Liverpool Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread 2014 - Mod Note in OP 28/8

jasonb

OwaynOTT wrote: »

Liked music with rocks in it. Loved Moving pictures and all those elephants.
Unseen Academicals was a big disappointment. It seemed like it had all the ingredients to be one of my favourite books such as wizards, football and pratchett but it ended up something like Augmersons feeling about ScarJo's tits.

Moving Pictures was the first one I read, thought it was excellent, loved all the references, like 'Gone With The Wind' being called 'Blown Away'! I know what you mean about Unseen Academicals, I have found some of his later books to not be quite as good, but that might just be because of high expectations.

Find it hard to get too excited about buying a player we won't see for a year. But at least it sorts out next season's 'like a new signing' quotes already!

J.

Speak Now

Jaysus that carpet is sore on the eyes!

Augmerson

Soft Falling Rain wrote: »

Get the fack out of here pal.

They were just not mean't to be seen!

MR NINE

ASOT wrote: »

Just seen this on facebook and it makes me very happy, i could think of one or two more to stick in also!

"Ibe - 18
Sterling - 19
Origi - 19
Can - 20
Markovic - 20
Ilori - 21
Flanagan - 21
Coutinho - 22
Sturridge - 24
Henderson - 24
Sakho - 24
Lovren - 25
Future is great at Anfield!"

You can add suso wisdom and Mignolet to that list, the majority of our squad is mid 20s or younger. A lot of the older ones are people who are not hugely important members of the squad such as agger Lucas Lambert Johnson. Gerrard and maybe skrtel are the only important members of the squad who are older than I would like

Francie Barrett

Striker Rickie Lambert, 32, was signed for £4m from Southampton
Midfielder Adam Lallana, 25, was signed for £25m from Southampton
Midfielder Emre Can, 20, was signed for £10m from Bayer Leverkusen
Winger Lazar Markovic, 20, was signed for £20m from Benfica
Defender Dejan Lovren, 25, was signed for £20m from Southampton
Striker Divock Origi, 19, was signed for £10m from Lille

Guts of £90M spent on those 6 players with the prospect of maybe 2 more to come (probably a full back and another striker). When you look at what we've spent, and indeed, what other clubs have spent, I don't think any of the top 6 can say they haven't supported their manager. The problem is that there's only 4 spots for 6 clubs. Have to say I am more nervous about this season than last year. The expectation this year is a top 4 finish.

Agent Coulson

Sign Clyne and Moreno a back up keeper and a striker and I think its a very good window.

tritium

Francie Barrett wrote: »

Striker Rickie Lambert, 32, was signed for £4m from Southampton
Midfielder Adam Lallana, 25, was signed for £25m from Southampton
Midfielder Emre Can, 20, was signed for £10m from Bayer Leverkusen
Winger Lazar Markovic, 20, was signed for £20m from Benfica
Defender Dejan Lovren, 25, was signed for £20m from Southampton
Striker Divock Origi, 19, was signed for £10m from Lille

Guts of £90M spent on those 6 players with the prospect of maybe 2 more to come (probably a full back and another striker). When you look at what we've spent, and indeed, what other clubs have spent, I don't think any of the top 6 can say they haven't supported their manager. The problem is that there's only 4 spots for 6 clubs. Have to say I am more nervous about this season than last year. The expectation this year is a top 4 finish.

Some of those figures can be assumed to be a bit inflated, e.g. Lallana. That said, there's still a substantial outlay there. it will be interesting to see who else will come in given there should still be the Suarez money available and possibly funds from some sales.

Agueroooo

Francie Barrett wrote: »

Striker Rickie Lambert, 32, was signed for £4m from Southampton
Midfielder Adam Lallana, 25, was signed for £25m from Southampton
Midfielder Emre Can, 20, was signed for £10m from Bayer Leverkusen
Winger Lazar Markovic, 20, was signed for £20m from Benfica
Defender Dejan Lovren, 25, was signed for £20m from Southampton
Striker Divock Origi, 19, was signed for £10m from Lille

Guts of £90M spent on those 6 players with the prospect of maybe 2 more to come (probably a full back and another striker). When you look at what we've spent, and indeed, what other clubs have spent, I don't think any of the top 6 can say they haven't supported their manager. The problem is that there's only 4 spots for 6 clubs. Have to say I am more nervous about this season tha
n last year. The expectation this year is a top 4 finish.

Anyone else think we are trying to be a little too smart in the transfer market?

