Liverpool Banter 4

04 Sep 2026 11:48:59
Eds
Can we have a vote on who Liverpool should use for RB as it's one position I feel we really should have strengthened in the summer window.
Vote goes something like this:

Nobody new, Connor Bradley is good enough and will be back around Oct/Nov

Use Araujo, he will become our new RB

Buy Kayode from Brentford he should have been our No2 choice in the summer window

Buy Kounde from Barca he should have been our No1 choice in the summer window

Use Chambers, he is good enough to play that position.

Buy someone like Guela Doue and allow them to develop.

04 Sep 2026 12:01:16
Out of curiosity, does anyone else feel Jacquet could be decent there? Can pass, has pace, and I feel it will help him adapt to the league. Let Araujo play in the middle and give us a bit more height at the back too.



Just a thought, but until Jan, it does feel the best option is probably Dom. Although I'm
still hoping Frimpong can prove me wrong.

04 Sep 2026 12:04:41
Bit late now.

04 Sep 2026 12:26:20
Interesting that AI has selected a recognised (albeit relatively unknown) RB in the HG section of the PL squad - Isaac Mabaya. I wonder if AI sees something there?

04 Sep 2026 12:26:44
My top preference would be to move heaven and earth to secure Daniel Banjaqui (Benfica youngster) and then get a cost-effective experienced RB in the interim such as Wilfried Singo, who would offer us the physicality needed.

Depending on how Archie Gray gets on at Spurs, it's worth keeping an eye on whether he establishes himself ahead of Porro at RB or in midfield.



Failing that, revisit the Givairo Read (Feyenoord) or Martim Fernandes (Porto) situations.

Outside shouts - have another look at Ait Boudlal (Rennes) and Ismaelo Ganiou (Lens). These two are more RB/CB profiles.

{Ed025's Note - they dont fit the profile FPF, they have to cost £100m or more to fit into the Liverpool ethos mate.. :)

04 Sep 2026 12:29:44
Doue is now at Leverkusen.

04 Sep 2026 12:47:10
Wouldn't be surprised to see Gomez start there if and when he can get fit... Always liked Gomez at right back, limited offensively but has good pace and is a good, solid defender.

Problem, of course, is how long he will stay fit for, but I'm hoping he can get a run of games now he's back in training.

04 Sep 2026 13:07:08
I'd start Szobo there in today's game. Evaluate further afterwards.

04 Sep 2026 13:12:57
Who should be Liverpool’s right-back?

Conor Bradley — because he’s always right back, just never actually back. 😭

And Joe Gomez? He’s been on “Be Right Back” since 2019.

04 Sep 2026 12:49:08
ha - you are not wrong, Ed025.

04 Sep 2026 15:05:13
@Reyrey1, I don't see that at all. In fact, as Jacquet was a former midfielder (with Paul Pogba) as his role model on the pitch, I've seen people think he can actually play the deeper midfield role.

@Zed, yeah. I found that Mabaya inclusion very interesting indeed. The kid had game time under Klopp in preseason a few years back so one to watch.

04 Sep 2026 16:11:53
“I’d love it” if Mabaya broke into the squad and became the new starter - competition for Connor.

04 Sep 2026 22:14:32
🙂🙂🙂 Bradley, Frimpong, Gomez, Araujo, Mbaya, Dom. I really do think we missed out on a golden opportunity to bring in an RB in the recent window. We look really short of bodies on the right side of the defence.

04 Sep 2026 11:39:37
The operation to bring Michael Olise to Liverpool for the summer of 2027 is already fully underway.

04 Sep 2026 12:26:53
ITK Space

04 Sep 2026 12:30:31
Another 100 million plus player, we have three of them already. Hope it works out.

Heavy lies the head that signs the cheque.

04 Sep 2026 12:31:44
Olise is a wonderful player. But, I think given we have Barcola, Isak, Hugo, it makes a lot more sense for any RW coming in to be a workhorse first. Olise is not that, as was exposed by PSG in the CL semi-final.

04 Sep 2026 12:39:30
& the World Cup final.

04 Sep 2026 12:47:42
If we sign Olise (very big if), we would need one of two things:

1. Revamp our midfield and fullbacks completely to play the 4-2-3-1.
2. Sell Wirtz and play a 4-3-3. These wouldn't require as much of a change in the midfield as option 1.

