On the lack of action since Mac Allister
The Mac Allister deal was the priority for Liverpool and there was always going to be a gap between signing him and bringing in anyone else. Let’s not forget, the international window doesn’t open until July 1. It’s still early days.
The Under-21 European Championship in Romania and Georgia has complicated matters as a number of players on Liverpool’s shortlist — midfielders Khephren Thuram, Manu Kone, Gabri Veiga and Ryan Gravenberch — are currently playing in that tournament. Yes, Newcastle have shown it’s still possible to do business in that situation with their pursuit of Italy’s Sandro Tonali, but that’s not the norm.
I’d say it’s realistic (not guaranteed) that Liverpool will sign two more midfielders and a centre-back this summer. They need to address areas of weakness in the squad. Anything less would be disappointing.
On Thiago's future
Liverpool’s position is that they are planning for next season with Thiago on board. The expectation is that he will leave as a free agent when his contract expires next summer. By then he will be 33. Whether a big money offer from Saudi Arabia or anywhere else in the coming weeks changes that stance, only time will tell.
As things stand, there’s no indication Thiago is eyeing a new challenge. He underwent hip surgery in May to help ensure he would be fit for pre-season. His quality is undeniable but a record of just 71 starts for Liverpool in all competitions across three seasons underlines the fitness issues that have hampered him.
On Gravenberch
Liverpool were interested in Gravenberch last summer but Bayern moved fast to secure his signature for around £21million at the start of the window. The Netherlands international thought that would be best for his development, but he has found his opportunities limited in Bavaria. Gravenberch has made no secret of the fact he doesn’t want to experience another season like that and is open to the idea of moving on again this summer.
Liverpool have held productive talks with the player’s camp, but the problem is that Bayern’s stance so far is that he isn’t for sale. I’m not surprised Liverpool want him; he was one of the most coveted talents in Europe when he broke through at Ajax and he’s still only 21.
On the CB situation
Yes, I think signing another centre-back is vital, especially if Klopp is going to persevere with a system that asks so much of the right-sided centre-back in terms of covering the space vacated by Alexander-Arnold. Konate did that job very well during the run-in but, as you rightly point out, he’s had his fitness troubles. I wouldn’t say Van Dijk is in sharp decline. He wasn’t at his brilliant best for most of last season but he was also regularly left exposed by the team’s glaring weaknesses in midfield. I expect Van Dijk to come back strong next season.
As for Gomez, it’s hard to build rhythm when you don’t get regular minutes. He’s homegrown, still relatively young and can cover two positions — so I wouldn’t be moving him on this summer. Finding Matip’s successor is the key for me. Sign a centre-back and two more midfielders and Liverpool should be well-equipped for 2023-24.
UvS xR4GEx » Tue Jun 27, 2023 8:38 pm wrote:The rumours are all over the place. Yesterday it was Thuram and Kone, today its Valverde and Mbappe.
People assume we have a tight budget this summer, and the clubs keeping their cards close to the chest. If teams know your budget they'll try and fleece you for every penny you have, so it's a good strategy.
Marco Kirdemir who is a Fifa agent reckons we have £300m saved up for Mbappe..
David Ornstein
@David_Ornstein
Liverpool exploring move for Dominik Szoboszlai of RB Leipzig. #LFC met his camp this week; latest attacking mid to be considered. Unclear if it develops due to price but is desired profile. Unrelated to potential Carvalho loan
@TheAthleticFC
#RBLeipzig
Liverpool are exploring a deal to sign RB Leipzig attacker Dominik Szoboszlai.
They met with 22-year-old’s representatives this week with a view to a transfer this summer.
Any potential deal is complicated, however, and there is an acceptance within the club that it will be a very difficult deal to get done.
Szoboszlai has a €70million release clause in his contract with conflicting reports over its expiry with any move set to be a significant financial outlay.
The player fits the profile that the club are looking for in the window, following the earlier pursuit of England international Mason Mount.
