Liverpool banter 5

15 Jun 2026 17:20:56
What does everyone think of these hydration breaks? I saw VVD's comments on this and I totally agree with him. If referees are making all kinds of calls over 90 minutes, why can't they make a call just before a game starts? Use readings on current temperature and humidity levels and follow prescribed norms. Decide to have the breaks or not. It can't be that difficult.

As they are now, they're a supreme annoyance to both the viewing fans and probably to the players too. They break the flow of the game, and the rhythm of the players too. World Cups have always been played in summers. Did they just discover high temeperatures?

15 Jun 2026 17:41:05
Absolute joke.

15 Jun 2026 17:42:18
As Klopp said, they are just an opportunity for TV to show more ads.

15 Jun 2026 17:43:49
I think it's a good thing, however making it into a timeout team talk is a bit too Americanised for me, especially when restarts have been delayed for adverts. I'd rather water be handed out onto the pitch by someone neutral, quick drink and back on with the game.

15 Jun 2026 17:43:41
Americans can't go 45 minutes without being told they need to buy something.

15 Jun 2026 17:53:40
The notion that a professional athlete can't go more than 20 minutes without a drink is beyond ridiculous. The fact that they get 3 whole minutes, which is the perfect amount of time to run a handful of ads, is just a blatant slap in the face. Next we'll have players doing live ad reads in the middle of the game.

What good about it, No.8?

15 Jun 2026 17:59:28
Re-hydration, Chewy, I agree it's handled poorly, but a quick drink isn't a bad thing.

15 Jun 2026 18:11:11
Absolutely correct about the commercials.

They wanted this for the '94 World Cup and it was rejected as a ludicrous idea by FIFA back then. This time around, I don't think Infantino needed much convincing.

These days so much of the game is about money.

15 Jun 2026 18:15:35
I agree, it completely upsets the flow of the game. Most of the time, it takes a team ten minutes to find their feet and get into it. Then ten minutes later, you've got a water break.

Football used to have no subs.

Then that changed to one, then three, then convid came along and they were given five. Now you need a break every 20 minutes, and get sent off if you pull someone's hair. I mean, honestly.

15 Jun 2026 18:22:14
No. 8, it defeats the purpose of what the sport is supposed to stand for. On the one hand, they are going after time wasting, targetting throw-ins, GK time wasting, player substitutions, and what not.

Ostensibly to speed up the game. And then they put in these 3 minute breaks, as if it's risking these athletes' lives. How about pauses during heavy rain? They could catch pneumonia.

15 Jun 2026 18:31:18
I think what I've said has come across wrong. A drink of water in hot, humid conditions = good. Stopping for a 3 minute commercial break and team talk = bad.

15 Jun 2026 18:39:40
It's all down to Infantino, he's the most corrupt bloke in football, needs investigating.

15 Jun 2026 18:45:29
It's just the American adverts money making scheme in disguise....

I'm pretty sure soon enough we'll hear of the stories about how expensive it's going to be to air an advert in the WC Final...apparently, the Super Bowl is known for being the most expensive when it comes to adverts during the breaks...I fully expect USA to milk it in the final as well.



Just a load of BS with Infantino happily bending over for his mate Trump and his cronies.

15 Jun 2026 18:46:47
When the US had the WC in 1994, they proposed splitting the game into 4 quarters to introduce more add breaks. I guess this time around they offered more money.

If at all, hydration breaks should be conditions (temp) based. Not every game.

15 Jun 2026 18:48:43
I don't have an issue with it cos this is being done with player health in mind. It may be poorly executed. But it is a very good thing, imo.

Btw, this process has existed on and off for 25 years esp. during preseason friendlies, hence, this is not that strange.

15 Jun 2026 18:49:59
It's not about cooling. It's about grabbing more money from advertising.

15 Jun 2026 19:03:12
To be honest, I don't mind it and much prefer this "break in play" than the constant rolling around time wasting that usually disrupts a game.
The refs seem to have a grip on all the nonsense stuff in the WC so far. I'm far more happy with that and can only hope the PL introduce some of those measures this coming season.

15 Jun 2026 19:08:40
A cooling break in an indoor stadium where it's 20 degrees isn't because of player health, it's for money. I'm fine with breaks if it's hot, 30+, but not every game. It should be on a game by game basis.

