The 'War Chest'... who will leave?

With BR apparently being given a substantial War Chest for transfers. Who do people think may be leaving Anfield to make room/ boost funds.

To be fair, We do not have a War Chest, but a "significant summer transfer kitty" as quoted by the BBC. http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27122370

This may mean anything from £20m to £50m and beyond. As we know FSG are very frugal.

As to the question who will go? As we have a small squad it is not who is going but who will be coming, plus I feel it is unfair to speculate who will be sold when the season is still very alive, and possible being one of our greatest.

Coates will go.

Aspas wont hang around.

Jose Enrique.

May ship Johnson to baptise a new back four.

Toure

Assaidi

Moses

Cissokho

Illori

Reina

Coates will go.

Aspas wont hang around.

Jose Enrique.

May ship Johnson to baptise a new back four.

Toure

Assaidi

Moses

Cissokho

Illori

Reina

How do you think Illori will go. Think that's very far off the mark

To be fair, We do not have a War Chest, but a "significant summer transfer kitty" as quoted by the BBC. http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27122370

This may mean anything from £20m to £50m and beyond. As we know FSG are very frugal.

As to the question who will go? As we have a small squad it is not who is going but who will be coming, plus I feel it is unfair to speculate who will be sold when the season is still very alive, and possible being one of our greatest.

Frugal or not mate 20 - 50m is stretching the 'war chest' definition to it's minimal content, to go into battle with such meagre resources at the supreme level the manager has achieved provokes a David and Goliath analogy.
Lacking faith is a far better description of the owners attitude than the ambivalent 'frugal', the very real danger of the manager seeking out a backer who will reward his genius is a progressive concept - the more successful Brendan becomes the more the oligarch's attentions are aroused.

Unless BR is given unequivocal support financial and moral, square 1 does beckon.   

£20-50m might not seem much but it should be looked at in a wider context. 1) if we assume it's a net figure then it becomes £40-80m after off loading players.
2) of the list above only Glen Johnson has been holding down a regular first team place. So in theory you are spending £60m to improve the bench not the team. Even if you say spend some on a CH that still puts 2 of Skrtel Agger or Sakho on the bench. A new keeper put Mignolet on the bench. A new strikers puts, ok but it keeps them on their toes!!!!
If we had finished say 5th this year and a whole lot closer to the CL places (like the BS) then yes we would need a lot of money because the team would need improvements. But we haven't and we don't.

I think we all accept that the "War Chest" is unlikely include any of FSG's own money but rather money generated by the Club. I don't know how much exactly that money will be but you would imagine it should include -

1: Our usual annual 'kitty' which, one assumes, already includes sponsorship, gate etc. [£25m/£30m]

2: Additional T.V. money. [£25m +]

3: Money guaranteed by Champions League football. [£30m +]

4: Money that had been used, in previous two years, to pay off "Stadium Debt" [£30m + in both years] and...

5: Any money raised from sale of players. [F**k knows]

A best guess (and nothing more) and even if the money which was used to pay "H & G Stadium Debt" isn't re-cycled we should be looking at a minimum £80m.

Enough to buy Brendan that quality additional forward (or two) he's been craving, a couple or three midfielders and maybe a 'keeper and full-back.

Will leave:

Reina £4m - Needs replacing
Jones £0 - With Reina replaced wouldn't need replacing
Agger £12m - Would need replacing
Cissokho £0 - Would need replacing
Toure £1m and Wisdom £4m are possibilities - Ilori back means no replacement necessary
Moses £0 - With Suso back wouldn't need replacing
Assaidi £4m - Needs replacing
Aspas £4m - With Borini back wouldn't need replacing

£29m - To replace essentially 4 players

I would have had Johnson high on my list until Brendan suggested that getting him a new contract would be a top priority, guess we'll see about that one. Enrique could also move as I don't think Brendan rates him that highly.

Will leave:

Reina £4m - Needs replacing
Jones £0 - With Reina replaced wouldn't need replacing
Agger £12m - Would need replacing
Cissokho £0 - Would need replacing
Toure £1m and Wisdom £4m are possibilities - Ilori back means no replacement necessary
Moses £0 - With Suso back wouldn't need replacing
Assaidi £4m - Needs replacing
Aspas £4m - With Borini back wouldn't need replacing

£29m - To replace essentially 4 players

I would have had Johnson high on my list until Brendan suggested that getting him a new contract would be a top priority, guess we'll see about that one. Enrique could also move as I don't think Brendan rates him that highly.

We need to expand the squad IMO.

If we get rid of a lot of players, then we will need to buy arguably twice the amount of players. This won't be cheap as we are in the CL plus maybe EPL Champs.

If there is a clear out, then it may be in 12 months time.

Pepe is gone for sure.

We need to expand the squad IMO.

If we get rid of a lot of players, then we will need to buy arguably twice the amount of players. This won't be cheap as we are in the CL plus maybe EPL Champs.

If there is a clear out, then it may be in 12 months time.

Pepe is gone for sure.

I agree squad numbers have to swell and that's what I expect to be done with the actual budget. I do believe though that some of our returning loan players will actually improve our options on some of the players that haven't or wont feature in the future.

Enrique could also move as I don't think Brendan rates him that highly.

I'm not so sure about that Luke. Enrique featured a lot last season [like a few others] after an initial period where he/they looked out of favour. His goal and assist return was relatively high then and he had two assists this season in only six games this season.