Yea quality young players and I've heard them been labelled rough diamonds, and we're hoping they are the next big thing.

But sometimes when you have the money you should just buy the polished/finished item.

Some of these expensive 'rough diamond' signings inevitably won't reach ours (or their) expectations, so it's a bit of a false economy.

tritium

MR NINE wrote: »

You can add suso wisdom and Mignolet to that list, the majority of our squad is mid 20s or younger. A lot of the older ones are people who are not hugely important members of the squad such as agger Lucas Lambert Johnson. Gerrard and maybe skrtel are the only important members of the squad who are older than I would like

Unfortunately, until someone realises how little he actually contributes and buys some quality in his position, we have to assume Johnson is important to the squad.

tritium

Agueroooo wrote: »

Anyone else think we are trying to be a little too smart in the transfer market?

Yea quality young players and I've heard them been labelled rough diamonds, and we're hoping they are the next big thing.

But sometimes when you have the money you should just by the polished/finished item.

Some of these expensive 'rough diamond' signings inevitably won't reach ours (or their) expectations, so it's a bit of a false economy.

Yeah, I'd share that worry. I think the ideal is to get a balance, plenty of young potential with some ready quality and experience. It's why I'm still hoping we might pick up a couple of well known players, maybe not full blown marquee signings but players with experience of big games while still being the right side of 30 and a bit hungry (ok, bad turn of phrase after the last guy). Much as I like Lallana the money spent on him could have bought a player in that mould, even if the wages would be a bit steeper.

Kerrigooney

Didn't Lallana cost £16m?

~Rebel~

Agueroooo wrote: »

Anyone else think we are trying to be a little too smart in the transfer market?

Yea quality young players and I've heard them been labelled rough diamonds, and we're hoping they are the next big thing.

But sometimes when you have the money you should just buy the polished/finished item.

Some of these expensive 'rough diamond' signings inevitably won't reach ours (or their) expectations, so it's a bit of a false economy.

I dunno, I think we have a nice balance between youth and experience. Lallana, lambert and Lovren are all super experienced, and also know each other's games intimately already. I think our current strongest 11 has a lot of experience, with plenty of exciting game changers to introduce over the course of the season. Sort full back and figure out whats going on up front re; Borini and we'll be in good shape.

Harry Palmr

Time for some music I think -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WA6ggXTvec

5starpool

Kerrigooney wrote: »

Didn't Lallana cost £16m?

They have all cost various amounts with nothing confirmed, so people will use a variety of figures. General opinion seems to be that it's up to 25 as far as I can see.

I'd have to wonder though how Bournemouth got a 25% sell on clause for a 12 year old? Is that type of thing standard for kids that age?

whatawaster

Agueroooo wrote: »

Anyone else think we are trying to be a little too smart in the transfer market?

Yea quality young players and I've heard them been labelled rough diamonds, and we're hoping they are the next big thing.

But sometimes when you have the money you should just buy the polished/finished item.

Some of these expensive 'rough diamond' signings inevitably won't reach ours (or their) expectations, so it's a bit of a false economy.

I don't see too many polished/finished items out there who we could realistically buy.

People have pointed out Griezmann over Markovic, and maybe they have a point. But enough people have talked about Markovic being one of the top 5 talents in Europe for me to think that our scouts simply think he is a better player.

NukaCola

Kerrigooney wrote: »

Didn't Lallana cost £16m?

I've seen this posted a number of times but was unable to find any solid evidence anywhere.

The liverpool echo said the fee was £23m and didn't mention add ons etc and they would be fairly reliable.

Harry Palmr

5starpool wrote: »

I'd have to wonder though how Bournemouth got a 25% sell on clause for a 12 year old? Is that type of thing standard for kids that age?

Probably find its not even possible now, the FA (UEFA?) has certainly tightened up on the way children are dealt with.

googled eyes

Gerrard Interview

"When BR said he could tailor my LFC games for me, I decided to quit England.
I don't want to be tailored.
I want to be available"

gafferino

5starpool wrote: »

They have all cost various amounts with nothing confirmed, so people will use a variety of figures. General opinion seems to be that it's up to 25 as far as I can see.

I'd have to wonder though how Bournemouth got a 25% sell on clause for a 12 year old? Is that type of thing standard for kids that age?

No 5star it's only if your kids turn out to be professional footballers. Otherwise you get hardly anything if you sell them on.