15 Jun 2026 19:19:23
The Americans wanted quarters for ads. They got quarters (water breaks).

We now have terms like quarter back used for players who can hit a long pass.

We are obsessed with stats and key interventions.

Video replays slow the game down without adding much value.

We are owned by US billionaires.

Like it or not, the IS influence is real and there is no turning back.

15 Jun 2026 19:26:50
No. 8, I'm struggling to comprehend the 'necessary rehydration' claims. Have we not been playing football for hundreds of years with just the one break at 45 minutes? Isn't there usually plenty of opportune moments for thirsty players to have a quick sip with all the 'injuries' that happen? Even if it's a must on hot days, 3 minutes? 5 seconds for a throw in, 8 seconds for a goal kick, 10 seconds to make a sub, but 3 whole minutes for a sup of water?! 🤣 Pretty sure the water is the one that actually takes the least amount of time out of all the above.

15 Jun 2026 19:46:00
I was in Lake Placid in 1980 when the Winter Olympics were on. The Ice Hockey final was between USA and Russia. It was the equivalent of England in a World Cup final over here. I was watching the game on television, not really interested, but was aware of the importance of the game to the locals.

Anyway, the game was going on and they just cut to an advert. I couldn't believe it, but the locals never even batted an eyelid. When it cut back to the game, the commentator casually remarked that, while we were away, the US had scored.

We weren't away at all. We were still there. It was them who took the game away from us. If that had happened with a Liverpool game, I would have been apoplectic with rage.

I can well understand Infantini not having the balls to stand up to Trump, but we must never let that sort of thing in here, plus adverts on the grass like you see in rugby and cricket.

The more the USA get involved in 'soccer' (another pet hate), the more they will try to contaminate our beautiful game with rule changes, adverts etc.

15 Jun 2026 20:28:16
I've not been on the pitch, chewy, where these games are being held, but if we take our cynical caps off it can't be a bad thing to get some water to the players, as I keep saying, I think the 3 minute break is too much, a blatant cash grab essentialy breaking the game into quarters (cynical cap back on).

For me, just keep the players on the pitch, send a neutral on with 22 bottles, have a minute, then crack on.

15 Jun 2026 21:58:01
Last World Cup they had breaks at the referee's discretion and guidance from whoever the medical people were.

Qatar is a lot hotter than America, Canada and Mexico.

The only answer is that this is America.

15 Jun 2026 23:07:42
I think it is down to a lack of concentration span in America.

Or, more seriously, perhaps it's FIFA picking up the revenue from advertising brought in for the 'time outs' during the matches?

15 Jun 2026 23:17:27
Favourite memories of 94 were Houghton scoring against Italy and Aldo and Big Jack having a full on barney with the officials vs Mexico.

15 Jun 2026 17:18:23
The rumour of Nunez coming back on a free seems to be a fairly good deal for all involved.
He could provide cover for Ekitike being out for so long and could rotate with Isak to not put him at risk of injury, the caveat being that when both are fit he would be third choice striker and could go long periods without games.


If he is happy with that situation, that gives us three centre forwards and can hopefully keep Isak fit.

15 Jun 2026 18:24:36
Just suppose he signs and bangs in a load of goals, would he still be third choice?

15 Jun 2026 18:50:40
Gaga3 & Snoots, 3rd choice behind who? Cos Eki ain't seeing the pitch for another 9 months to a year with that dreadful injury he sadly picked up.

15 Jun 2026 23:09:39
@Oli, I'd have Isak, Eki in a wheelchair if necessary and the Chaos Maker a distant 3rd.

15 Jun 2026 16:58:00
Who are we buying tonight lads? Anyone worth keeping an eye on?

15 Jun 2026 17:24:30
After having bought Bouaddi and Summerville, I'm already sure I will want to buy Pedri.

15 Jun 2026 17:32:11
Mo playing for Egypt, before his return to Anfield.

15 Jun 2026 18:46:03
The keeper from Cabo Verde.

15 Jun 2026 18:51:21
Is that Isak guy still available, Willo?

15 Jun 2026 19:44:29
Watching the game. This Lamine Yamal kid looks pretty good. But he's too young, I reckon.

JLC, wasn't he? No wild and crazy saves, but every single time he was in the right position to be at the end of the ball's path. Very well trained GK.