04 Sep 2026 13:28:02
One of the best players in the world, but he isn't at all the profile we need. We need to sign players that fit the system, not players we need to completely overhaul the system to fit. If Sarr or Minteh were the kinds of players that Iraola thought could give him what he wants on that side of the pitch, then those are the kinds of players we have to bring in.

Olise isn't a pace and hustle kind of player, he is another ball to foot, drift into the center of the pitch playmaker, we want somebody to attack space, to drag defenders away with selfless runs, to track back, to pin defenders back with their pace in behind.

04 Sep 2026 13:49:11
Not really related, but didn't ITK Space start off as a Bayern page? Ever since the Wirtz stuff and Bayern fans deriding him constantly as a troll, he's gone into full blown hyperbolic LFC adoration mode. The Barcola post was especially hilarious with the stuff about the 'mystical banks of the Mersey' etc.

04 Sep 2026 16:09:36
I don’t see it myself. I guess I remember the player for Palace.
Occasionally flashed, didn’t work hard enough.

He’s suited to other leagues. Premier League was too much for him.

04 Sep 2026 16:22:09
Yes this was from Space man on X.

04 Sep 2026 16:53:40
I feel like Theo's not the only one on this site who doesn’t want us to go anywhere near Olise. I really don’t think he is a good fit for an AI team and is overhyped and not worth the money.


I would rather we bought players that fix our problems, ie full back and dm, than waste a fortune on a luxury who is only interested when they have the ball.

04 Sep 2026 11:32:45
N’Guessan looks a good little player, no guessing how good he will be, looks good though.

04 Sep 2026 11:01:40
Okay.... so hear me out on this one. Connor Coady. Released from Wrexham, 33 years old. Clearly not anything close to week in week out, but..... product of our youth program, currently working out with our U-21's, experienced Premier League centre back, why not offer him a year contract - League Cup leadership, deep squad back up, homegrown and dressing room culture?

Probably just wistful thinking.....

{Ed001's Note - he was never good enough. Lovely lad but not Premier League quality, a poor defender and couldn't even break into a Championship level team as he is so slow now. Horrible idea.}

04 Sep 2026 11:19:06
Now don't hold back Ed -tell me how you really feel. :) I guess I am just pining for a little bit of home developed goods. maybe even a coaching role with youngsters that brings back Boot Room legacy and traditions.

{Ed001's Note - I believe he wants to continue playing, hence why he got his contract cancelled at Wrexham before the window shut, so he can sign for someone as a free agent. I think we do need a mix of local lads sprinkled in the coaching department, but I would want to know if he was any good before I would look to him as one. Otherwise, surely it is better to just employ the best coaches we can find?}

04 Sep 2026 11:38:11
I thought I saw he was being pulled into the England U21 coaching setup by Lee Carsley. Unconfirmed but a suggestion of at least some modicum of coaching ability.

04 Sep 2026 12:28:37
I posted just this thing yesterday or the day before.

Interesting that Coady has played around 1/3 of his career games at CDM (according to Transfermarkt). No idea if he excelled in that role, but could be one to keep an eye on? Player/Coach type arrangement?

Albeit, maybe he wants to continue playing week in/week out, as Ed001 says, so may look to move down the divisions to achieve that.

Ed001, did you ever catch any games where he played CDM?

{Ed001's Note - yes mate, the season before he joined Wolves, he was at Huddersfield and won Championship PoTS (iirc) as a defensive midfielder. It was Nuno that converted him to a centre-back to make use of his ability to ping long passes, but needed a back three to cover for his deficiencies as a defender. He is far too slow now to play at Prem level.}

04 Sep 2026 12:42:22
Fair enough Ed. Nuno probably saw what Evans/Houllier did with Carra and thought "I'll have a bit of that"!

04 Sep 2026 10:40:29
All this talk about Camara is interesting.... I won't believe anything till it comes from the fellas own mouth..... cause the Camara never lies.

{Ed025's Note - nice one Robby..