Osmosis Jones

Harry Palmr wrote: »

Time for some music I think -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WA6ggXTvec

Took me a few watches to notice the bite, I was so enthralled by the incredible block made by Bertrand as he fully committed himself to the cause and stopped Gerrard from progressing.


Sign him up, I say.

Tangatagamadda Chaddabinga Bonga Bungo

If Pool have spent 90+ million on new signings is this what can be logged in as sales...?

Suarez 70
Borini 14
Assadi 7
Agger 12

103 million...?

So the Champions League money is still there to spend without FSG needing to stump up any of their own cash for more new signings.

Washington Irving

Tangatagamadda Chaddabinga Bonga Bungo wrote: »

If Pool have spent 90+ million on new signings is this what can be logged in as sales...

Suarez 70
Borini 14
Assadi 7
Agger 12

103 million...?

Though, of course, we haven't actually sold Borini, Assaidi or Agger.

Osmosis Jones

I can see another 40-50mil being spent, hopefully bringing in two fullbacks and a striker.

Harry Palmr

There is actually loads in the kitty still, I suppose there is a chance some will be left until January just in case a signing is needed.

The Magpies on twitter seem to think Lacazette is signing for them.

Agueroooo

People don't forget we have a stadium to build.

Can't see us spending everything.

Agent Coulson

Jackson Martinez, Nathaniel Clyne, Alberto Moreno & David Marshall.

Sell four or five players.

Tangatagamadda Chaddabinga Bonga Bungo

Washington Irving wrote: »

Though, of course, we haven't actually sold Borini, Assaidi or Agger.

Just trying to count chickens and all that.

If those sales do go through it is looking like a good transfer window overall.

8-10

Agent Coulson wrote: »

Jackson Martinez, Nathaniel Clyne, Alberto Moreno & David Marshall.

Would bite your hand off for that!

Harry Palmr

Agueroooo wrote: »

People don't forget we have a stadium to build.

Can't see us spending everything.

Whadafu? You do know FSG/LFC have a bank loan thingy for capital expenditure I take it? That's been in place for months.

murpho999

Agueroooo wrote: »

People don't forget we have a stadium to build.

Can't see us spending everything.

That'll be financed by completely different means and budgets. Capital v Current etc.

Washington Irving

Agueroooo wrote: »

People don't forget we have a stadium to build.

Can't see us spending everything.

Didn't FSG say those funds were already fenced off?

Augmerson

In the Indo today Redknapp was saying there's no way Remy could fail a medical. And then there's some people saying the club pulled the plug because Borini won't move.

As much as I'd like to see things come good for Borini, Remy is a step up.

There's a quote on Sky Sports from the Swansea owner saying if a club comes in with a big offer for Bony then then club will listen.

Bite the bullet, offer 20m and get him. I don't want us stuck with Borini as he is good off the bench or Cup games but that's it.

Harry Palmr

Augmerson wrote: »

Bite the bullet, offer 20m and get him. I don't want us stuck with Borini as he is good off the bench or Cup games but that's it.

Smells of PANIC BUY!

We know what what happened the last time, and at least that really was an 11th hour and 58th minute deal with fresh capital. Buying Bony before its August at all would be a dereliction of duty.

Augmerson

Harry Palmr wrote: »

Smells of PANIC BUY!

We know what what happened the last time, and at least that really was an 11th hour and 58th minute deal with fresh capital. Buying Bony before its August at all would be a dereliction of duty.

Carroll was a panic buy. Bony at least fits the mould and has a season in the EPL under his belt.

I talk to other LFC fans offline who talk about big names we can get but I don't see us landing those names until a 2nd consecutive season of Champs League.

Agent Coulson

He's no John Barnes :pac:

Jesus Wept

Young one is about to float off the chair.

daithijjj

Dont know if posted already.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKvy5Ync2Ms

Zak Flaps

Ben Smith ✔
@BenSmithBBC
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I get asked the question constantly. But I am told Liverpool, at this stage, are not pursuing a move for Marco Reus

I'd be optimistic going by his recent tweets….