15 Jun 2026 20:59:19
No, Oli, he's been snapped up by the greatest club in the world!

15 Jun 2026 15:10:19
A thought experiment.

Alexis MacAllister in a swap (or similar fees) for Real Madrid's Dean Huijsen.

Cody Gakpo in a swap (or similar fees) for Tottenham's Mohammed Kudus.

15 Jun 2026 16:41:56
Why would RM swap Huijsen for Macca?

Gakpo is better than Kudos.

15 Jun 2026 17:01:19
Hujsen, yes. Kudus absolutely not. Tore his hamstring back in January and missed half of the season, apparently he's suffered a setback during his recovery too. No chance.

15 Jun 2026 16:58:36
Would you rather fight a horse-sized duck or 100 duck-sized horses?

15 Jun 2026 17:17:25
Real have renewed Rudiger and signed up Konate, and are looking at Schlotterbeck. They have Militao and Asencio too. Huijsen might find himself down the pecking order at Madrid under Mourinho, who likes to use the veterans.



As for Kudus, I know he had an injury but didn't realise it was that bad. Just reading that he could require surgery on his QT. In which chase, scratch that.

I recall the nerds wanting Kudus when Klopp chose Gakpo in 2023.

15 Jun 2026 17:17:59
No swaps, just cash.

15 Jun 2026 18:14:31
Mourinho won't tolerate a softy, rollover Macca & Trent for that matter.

{Ed001's Note - he encourages his players to dive.}

15 Jun 2026 18:52:13
Pelican, you mean the same Kudus who hasn't played a game for the past 6/7 months?

15 Jun 2026 13:53:36
If salah wants to come back i'd take him and sign a proper DM and RB and call it a day. The prices being quoted for some players we want to buy are ridiculous and we cannot essentially have another bad window.

And well isak and wirtz both are like new signings cuz they hardly did much last year.

There are no bargain basement signings and these are 100M asks for players with 1 or 2 year experience is a recipe for disaster.

We have been largely good in windows in past decade.

15 Jun 2026 14:13:05
Diomande and Bouaddi do look like they're incredible talents, though to be fair. At 19 and 18 years old respectively, £160m isn't actually a huge investment if you get 10 years out of them. At right back, there really doesn't seem to be many players of value on the market, but it is clearly a key position we need to resolve, with Bradley now not expected back in time for the start of the season.

Carra mentioned that bloke Oscar Mingueza a while back, and on paper he suits what Iraola expects from his full backs and midfielders, so he could be a good option on a free transfer.

He sounds like the Spanish James Milner. Last season he played 5 games at LM, 5 games at RM, 12 games at RB and 11 games at LB (as per Transfermarkt). I read up a lot on him after Carra mentioned him, and most scout reports all mention the same 2 things: 1) his ability to play progressive passes and 2) his desire to make overlapping runs. For Iraola, that is something he loves in his direct and vertical attacking system. He becomes a free agent in 15 days time.

15 Jun 2026 14:17:35
We'll be in the same situation when Salah leaves next year.

Prices have been going up - and players will have an additional 10-20m.

I would love to keep Salah though - I don't think certain people at the club would love him to stay, unfortunately.

15 Jun 2026 14:22:58
Please don't focus on prices. FSG have run us very efficiently - no chance of us ending up like Leeds or Leicester.

I'm interested in moving this team forward. You are right that some of our signings last year were not used in the correct manner by Slot, so there will no doubt be more to come under a new manager.

But we have lost significant players (in terms of both experience and performance) who we do need to replace. Salah is one, and much as the romantic in me would love for him to score more goals for us (after all I asked about Fabinho last week!), I think it's the right time to part. Diomande, please.

Konate may not have had the best season (who did?!) and has flattered to deceive over his 5 years, but he was a starter for us.

We will miss Robbo's experience and fight, albeit on the field, Tsimi will be a perfect backup to Kerkez.

Remember a number of our incoming players (whoever they may be) will be replacements.

Diomande for Salah.

I would bring in a RB/CB personally, someone like Geertruida, to take Konate's place and also provide backup for Bradley.