04 Sep 2026 11:23:57
It does add 5 kilos though.

{Ed025's Note - Harvey Elliot must have been photographed a lot of times over the summer then Taurus.. :)

04 Sep 2026 11:34:57
Elliott was following the comedian’s phrase “what would Molby do” and took it literally, so ate a lot.

04 Sep 2026 11:35:35
Ouch ed025!

{Ed025's Note - as they say on "catchphrase" Avit...say what you see.. :)

04 Sep 2026 11:40:23
Seems so, he definitely had a photoshoot Ed025, not a swimsuit one mind.

{Ed025's Note - as by bird would say Taurus.... i think the clothes he bought may have been American sizes mate.. :)

04 Sep 2026 12:14:35
Poor Harvey... everywhere the lad sits, he's next to ya.

04 Sep 2026 12:05:04
True Ed025, at least we can be positive and say there is now literally more of him to love.

{Ed025's Note - aint there just Taurus.. :)

04 Sep 2026 09:57:57
{Ed's Note - MK Scouser has posted a new article entitled, Liverpool Summer Review

04 Sep 2026 10:13:33
Good read MK.

04 Sep 2026 10:17:35
Good read, MK.

I think the players we brought in are good players this summer and needed ones.

We needed pace in the forward line and Munoz/Barcola absolutely give us that.
Jacquet looks a very exciting young talent and I look forward to seeing him grow.
Araujo, if he stays fit, will be a very useful squad option and the loan is minimal financial risk. Injuries still worry me with him.

Would certainly have wanted more but we failed massively with sales and we simply didn't have the room to do it.



We are left with a squad with some holes and balance issues but all in all, the squad is extremely talented.

It is now simply a case of coaching from here now to the next windows. Holes can also be plugged with good coaching and players adapting to different roles. I still expect improvement over the coming months based on how good I believe our coach is.

04 Sep 2026 10:18:47
Great post MK. Koumas and Nyoni will shine. Iraola's biggest test is the 5 games now before the break. A lot of opportunities for the players to prove themselves.

04 Sep 2026 10:21:48
Excellent article, MK. Thanks for taking the time to do it.

04 Sep 2026 11:46:41
Bravo, MKS. One of the better essays I have read on this forum, period. Nuanced, full of perspectives and a very good comparison of the pros and cons of the summer transfer season in general.

At this point, we have to show confidence and patience with Doni, at this point. We have no other option.

We think he can be great and even tho the TW wasn't ideal, we still got some very good players he can work with, for real.

It's gonna be a bumpy ride with ups and downs early on but if we all stay the course and keep our eyes on the prize and remain focused, who knows?

04 Sep 2026 12:02:24
Thanks for reading and feedback, everyone!

04 Sep 2026 12:10:14
Cheers, MK. Agree with most of it, and it's important to clarify that the excellent youth recruitment seems to be attributed to Newbury, Marques et al rather than Dickie.

Like you, I am stoked about Ndukwe, Ndiaye, Brughmans, Nyoni, Rio, Abe as well as choosing to keep local lads Koumas, Chambers and Danns around this season.

I would disagree on the Szobo deal. I do not think that is a massive achievement. He's a great dead-ball guy and runs around a lot, but needs to be much better than he is with the ball at his feet in open play and improve his game awareness. Would be good if he didn't shirk tackles too. We shall see if Iraola can improve him. Exactly the same feeling about Gravenberch, by the way.



Macca, Endo and Chiesa should have been informed by the club that they should seek moves elsewhere in May instead of hoping for interest at the end of the window. All three will now run their deals down to the end. Them not being moved on cannot be used as an excuse for not being able to fix the glaring issues.

In general, the club admitted (through press briefings) that they misjudged the Premier League moving toward this even more physical, set-piece-oriented game last season. Yet, we go into another season with short fullbacks and soft lads (Grav, Szobo, Macca) who think they are too good to compete for second balls in the middle of the park. For this reason alone, the window was a failure.

04 Sep 2026 12:39:41
Great article, Adam, as expected from you!

I agree with a lot of what you say, but have some different views on some of it.

RW - I would score this a 5 or 6/10 at best right now. Barcola and Munoz are great signings, for different reasons, and they may prove me wrong. But we should have signed someone who is a dedicated RW and has experience to prove that. Semenyo was a big miss in Jan, but I hope that this Jan we can get Minteh.



