Who would you buy?

The Albert
9433

Should it ever have started?

Plenty of top players have done just fine being shifted around in their role and responsibility based on what the team needs from this season, at this stage of the season given absences, this game, or this stage in the game. Especially ones Harvey is sometimes likened to. Slot has clear principles but still demands that we are tactically flexible depending on the situation and that has been achieved so far more by players adapting than by adapting the players. He has spoken about how important it is that he has a collection of players who can fill more than one role to accommodate that sort of change up.

I think I’m right in saying this season is the least Harvey has played when fit since he joined us, and so I get people are asking questions about what that means. I think there are reasonable explanations though for why has had less time this season than we’ve been used to him having without it meaning Slot doesnt rate him, or that he needs to find a specific role and work on nailing that down to get those minutes. He is still very young and we forget quite how much that is so because he’s now been around for a while, but he is still doing incredibly well to be even this involved at that age for a team competing at this level.

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9434

Why on earth would we need a reset season? :thinking:

Even if the Contract Trio were all to leave (unlikely), we would still have one of the strongest squads in the league, and I would fully expect us to be in the running for the title and both domestic cups.

The Champions League is obviously harder to predict, but there’s no reason why we wouldn’t be able to at least qualify for the knockout stages… even without Mo, Virg and Trent.

It’s like all those idiots who thought we’d fall apart when Jürgen left…

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9435

I think if all three left it’d be fair to say we’re looking at a reset. You can’t lose your most potent attacking threat, your defensive pillar and one of your most creative players, all of whom have been and remain “best eleven” players, and not feel like that’s a significant change.

If you’re also looking at a new left back that’s potentially three of your “best eleven” back four who’ll be replaced in one go. And that’s before you address anything like centre midfield or centre forward.

Keep two of those three and I think we’ll be building on a strong platform. Lose all three and I think that’s more upheaval than you’d want to see.

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9436

I did not say sell him I was just answering why he appears on peoples sell list. I think there is a cracking player there but he needs to improve consistency and impact in big games. He needs to take it by the scruff of the neck.

The only way I would sell him, Elliot or Gomez is if we really needed to generate money for a genuine upgrade.

1 Like
9437

Agreed. Curtis is a solid squad player and has the potential to become a “first team” mainstay… if he improves his consistency.

There is also the “homegrown quota” to consider: if we were to sell him, who would replace him in that respect? :thinking:

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9438

Yeah who would replace him in the only-gets-in-the-team-because-he’s-Scouse role?

EDIT: In case it needed clarifying, I’m mocking the people who think he’s in the team as some kind of local representation charity case.

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9439

Given how out of touch football is becoming with the local communities it takes place within, I’d be extremely disappointed to lose an England international who is local and came through the academy.

He should be very low on any sell list.

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9440

We’ve still got Jay Spearing… some trolls on here think that’s all we will have left.

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9441

Nico Williams get it done

9442

Agreed. We need more Welshys and i was a bit disappointed when we let him go

image

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9443

Touché

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9444

To be honest, I have not considered transfer fee’s in the below!!

Football Transfer Shortlist – Prioritised by Position

1. Left-Back (LB)

Milos Kerkez
After eight years of exceptional service, Andy Robertson’s replacement feels overdue this summer. Milos Kerkez stands out as the perfect successor to claim the title of the Premier League’s premier ‘flying’ full-back. At just 21, he surpasses the Big Five League average in progressive carries and delivering the ball into the penalty area—both as a crosser and a carrier—making him a dynamic, well-rounded attacking left-back.

His standout moment this season came against Spurs with a breathtaking cross—one of the most beautiful I’ve seen. It wasn’t a reactive pass waiting for a run; it was proactive, dictating his teammates’ movement. Pure world-class quality. Whether Liverpool seeks a direct Robertson replica is up for debate—some might prefer the modern ‘lockdown’ defender trend (Hato?)—but if they want a like-for-like profile, Kerkez is ready to step up.

2. Striker (ST)

Alexander Isak
Watching Alexander Isak, it’s easy to see why Newcastle fans adore him. His 19 goals across all competitions this season underline his role as a relentless attacking threat, fueling their push for a European return. A right-footed centre-forward, Isak thrives leading the line solo, blending versatility into his movement. When space opens, he spins in behind, bursting past centre-backs. Alternatively, he drops short to link with midfield through quick, sharp passes before accelerating forward again.

His runs often curve toward the ball, allowing him to face goal and exploit gaps, typically drifting left to finish with his stronger right across the keeper. If play shifts right, he adjusts—hitting the far post or repositioning centrally in the box. His touch and ball control are sublime, capable of killing the ball dead or nudging it perfectly to challenge nearby defenders. Isak’s elegance and potency make him a dream fit up top.

3. Centre-Back (CB)

Dean Huijsen
Dean Huijsen’s lanky, giraffe-like frame belies his grace as one of the most stylish dribbling centre-backs around. He’s mobile and loves venturing deep into opposition territory, offloading wide, then lingering near the box’s edge. This flair gives Bournemouth a fluid attacking dynamic, breaking low blocks with an unorthodox progression style—a trait that could thrive at Liverpool against narrow, deep defenses.