I can see us instead recruiting a specialist RB, like Kayode or Palestra, as we do have CBs coming in - Jacquet and Leoni plus the younger CBs we have recruited.

I can see Mac Allister and Gakpo leaving, so I could see a CM (Scott?) and a LW (Barcola?) coming in. For those who say we don't want to block Rio, remember he's going to be 17/18 next season and we don't want to overplay him.

Up front, we already have Ekitike and Isak, albeit Ekitike is out for at least half a season more. Barcola can play up front too, and I would like to see Koumas or Wright get the odd run out.

I would also like to see either Jaros step up to no 2, or recruit a decent young keeper (in Alisson's mould), as I suspect Mama may go.

So to summarise, 1/2 defenders, 2-3 MF (as I can see a CDM coming in, but what could Elliot do for us in a CM/CAM role?), 2 attackers and possibly a GK.

With Salah, Konate, Robbo, Macca, Gakpo and possibly Jones and Mama going.

Max of 7 first team squad players leaving and 6-8 coming in.

Just my view though!

15 Jun 2026 14:31:31
I wouldn't be surprised to see us outlay a similar amount to last summer. Perhaps not as much gross spend given we have fewer sellable assets.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Macca, Cody, and Harvey used as makeweights in deals.

And don't rule out a surprise u21 sale or two to grease the wheels on some deals.

And don't forget we spent very little in the 3/4 years prior to last summer. So we can do it if need to.

15 Jun 2026 15:49:34
We didn't have a bad last window, we had bad tactics and bad luck with injuries. Judge when they are allowed to influence properly and when we add further strength this window.

15 Jun 2026 16:25:08
Have Salah back and sign RB and DM, and leave it at that? Let's do that then, and I reckon we struggle to get top 8.

15 Jun 2026 17:31:40
We may as well not sell players, as everyone wants them back.
Salah wasn't great last year, and it can't be all on Slot, as he doesn't control his poor first touch, not beating a player, and not having a burst of speed.
Better for all that he goes.

15 Jun 2026 18:19:18
Don't see the fuss about Geertruida. I know he can play RB, CB, and DM, but he doesn't excel anywhere.

15 Jun 2026 18:22:33
Where exactly did James Milner excel for us, starseeker?

15 Jun 2026 22:44:21
On that big green thing with white lines painted on it, Zed.

15 Jun 2026 23:13:04
On and off the pitch @Zed.

15 Jun 2026 12:35:38
Given recent posts to clarify this is a rumours site that no user has the devine right to ask another user to tailor their posts to suit them.

Each user can post what they want how they want, the Eds do their jobs to vet posts and publish them onto the site where they deem fit.

If you don't like a post simply scroll past.

The constant digs at people need to stop as you will drive users away.

Have respect for others.

15 Jun 2026 14:01:38
I'm sure you see the hypocrisy of criticising people for asking others to tailor their posts whilst asking others to tailor their posts?

Not a dig, I just found that amusing.

Personally, I'm fine with anyone posting anything; it keeps things interesting and sparks debate.

I love a good debate, and just because I might disagree with someone, it doesn't mean I think their views are any less relevant than my own, no matter how hard I debate them.

I'm sure, for the vast majority on here, it's all meant in good humour, we are all the same side after all.

15 Jun 2026 16:47:14
If you believe your opening statement then perhaps you missed the entire ethos.

Onwards.

15 Jun 2026 17:34:01
Love your post, your username is very apt.

15 Jun 2026 10:58:51
Is Summeville still of interest? I know his name was mentioned whilst he was at Leeds, and I don't think his cost would be as high as a Barcola. I'm of the mind he might have been more likely under Slot than Iraola.

15 Jun 2026 11:27:01
I've read that PSG want Summerville, so maybe that would free up Barcola to move to us?

15 Jun 2026 11:43:43
Imagine going from relegation West Ham to back to back CL winners PSG.

Would be quite the outcome for Summerville.