GK - It's great we have the youngster, but I fear what happens if (when?) Alisson gets injured. I don't trust Mamar, Woodman is solid but not spectacular and Jaros's recovery is unknown. I would have been more comfortable if Brughmans was here rather than on loan.

RB - Definitely a miss, as you say. I'm intrigued with the selection of Mabaya in the squad - I wonder if AI could unearth a gem there?

04 Sep 2026 19:40:04
Great article, MK. Can’t argue against it. I would just also add for the CB, I am really looking forward to Leoni coming back. That was such a great debut. I think he can become a superstar CB for us. Just hope he recovers from his injury. With his age and all the right support around him there should be no reason why not.

04 Sep 2026 09:45:27
Thankfully Endo and Chiesa left out of Champions League squad. Players who don't have the desire to play regularly shouldn't be rewarded by being in competition and match day squads.
Both players gave it a fair shot trying to get a first team spot but haven't been good enough unfortunately. Don't really understand why they didn't push for a move as other teams are interested and I can see both of them getting starting spots in an Italian or German team.

Best of luck to both but to be a successful club we can't hold onto players like these.
Pity Tsimikas wasn't left out as well as the guy just seems to be hanging on so he can leave on a free. Surely has to be moved on in January or even his contract paid out early. Wasn't good enough under Klopp so I can't understand why he's still here.

04 Sep 2026 09:53:58
Endo has recently come back from a big injury, especially for his age. He's Japan's captain, so can't be that bad a player and was trusted by Jurgen. He's got one year left of his deal, so can help when needed. Chiesa, the club should have let go. They had loan deals and even to buy, but only a small fee, so they decided no.

04 Sep 2026 09:56:28
They are both in the squad for the Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup.

The Champions League just has slightly stricter rules.

04 Sep 2026 09:58:09
Now why would we leave our left back cover out of the squad... Who was it that was going to take the place?

Tsimikas is not running down his contract for a free move, he loves Liverpool and has never wanted to leave.

04 Sep 2026 09:58:40
I wouldn’t say they don’t have the desire, just not good enough. You make it sound as if they are freeloading, which in reality I’m pretty sure they would certainly want to play and be involved. Like I said, just not good enough.

04 Sep 2026 10:51:23
Tsimikas is a good player, ok, he lacks a yard in pace, but his all round play is good, his positional play in attack mode is much better than Kerkez. And he can cross a ball! I don't really get the hate words against him.

In the same way I didn't really get the past rhetoric with Gakpo, much of which I suspect has had him questioning whether he wants to stay at the club.

He is our best chance of scoring a goal these days. It was interesting to see the love for him when there was a chance he might leave and what that would mean to our frontline. Peace!

04 Sep 2026 11:03:39
All 4 not good enough. Why do people accept mediocrity? Every single one of those players you’ve named has had ample opportunities and been found unable to consistently reach the required standard. Ship all 4 in January.

04 Sep 2026 11:50:35
"Players who don't have the desire to play regularly shouldn't be rewarded by being in competition and match day squads.".

Sorry @Mayo, but this is nonsense and potentially character assassination. You may not rate them as players and that's okay but for you to go from there to then, make the above quote is bang out of order.

How many times has Endo played his heart out for LFC to the point of playing the game of his life in that EFL final at Wembley while carrying a knock and bodying Caicedo, all at the same time.

And Chiesa when he has played has always show fight, desire and eagerness to do well despite almost never getting starts. Pathetic.

04 Sep 2026 11:55:09
Oh and Viva Redspana, I fully agree with all you said about Tsimikas.

Oh, and let's not forget that the Gakpo family suffered a huge tragedy, losing their child, which is a more than harrowing experience and one I personally can relate to cos my sister lost her son, as well.

It almost never gets better.

So considering the above, in addition to all the (unwanted) hate he was getting, maybe Cody was thinking of going somewhere else as a life decision for him and his fam, not just about football.

