but about money being gambled.}

30.) 22 Mar 2023
22 Mar 2023 08:49:11
A market has to be formed before any money is gambled, though. Someone uses information to compile the odds before a bet can be laid. There is well known information about Madrid and City that contributes to them being second and third in the betting market.
I agree that the market is very reactive and a few bets can turn it upside down. The bookies need to have opinions before the odds are given but it is a numbers game and they adjust the numbers to suit themselves.
I know almost nothing about where Bellingham will end up but I do know a bit about the betting markets. Saying that, I wouldn't be rushing out to back him to go to Liverpool at 5/ 4.