15 Jun 2026 12:02:40
I would rather have Jimmy Somerville in the squad, at least we get a Scott in there then.

15 Jun 2026 12:06:01
Summerville. Pass me the bleach already 🙄

15 Jun 2026 12:28:06
Summerville 🤔🤔 Don't tease me this way...

15 Jun 2026 12:33:13
Summerville. Tell me why?

15 Jun 2026 12:42:24
Summerville! Ah, he's a bit of a Small Town Boy... I thank you. 😊

15 Jun 2026 12:54:07
He's just a small town boy. These capitals leave him bothered.

15 Jun 2026 13:06:52
Back again...... I just can't say goodbye.

15 Jun 2026 16:47:46
Good player Summerville, will end up at a "big" club this summer.

15 Jun 2026 17:37:34
He won't move clubs, as he 'never can say goodbye' and his coach will always say 'don't leave me this way'.

15 Jun 2026 10:48:28
I read that Bajetic has already reported back for pre-season early to try and get in the best possible shape.

I know he's had a disastrous couple of years and will most likely leave this summer, but a little bit of me wonders if this is him realising that it was his attitude that was holding him back.

Has he finally woken up to the reality and turned over a new leaf in the hope of a fresh start under Iraola?

In my opinion he has always had the potential but never had the attitude required to reach it.

15 Jun 2026 11:32:42
In terms of raw talent, I think he's the best midfielder to come out of our academy in the last 20 years. His composure under pressure, his first touch, his timing in the tackle, his passing range, his physicality etc. He had it in him to be a complete midfielder, in my opinion, and I am bitterly disappointed that his attitude and fitness have deserted him over the last 2 years.



A lay off like that can disrupt your development and set you back so far that you never fully reach your potential, so I have very little faith he will reach the heights he was capable of now. It is good to hear that he is finally taking his career seriously, but I personally think it's too little too late. I hope he proves me wrong and bounces back.

15 Jun 2026 11:35:07
There was an issue of timekeeping under Klopp, which some of the players even joked about at the time. However, it is difficult to say if it is an issue right now.

I would think he's not voluntarily reported back for pre-season. It'll have been planned for him.

It's not like he's doing it in his local park or back garden. He's at the AXA with the club's staff.

The big question for him is where his body is at now, and will it be enough to make an impression in pre-season and beyond.

15 Jun 2026 11:39:40
Some serious talent there, given he did well at CDM and grew up a CB in the youth teams, I had him pegged at our future number 6.
As I said in another post, though, I'm learning to not get my hopes up as much anymore when it comes to our young players making the grade.

Really hope this lady along with Elliot and our other new young CB's can break into the first team.
It's been far too long since we've consistently had a decent string of youth players making the step up.

15 Jun 2026 12:05:01
I remember my father in law (a Spurs fan) commenting on Bajcetic when he had a few games in Klopp's team. He was raving about him, saying what a special talent he is.

I thought that anyway, but to hear a rival fan noticing him and speaking in such glowing terms just shows you how good he was and how much his talent stood out.



It's such a shame he didn't kick on from there. Let's hope a Spanish manager can get him going again, there is definitely a brilliant player there if he just gets out of his own head.

15 Jun 2026 12:17:30
Speaking of special talents ... Might be a bit of MOTD fever on my part, but whoever the number 9 is for Sweden looked like he could be a pretty good player.

15 Jun 2026 12:28:25
I'd say he has a clean slate like all the squad. If he can show some professionalism and willingness, he could be a great addition to the squad. We need Gravenberch of Slot's first season to return as well, and he and Bacjetic can rotate in that role. I hope Milly returns as coach, and he'll work him and get his fitness levels back up.

15 Jun 2026 12:30:26
Bajcetic has just turned up for last season's pre season training.

15 Jun 2026 12:32:04
Not sure he'd be right for us. He seems like a smalltown boy, does Somerville.

15 Jun 2026 12:55:20
What exactly is he reporting back from? The bro has been on rehab for ages now, it's just more of the same for him until he's back to 100% and able to fully participate in anything.

15 Jun 2026 15:21:52
WDW, I see what you did there.

15 Jun 2026 16:49:05
If he can fix his attitude issues and medically he is now fit, then give the boy a chance, he can clearly play.

15 Jun 2026 18:29:29
I hope Bajcetic can turn his career around.

Maybe he's matured and done some soul searching and realised that he has an opportunity with one of the biggest clubs in world football.

15 Jun 2026 18:39:29
He had a handful of games where he played well when we were in a dire situation with injuries. I think, even if he was fit, he's just not that good.

