Liverpool FC Forum

ycsatbjywtbiastkamb » Thu Jul 20, 2023 4:20 pm wrote:I should imagine the club will be saving a fair few quid in wages with 7 players leaving.

Seven important players leaving in one go is never smart. I just see next year as a transition year. That is ok but it did not need to be so drastic had they just thought proactively

We should have seen more evolution over the last couple of windows in midfield but I'm very much of the view that we now just rip the bandaid off and except next season might be a bit up and down but it will set us up for the next 5 years.

Eagle » Thu Jul 20, 2023 4:36 pm wrote:We should have seen more evolution over the last couple of windows in midfield but I'm very much of the view that we now just rip the bandaid off and except next season might be a bit up and down but it will set us up for the next 5 years.

+1

Eagle wrote:

red till i die!! » Thu Jul 20, 2023 2:47 pm wrote:
What is our plan though ? Another small squad because so far we have lost 7 players and only brought in 2. They knew weeks ago we could lose Fab and Hendo but are dragging their feet bringing in replacements.  Klopp spoke last season about the importance of pre season and getting the new additions adjusted but yet here we are.

We're not short of players unless Henderson and Fabinho leave without replacements. Bajcetic who was a non-entity this time last year replaced Milner, Gakpo was an early replacement for Firmino, Mac Allister and Szoboszlai replaced Keita and Ox before pre-season began, and Bradley replaced Ramsay. Don't need a replacement for Melo. Not sure we need a replacement for Carvalho but Doak will step up this year. We just need replacements for Fabinho and Henderson as and when they leave. I can't see Klopp sanctioning their moves until we have their replacements with one foot through the door. I'm sure that's what we're working on now.

Both are as good as gone now.  They have to be replaced and with prem experience being the minimum or we will be in trouble. Forget about Thiago as not even going to be fit for the start of the season so that leaves us with Mac, Szob, Elliot and Jones. Two never played in the league for us and the other 2 are squad players. That a lot of pressure on the new lads straight away.  Need at least 2 new mids regardless of what Thiago does.

Can we Transition and still finish 4th or higher is the question. I would have said yes with Fab and Hendo on board guiding the new lads but now I'm not so sure we can without spending another 100mil+. Given the unplanned nature of the departures now means they need to act. Already recouped over half the spend so time to make a statement and land Caicedo which could be done around 80 with a few add ons imo. That would protect the club from having to spend big for a few years and give the younger lads time to mature. Considering it's 50 million for any player with potential, Caiceido is well worth 90 or 100 and it would be a bargain for what he would bring to the side.

We only have klopp committed for another 2 seasons so we have to qualify for next year's CL so he can have a shot at that and challenge for the league in his last season.

I hope the Verratti rumours are wrong as his injury record is not good

I’d go for Caiceido too, he’d cost a few bob but with the £50m+ we are going to get for Fab and Hendo plus the wages we are saving from the 7 departures the financial hit on the club will be cushioned somewhat.
Caiceido would be a statement signing telling everyone we are here to compete not just make up the numbers.

It's become imperative we buy a top class midfielder to come in and create stability and a platform for the young lads to build around. They have to pay top dollar for the right lad but it'll be worth it.

I agree Reg, in MacAllister, Szoboszlai, Bajcetic and the rapidly improving Jones we have the makings of a very good midfield, especially when you factor in Trent drifting in from the R/H side to help as well. You just feel we still need a top DM to anchor everything together, Caiceido is that man.

I'm not sure Caicedo is really an out and out DM? I don't think you could just sub him in for Fabinho. He'd either play as one of the 8s either side of the DM or we'd have to move from a single pivot to a double pivot.

This new box formation with Trent drifting in from the right gives us a de facto double pivot set up so Caiceido might work. Don’t think we’ll pay the money though

If we are going to go for it I’d rather Tchouaméni. He’s 1.87m compared to Caicedo who is 1.78m so bigger and stronger but he rejected us last year and wants to stay in Madrid. I watched Caicedo a couple of times and he seemed emotional, easier to wind up.

Tchouameni would be a great signing but he doesn't want to come and Madrid doesn't want to sell so that's that. PSG just left Mbappe off their preseason tour of Japan saying they want to sell now. They aren't happy he apparently agreed terms with Madrid ahead of a free transfer next summer. They might find themselves having to move now and sell to pay for it but doubt it will be Tchouameni who gets sacrificed.

Looks like Thiago wants to go to Spain, that is nine players potentially leaving and that has got to have an effect at some point next season. Seems unprecedented.

kazza » Sun Jul 23, 2023 4:25 am wrote:Looks like Thiago wants to go to Spain, that is nine players potentially leaving and that has got to have an effect at some point next season. Seems unprecedented.

If you bring in genuine quali