As things stand Szoboszlai is high in Liverpool’s thinking amid interest in the likes of both Khephren Thuram and Romeo Lavia, while any move is unrelated to Fabio Carvalho’s proposed loan move to the Bundesliga club.
Szoboszlai is a key player for Leipzig, making 48 appearances during the 2022-23 season, scoring 10 goals.
A regular for Hungary, he also has 32 caps for his country.
Liverpool have already sealed the signing of Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton & Hove Albion this summer.
I think Szoboszlai would be a really good signing. He's big, strong, and got a good engine. He chips in with goals and assists aswell which is a area that needs improving in midfield. I'd still like a CDM to replace Fabinho this window though, he really struggled last season.Eagle » Wed Jun 28, 2023 12:49 pm wrote:David Ornstein
@David_Ornstein
Liverpool exploring move for Dominik Szoboszlai of RB Leipzig. #LFC met his camp this week; latest attacking mid to be considered. Unclear if it develops due to price but is desired profile. Unrelated to potential Carvalho loan
@TheAthleticFC
#RBLeipzig
Liverpool are exploring a deal to sign RB Leipzig attacker Dominik Szoboszlai.
They met with 22-year-old’s representatives this week with a view to a transfer this summer.
Any potential deal is complicated, however, and there is an acceptance within the club that it will be a very difficult deal to get done.
Szoboszlai has a €70million release clause in his contract with conflicting reports over its expiry with any move set to be a significant financial outlay.
The player fits the profile that the club are looking for in the window, following the earlier pursuit of England international Mason Mount.
As things stand Szoboszlai is high in Liverpool’s thinking amid interest in the likes of both Khephren Thuram and Romeo Lavia, while any move is unrelated to Fabio Carvalho’s proposed loan move to the Bundesliga club.
Szoboszlai is a key player for Leipzig, making 48 appearances during the 2022-23 season, scoring 10 goals.
A regular for Hungary, he also has 32 caps for his country.
Liverpool have already sealed the signing of Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton & Hove Albion this summer.
UvS xR4GEx » Wed Jun 28, 2023 1:09 pm wrote:I think Szoboszlai would be a really good signing. He's big, strong, and got a good engine. He chips in with goals and assists aswell which is an area that needs improving in midfield. I'd still like a CDM to replace Fabinho this window though, he really struggled last season.Eagle » Wed Jun 28, 2023 12:49 pm wrote:David Ornstein
@David_Ornstein
Liverpool exploring move for Dominik Szoboszlai of RB Leipzig. #LFC met his camp this week; latest attacking mid to be considered. Unclear if it develops due to price but is desired profile. Unrelated to potential Carvalho loan
@TheAthleticFC
#RBLeipzig
Liverpool are exploring a deal to sign RB Leipzig attacker Dominik Szoboszlai.
They met with 22-year-old’s representatives this week with a view to a transfer this summer.
Any potential deal is complicated, however, and there is an acceptance within the club that it will be a very difficult deal to get done.
Szoboszlai has a €70million release clause in his contract with conflicting reports over its expiry with any move set to be a significant financial outlay.
The player fits the profile that the club are looking for in the window, following the earlier pursuit of England international Mason Mount.
As things stand Szoboszlai is high in Liverpool’s thinking amid interest in the likes of both Khephren Thuram and Romeo Lavia, while any move is unrelated to Fabio Carvalho’s proposed loan move to the Bundesliga club.
Szoboszlai is a key player for Leipzig, making 48 appearances during the 2022-23 season, scoring 10 goals.
A regular for Hungary, he also has 32 caps for his country.
Liverpool have already sealed the signing of Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton & Hove Albion this summer.
Doeboy » Thu Jun 29, 2023 2:47 pm wrote:With the end of June here and preseason training nearly here, hope we can see some movement next week. Thought we may have seen another addition by now tbh.
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