04 Sep 2026 13:36:49
Why keep a left back who is very poor defensively? His crosses are hit and miss so I wouldn’t be keeping him around for that. If Kerkez doesn’t improve this season then serious thought will have to be given to replacing him next summer. I don’t get why some people are happy to keep certain players just to sit on the bench and contribute very little towards the team. They always get chances in cup games and never stand out enough to put them in contention to regularly start in Premier League games.
If the backup player isn’t pushing the starting players week in, week out, then they shouldn’t be in the squad.
Give that game time to younger players to gain experience.

Luke Chambers and Luke Stephenson both should be given more chances, but unfortunately Stephenson was loaned out. I’m looking forward to seeing McConnell getting a chance.
If you did your research @Olired you would have seen Endo was involved in preseason and was told he could find another club along with Chiesa. Andoni must have seen enough of both to let them know they’re not in his future plans.
Gakpo has shown on plenty of occasions his importance to the team. He’s rarely injured and started the season very well. The other 3 have not, so I don’t know why he was mentioned.

04 Sep 2026 15:08:23
Mayo, that Endo was asked to leave does not automatically mean he lacks the desire to play for us. That was the part of your comment that I addressed as pathetic. End of.

04 Sep 2026 15:52:25
Olired, so sitting on the bench and playing the odd cup games with a few minutes here and there in the Premier League shows desire to you? Give your head a wobble mate.
He's plenty good enough to start for a club in Germany, Italy, France and Spain.
He's not good enough to be a starter or on the Liverpool bench. Of he was told to stay and fight for his place fair enough but it's a red flag not wanting to leave when told he won't play much of a part.


We're pretty much turning into Man United by holding on to players not good enough and not being able to sell. 3/4 players that wouldn't move on cost us a big chance to strengthen the squad this summer.
City sold Reinders and Gonzalez to improve and compete for trophies while we hold onto a player that you said 'bodied Caicedo' in one game 3 years ago 🤣

04 Sep 2026 09:13:07
Hello Edoo1,
Look time. Please provide a quick review of our new team and new coach for this new season, what with the fact we didn't sign a specialist right wing, or DM or an experienced CB.

{Ed001's Note - I will be doing a review of the transfer window mate. Though you can watch the pod we just did for a quick overview, Mr Leggett kindly provided a time stamp for all the different clubs in the comments, so you can just skip through to the Liverpool bit if you like. Actually I will link it up again now so you can find it easily.}

04 Sep 2026 09:26:28
Araujo?

04 Sep 2026 09:39:09
I just sent in a rather large post on something similar to this Ed001, so I'd be very keen to watch the Podcast you've mentioned and see where we agree/disagree! Pop the link up when you can.

04 Sep 2026 11:56:47
Im a podcast junkie at this point, Ed.

Don't leave me hanging now, mate.

Pop the link in as soon as ready.

Cheers, mate.

04 Sep 2026 08:33:42
Hi ed033, could we have a poll please if you have time?

Will Liverpool's season be successful?

Yes
No idea
No

Many thanks.

{Ed033's Note -


Season poll

04 Sep 2026 09:14:21
I say no because without winning one of the big two this club should never find that successful.
But I do think in a month or so we will pick up more and build on that as the season goes.
Hopefully maybe a couple of incomings and outgoings in January, then a good window next summer, and next season we will compete again.

04 Sep 2026 09:18:26
Depends on what your measure of success is in fairness.

04 Sep 2026 09:23:26
Liverpool will finish third, win the FA Cup and reach the Champions League semi-finals.

04 Sep 2026 09:28:16
I fancy a title push. None of the others really impress me. I think it’s wide open.

04 Sep 2026 09:34:09
I am positive about this season. I think as AI gets his message to the players in training, we will see improvements in the style of football. I believe the squad AI has is better than some doom merchants will have you believe. But as always, injuries can derail a season.

04 Sep 2026 09:43:21
Come Christmas I think we will be ok, but we need Ekitike back or will have to play Cody as striker. Can’t see Isak not being out injured.

04 Sep 2026 11:31:43
Isak will get injured.
Cody wants out and will push again for Jan, but because of Ekitike it will likely be next summer.
Danns is not good enough and made of crisps.
Ekitike won’t recover by Christmas, so I would say it’s likely to be around March or April before he is anywhere near prem ready.
Should have tried for Marmoush. He is wasted at Spurs.

04 Sep 2026 11:58:13
Wow, Shughes. What bee got in your bonnet today?