Ben Smith ✔
@BenSmithBBC
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I get asked the question constantly. But I am told Liverpool, at this stage, are not pursuing a move for Adam Lallana

Ben Smith ✔
@BenSmithBBC
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I get asked the question constantly. But I am told Liverpool, at this stage, are not pursuing a move for Lazar Markovic

Ben Smith ✔
@BenSmithBBC
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I get asked the question constantly. But I am told Liverpool, at this stage, are not pursuing a move for Dejan Lovren

Ben Smith ✔
@BenSmithBBC
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I get asked the question constantly. But I am told Liverpool, at this stage, are not pursuing a move for Divock Origi

Agent Coulson

Damm that signing would have won us the quadruple:P

Ben Smith ✔
@BenSmithBBC
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I get asked the question constantly. But I am told Liverpool, at this stage, are not pursuing a move for Zak Flaps

martyos121

If we are pursuing a move for any star player, (doubt we are, tbh) the one I'd want has to be Lucas Moura from PSG. Think he fits our system perfectly, and just imagine being a defender coming up against the pace of Sturridge, Sterling and Lucas Moura on the counter. Would love if we went all out for him, but PSG have no reason to sell unless they go for Hazard.

Osmosis Jones

martyos121 wrote: »

If we are pursuing a move for any star player, (doubt we are, tbh) the one I'd want has to be Lucas Moura from PSG. Think he fits our system perfectly, and just imagine being a defender coming up against the pace of Sturridge, Sterling and Lucas Moura on the counter. Would love if we went all out for him, but PSG have no reason to sell unless they go for Hazard.

Could be in for Di Maria (PSG, not Liverpool)

MR NINE

tritium wrote: »

Unfortunately, until someone realises how little he actually contributes and buys some quality in his position, we have to assume Johnson is important to the squad.

Unfortunately youre right, he is still an important member of the squad. However I moreso meant that he was a dispensable member of the squad, though of course a replacement would be required. Ill be disappointed if Johnson is our first choice right back at the start of the season, and it seems almost certain that he will be.

Luckycharms_74

sh__93 wrote: »

Honestly, I'd never heard of the fella before the World Cup but he looked good in the games I seen him play. The fact he started several games ahead of Lukaku shows he must have something about him.

10m is nothing to a PL club these days anyway. Could probably recoup half that even if he had a season sitting on our bench.

Did the club confirm whether he'll be loaned back to France?

It seems the club have been tracking him long before the World Cup. Rodgers rates him highly and he is seen as one of the hot young talents in Europe.
The fee is £6m but rising to £10m with addons.
The reason he is being loaned back to Lille was a condition of the transfer.

I am pie

MR NINE wrote: »

Unfortunately youre right, he is still an important member of the squad. However I moreso meant that he was a dispensable member of the squad, though of course a replacement would be required. Ill be disappointed if Johnson is our first choice right back at the start of the season, and it seems almost certain that he will be.

watched carragher criticise the liverpool defensive setup against palace again on youtube today & johnson's contribution really stood out as half assed, also the need for a leader/organiser was critically missing. might have won that game if carragher was on the pitch.

stampydmonkey

Just read back there are saw Bonys name knocking about. Please please please don't sign Bony. Watched him a few times last year and he was way out of sync with the team. Very poor movement and awareness. I'd rather Borini than him anyday.

Soft Falling Rain

Agueroooo wrote: »

Anyone else think we are trying to be a little too smart in the transfer market?

Yea quality young players and I've heard them been labelled rough diamonds, and we're hoping they are the next big thing.

But sometimes when you have the money you should just buy the polished/finished item.

Some of these expensive 'rough diamond' signings inevitably won't reach ours (or their) expectations, so it's a bit of a false economy.

Even 'polished/finished items' come with their own disclaimers. Just because you throw £40m and £250,000 a week at a player does not guarantee it will be a success.

I'm not against signing a marquee player, but only if they're going to show the hunger and will to succeed that everyone else in the team showed last season and hopefully long into the future.

'Just because' does not fly with me basically.

TitianGerm

Nice bit on Lazar in that interview. Especially the piece where he gives up his first class seat for the lady bringing him to France for his visa.

Augmerson

stampydmonkey wrote: »

Just read back there are saw Bonys name knocking about. Please please please don't sign Bony. Watched him a few times last year and he was way out of sync with the team. Very poor movement and awareness. I'd rather Borini than him anyday.

Borini won't get more than 7 or 8 goals for us and that's being kind.

8-10

daithijjj wrote: »

Dont know if posted already.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKvy5Ync2Ms

Enjoyed this thanks. The story about Markovic in first class paints a nice picture, sounds like a humble kid.

whatawaster

I could see Borini playing a similar role for us as Kuyt did if he stayed. He has some similar attributes in terms of his workrate, attitude and movement. For £14m I'd sell him, but I won't be unhappy if he stays.