15 Jun 2026 10:18:03
So given the choice who would Eds and posters choose
West Hams Fernandes who its being reported United are offering 80m. Very good young defensive midfielder and proven in the Premier League.
Or
Ayyoub Bouaddi, who it seems is being valued at 60m, who put in an excellent display on his WC debut against Brazil Has played 34 games with Lille this season and seems to be a defense first midfielder with exceptional vision and composed distribution in the center of the pitch.

15 Jun 2026 10:41:16
Think I would choose the guy who hasn't been in 2 relegation teams in a very short period. Fernandes seems to have a terrible attitude by all accounts, as well. Don't need that noise.

15 Jun 2026 10:53:38
Mental these transfer prices.

I'd like to see the club increase ticket prices as fans can afford it and sign both.

Genuinely have hardly seen either play, but know we need reinforcements in that midfield. Lille guy at 20 mill cheaper sounds far better, but from reports online he's on the brink of Arsenal, and Fernandes has his heart set on Utd and playing with Bruno.

15 Jun 2026 10:55:19
Bouaddi, all day long. Pretty sure he was quite impressive when he played against us as a 16 year old for Lille, and you can tell he's got something special about him.

15 Jun 2026 11:04:01
Very different players, so unfair to compare.

Bouaddi needs to massively develop his passing. He's a good dueler, likes to block and intercept. And he's pretty good at carrying. If you had Bouaddi and Gravy playing as a two, we'd never see a forward pass.

I would also say it's unfair to label M. Fernandes a bad egg at the age of 21. He's a good ball progressor (long and short) and very good ground dueler. Not as good with interceptions and blocks, though.

He's been more consistent/better than most of our midfielders this past season.

Price-wise, both are too expensive. Fernandes is a 40-50m player at best. Bouaddi, at 18, should be no more than 30-35m. Elliott Anderson's price is skewing the whole midfield market.

I suppose Southampton and West Ham fans will feel a bit aggrieved that they are a stepping stone for him, but I don't think they regard him a bad egg from what I can tell.

15 Jun 2026 11:07:09
Fernandes is not a defensive midfielder from what I've seen. He's more of a playmaker/number 10.

We have no need for him at all.

15 Jun 2026 11:17:21
@Rios, Esp. not at that 80m price tag, cos we ain't that desperate. And I don't think he is PL proven either, unless you wanna say he is PL proven at being part of relegation teams, as someone said. Either way, there is a lot better out there for 80m.

15 Jun 2026 11:34:46
We signed Wijnaldum and Robbo after proving they were part of relegation teams and both did ok.

15 Jun 2026 11:34:47
Elliott Anderson and forget about the price.

15 Jun 2026 11:35:56
Fernandes is a box-to-box, ball-winning midfielder. He's like Bruno Guimaraes, Kante, Vitinha, etc. I don't think you'd stick him as a lone holding midfielder in a 3, because then you're shackling him from displaying his best attributes; hard running, aggressive ball-winning, ball carrying, and creativity from deeper.

I totally disagree he is a no.10, but I'd fully agree that he's not really a no.6 either.

I'd take him as a Mac Allister replacement 100%, but not at £80m. That's crazy money.

15 Jun 2026 12:10:29
Really, MK? I'll admit I've not paid much attention to him but from what I remember he normally does his best work in and around the attacking third. Makes runs into the box, decent on the ball, can score and create goals, but he's never really struck me as a box to box midfielder in the Guimaraes mould.



He's better on the ball than Guimaraes, but not as good off the ball, from what I've seen.

He's a decent player but not really what we need.

15 Jun 2026 12:34:05
Shaquiri also came from a relegated team.

15 Jun 2026 12:55:47
I would definitely choose James Garner.

15 Jun 2026 13:10:40
Personally, if you are comparing players of similar ability, I would favour the one with Premiership experience. I also wouldn't discriminate against players from relegated teams, Robbo and Gini came from relegated clubs.

15 Jun 2026 14:18:13
Red Jones, Gini and Shaq were levels above Fernandez even before they came to the PL, so there's levels to this, man.

And they were only part of one relegation team, not 2.

15 Jun 2026 15:23:09
To be fair, Fernandes does look a good player, better than he did at Southampton. He just doesn't look like a Liverpool player, and especially not at the price being bandied about.