That said, there’s rawness to his defending. He’s not slow, but even at youth level, he’s been vulnerable to balls in behind, and his eagerness to challenge for possession can feel overambitious. Still, his height and athleticism mark him as a high-upside project worth pursuing.

4. Central Midfielder (CM)

Carlos Baleba
Carlos Baleba’s midfield profile is rare. His progressive passing can be inconsistent, but he compensates with elite dribbling under pressure and relentless space-attacking carries. That athleticism also shines defensively, especially in high-stakes moments. Despite occasional off-ball lapses in middle-third buildup, the 21-year-old is already a net-positive contributor—remarkable for his age.

In 2023/24, he won 72.7% of his aerial duels, dropping to a still-impressive 63.8% in 2024/25 (tops at Brighton, 24th league-wide, 4th among non-defenders). He’s tasked with aggressive pressing, often going man-to-man, and hounds the opposition’s centre-backs by shadowing their forwards or No. 10s. His tackling stats reflect his evolution: defensive third tackles rose from 0.38/90 (2022/23) to 1.16/90 (2023/24), then settled at 0.82/90 (2024/25), mirroring a similar trend in the middle third. In the attacking third, his numbers shifted from 0.38 to 0.27 to 0.53, highlighting a growing counterpressing role under Hürzeler compared to De Zerbi’s setup.

Baleba’s athletic gifts are outlier-level, and with sharper passing decisions, he could become a world-class midfielder. Think Declan Rice’s trajectory—adding final-third impact could elevate him to that tier.

Other options:

LB: Rayan Aït-Nouri
ST: Julián Alvarez
CB: Murillo
CM: Morten Hjulmand

2 Likes
9445

Like i said a few weeks ago i expect all three of VvD, Trent and Mo to leave at the end of the season.

Even if one or two of them stay - a lot needs to be done with this squad and i honestly don’t think it can all be fixed in one summer.

The lack of business (new signings and senior player contract extensions) in the last two years is going to bite us in the ass now.

In the last two and a half years the club was able to extent the contract of one senior player (Tsimikas) - that’s embarrassing.

To win the league with this squad is a big achievement. Huge respect Mr. Slot.

We used to have more quality in attack. Robbo is past his prime.
Thiago and Matip both injury prone but two of the best in their positions when available - we never replaced them.

Slots biggest test so far? A Top 4 finish in his second year.

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9446

Let’s see what the recruitment team does in the summer before prognosticating a struggle to finish top four next season. Who could have foresaw last summer that we would be winning the premier league this season with effectively the same squad as last season?

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9447

In fairness whatever we do this summer we’ll inevitably want/need to do more next summer anyway. That’s the nature of football and aiming for continuous improvement.

Think everyone is in agreement on left back and CF as primary needs if we don’t lose Virg and Mo. I always thought we needed another CM but we’ve four really good options plus Elliot and Endo with the possibility of Bajcetic coming back into the fold too.

If the three contract guys all stay (unlikely but who knows) then what else do we absolutely need beyond those three positions? Maybe a CB or perhaps a winger if we cut our losses on Chiesa. Possibly an upgrade on Endo if we have the money to do so but they are wants rather than needs.

If all three leave then it’s a huge summer ahead. But all we do is either put off some of those optional moves we might like to make this summer that aren’t critical, like an upgrade on Endo, or we do a bit of a stop gap option.

We didn’t spend much last summer but clearly we were willing and able to. It’s not really bitten us in the arse as I think we’d all say we’ve done better than anticipated. Now we’re able to build on that with Slot and Hughes a year in knowing what needs to be done and having had time to plan.

I expect a big summer no matter what, it’s just how many and what positions will take priority will be dictated by the outcome of those contract renewals.

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9448

That would be suicidal and would bring our future planning into question, as well as our negotiations…we were told by Ornstein a few months ago all 3 had offers on the table…clearly we’re trying to keep them onboard?

Much rather renew Mo and Virg and sign no one.

9449

Didn’t Thiago replace Keita and then we replaced both with players who can play more than 10 games in a row?

You could also say Konate was Matip’s replacement.

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9450

That’s a bit negative @GermanRed given nothing finalised yet in terms of player movement. In fact there is no reason we cannot be better by moving on a couple of players.

One of the lengthy periods of negativity on TAN was the midfield situation a couple of years ago. Solved quickly probably better than we all thought.

Everyone is replaceable although I will be pissed if Virg goes.

Fair to say Trent is likely gone along with Kelleher, one of the left backs and at least one of the forwards (insert any name bar Gakkers).

I’m not fussed if Mo goes for all his legendary status. One of the greatest ever signings but his legs will go and the wage demand sounds heavy.

Clearly more action than last summer but I have high hopes from the scouts and Slot to challenge again.

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9451

Speaking to reporters, the Dutchman said: "I have no idea. I still have no idea at the moment. Genuinely. I have no idea at the moment. It is not on hold. Nothing on hold. There’s just… I keep saying the same thing. Listen, there are ten games to go, and that is my full focus. If there is news, you guys will know it.

“I don’t even know myself. Everyone knows there are some conversations behind the scenes, but that is about it. At the moment, I don’t even know what will happen next year. If anyone says they do know, they are lying to your face.”

This is from yesterday.

I know Kimmich for example extended his contract today but it’s very unusual for important senior players not having signed at this stage.

9452

More than the last two summers combined.