Another thing I could add about Diaz might have been the circumstances happening in that period of time.
When he joined Liverpool we then won the FA cup and 2 Carabao cups. Negotiating time occurs for an extension at some point, the owners play it really hard ball, we will give you less until you give more. e.g we’re interested in League and European titles.
He’s already arranged his move in advance to Bayern way before Liverpool are gonna be crowned champions.
Tough luck and an exceptional attacking player gone that should have had more encouragement to resign.
Funny how some forget about Gakpo’s 24 or 25 goal involvements last season, like he was last season’s Chiesa or something. He was part of our best attacking trio most of the time.
At LB either Robbo signs a new contract (unlikely) or we keep Kostas - so we’re fine.
At CB I think Konate is leaving for Real Madrid and we will go into the season with Vvd, Gomez, Leoni, Jacquet. Not perfect but I doubt we’ll sign another one.
In CM I think Slot is hoping that Endo + one of Jones/Mac (cashing in) is leaving. Would probably mean we have to add two because we need quality AND quantity. Expecting it to be only one.
At CF we’re fine.
Slot staying would mean Chiesa and Salah will be out of here as quick as possible. Will be replaced by one RA. Frimpong as backup. Not perfect in terms of overall quantity.
We also need another LA but doubt Gakpo will be sold.
Outs (excluding LB and Harvey situation)
Konate, Endo, one of Curtis/Alexis, Salah, Chiesa
Ins
Jacquet, one CM, one LA, one RA
With or without CL i doubt it will be more than 4 signings and definitely don’t think we’ll spend much more than £150m.
So likely we’ll be stronger in our starting11 but much weaker in terms of numbers.
That would be very disappointing and asking for trouble. One aging veteran supported by three either coming off LT injuries and no track record in the PL or reliably unreliable in terms of injury. If it’s 4 CB only, then we also need to replace JoGo (as a minimum) and preferably with a dependable player who can push to start.
Any players from the bottom clubs that might interest us? Was thinking of Summerville (RW/LW, West ham), Florentino Luis (DM, Burnley) and Murillo or Milenkovic (CB, Nottingham Forest), or Elliot Anderson. Could get interesting if Spurs get relegated though.
Amazingly Spurs have fewer players who would interest me than most of the smaller clubs they are fighting with. Regardless of that though the press has suggested we have been looking at Bergval and Gray.
I think the only player we need to go big on is a winger, my pick is Barcola, that lad is exceptional and equally effective on either flank.
Jacquet through the door is fantastic, still hopeful we can get Ibou tied down, then just someone to replace Endo…who I sadly can’t see staying beyond the summer.
Should be Robbo’s last season too, bring Kostas back for 1 more year as back up to plug a hole.
The best two players in the lower clubs that might suit our needs would be Anderson and Murillo. It would cost a pretty penny.
Then if we are going to sign two wingers, Summerville could come into the equation, depending on price, but I would see him as the lesser winger we signed.
