I’m getting the feeling that Diaz was something of a transfer joker card - no new contract incoming (at least according to the reliable press), the carefully worded reports of club not wanting to sell him but that they might reconsider the stance if the offer was big enough… I genuinely can’t remember if those reports were publicised before Jota’s death but I saw them after it.
Chiesa… I’m afraid he didn’t stand a chance of succeeding here. I accepted that a while back, sometimes things just don’t work out - although I hope from the bottom of my heart that things will work out for him in the future (I just don’t think it will happen at Liverpool).
As for club’s current plans - a striker like Isak or Ekitike obviously makes sense if he’s deemed to properly fit into Slot’s tactical plan, unlike Nunez. A winger like Rodrygo (or Diaz for that matter) makes sense because he’s able to play on both flanks, so there are at least four seniors covering three positions. The club definitely need one more signing because I don’t expect Chiesa to stay. How I wish Danns had remained fit and had a productive spell at Sunderland…
I was convinced Chiesa was a goner this summer but think we might keep him for another year, or at least until after the AFCON in January, given the upheaval we’ve already seen.
The question for me is do we go into the season with five or six options to cover across the front three? Assuming Nunez goes and Ekitike comes in that gives us five (Salah, Diaz, Gakpo, Ekitike and Chiesa). I don’t see how we afford a sixth option so any further addition would be to replace someone leaving.
Maybe we use Szobo or Wirtz in a pinch. Perhaps Doak is kept around in case of emergency but I think he’s probably more valuable as a transfer fee than a player at the moment. Again though, maybe keep until post AFCON. If Danns wasn’t struggling with fitness issues you might think he’s an option but I’m not trusting him as an option just yet.
It’s tricky because what you’re really looking for is someone who could play LW or CF but one of those spots they’d barely get to play and the other you’ve got what looks to be another significant signing arriving this window already.
I think we can get by with five options for the front three if they are versatile enough that they can cover multiple positions. Also, as you said yourself we have Wirtz to maybe fill in if there is an emergency or maybe even Frimpong for the right while Salah is away but I’d be worried if Chiesa is one of those five options.
My thoughts precisely. Provided Wirtz hits the ground running and Mac Allister and Gravenberch continue their fine form, I think that Szoboszlai will become a pretty high-level utility player for a while at least (I remember seeing him relatively early, playing off the left).
I think Doak is as good as gone, though. I think there’s a lot of interest in him and with all the buys that club have made or are about to make this summer, they probably have to raise some money to compensate. Nunez, Diaz, Elliott, Doak and Morton can probably raise a fair whack.
Very hit and miss (more miss). He’s been bang on about a few things in the past couple of years. He was the first to report on Lavia bid, and reported a chunk of the caicedo transfer, as well as the developments that followed. Has an ok record with some European based transfers as well.
So, he probably doesn’t know the ins and outs of the deal, but it’s not beyond the realm of possiblity that he does
He is from Sky Switzerland, so to call him that is a bit harsh tbf. He says more or less the same thing that Sky Sport says everywhere else, I think they exchange information.
What next, shouldn’t have an opinion on transfer rumours because you’re not a scout or club data analyst? Not an elite coach so don’t feel you’re worthy of contributing to a match day thread? Got to have ridden the tour de france to voice thoughts in the cycling thread?
What do you think a fan forum is for if not the lesser-informed opinions of fans?