He's the sort of player who is, even if we do sign another left-back, a quality addition to the squad/bench if that makes any sense but that said; as a 'high earner' he might be moved on to "make room". On that theme the Club might also look to shed a couple of the higher earners - Johnson, Agger and/or Lucas maybe?

Apart from the loanees [Cissokho & Moses] I think we will also see the back of Jones, Toure, Kelly, Coates, Aspas & Assaidi and maybe even Alberto.

I reckon we will keep Borini, Ilori, Suso, Coady and Wisdom but might loan Coady, Ilori, and Wisdom out again (depending on how the right-back/centre-half positions pan out).

I'm not so sure about that Luke. Enrique featured a lot last season [like a few others] after an initial period where he/they looked out of favour. His goal and assist return was relatively high then and he had two assists this season in only six games this season.

He's the sort of player who is, even if we do sign another left-back, a quality addition to the squad/bench if that makes any sense but that said; as a 'high earner' he might be moved on to "make room". On that theme the Club might also look to shed a couple of the higher earners - Johnson, Agger and/or Lucas maybe?

Apart from the loanees [Cissokho & Moses] I think we will also see the back of Jones, Toure, Kelly, Coates, Aspas & Assaidi and maybe even Alberto.

I reckon we will keep Borini, Ilori, Suso, Coady and Wisdom but might loan Coady, Ilori, and Wisdom out again (depending on how the right-back/centre-half positions pan out).

You could well be right mate I've just always thought that Enrique hasn't been part of Brendan's long term plans. As a squad option I would definitely keep him but with Flanno/Johnson/Robinson able to provide cover I'm not sure we'll be able to make that decision because of that old dog finances.

I honestly believe we'll see a total change in the wing-back / full-back area next year. I think they're key components in what Brendan wants to do here and he hasn't got enough from the lads at his disposal to make him happy to persist with them. Flanno is very young and could keep on improving and I really hope he does but heading into the CL I think Brendan will opt for a safer option for now. Hopefully he does do a Carra though and, like him, the standing joke will be that every window someone comes in to replace him and every time he forces his way into the side.

My shock inclusion for who I think will be shown the door this summer is Lucas, possibly Agger too.

1: Our usual annual 'kitty' which, one assumes, already includes sponsorship, gate etc. [£25m/£30m]

2: Additional T.V. money. [£25m +]

3: Money guaranteed by Champions League football. [£30m +]

4: Money that had been used, in previous two years, to pay off "Stadium Debt" [£30m + in both years] and...

5: Any money raised from sale of players. [f**k knows]

Probably worth adding to that

6.  Increased prize money from the Premier League (maybe 2 or 3 million - although no doubt bonuses will eat that up)

7. Trigger payments from Warrior/Standard Chartered for Champions League football/Performance.  Heard a £10M figure mentioned.

8.  Money not spent in January.

You could say it wouldn't stretch the levels of incredulity that we could see a £100M budget.  However, we know how they like to do these deals over the length of the contract.

Getting back in the CL is great but I don't think we can guarantee we will be in it for the next 5 seasons.

I expect to see the reds spend a net figure of around £50-£60M this summer.  Lot still depends on Luis Suarez' motivation post World Cup as to the types of personnel we bring in.

"IF" Suarez was to leave I'd probably prefer Liverpool to purchase go out and spend big on one player to replace him rather than to opt for the Spurs approach.

Anyway, getting back to the topic.

Reina
Enrique
Coates
Johnson
Kelly
Lucas
Aspas

will all leave I reckon.

I really hope we don't get rid of Agger.  It would be a season too soon for an experienced European defender.

I really hope we don't get rid of Agger.  It would be a season too soon for an experienced European defender.

I have to agree mate - I am biased tho'... setting aside his ability I love the man's passion and loyalty.

My shock inclusion for who I think will be shown the door this summer is Lucas, possibly Agger too.

I think Agger might want to leave and agree that maybe Lucas will be moved on.

Personally I'd like to see us hold on to both.

We need depth, not unloading a ton of players. A lot of you are listing people we need to hang on to.

Reina- obviously
Coates- not been given a chance + Ilori is still here
Aspas- can't handle English game
Moses- thinks he is hot sh*t but did not do much
Cissokho- love the guy but he just is not good enough
Assaidi- most likely
maybe Borini???

Reina, Coates and Assaidi and Borini were not even part of our team this season so you can't count those as losses? Aspas and Moses shouldnt be kept permanently and Aspas will move on. That is three first team players. I would say we need.

You could say we need a backup GK for competition, Jones is not too good. I like our CB groupings with Skrtel, Sakho, Agger and Toure all vying for spots plus Ilori. That gives us depth and competition for all of our games next season. I love Enrique and his strength and speed will come in handy. Johnson has been performing better and I still rate him. Flanno is moving his way up, I think we just need one more outside back for cover/comp. I think a box to box CM would help, Henderson can't play all of them plus a world class player in this position would make us that much better. I would say a LW as well and definitely another striker as a quality backup because sturridge and suarez cant play them all. An AM maybe, defensive mid maybe?

I think increasing quality depth is important. We need impact subs as well as more quality players to challenge in all competitions.

In all honesty, I'd be surprised if any major names left us this summer with the exception of Reina who is all but certain to go.

Arguments could be made for the majority of the squad as to why they'll leave but I really can't see it. Arguments could easily be made as to why they'll stay and the biggest stumbling block is usually the price tag. When Agger was linked with City last summer, we were holding out for somewhere around 20-25 mill - after this season, nobody is gonna pay that much for our Dane. Nobody has ever shown any real interest in Lucas, also I think Rodgers would want to hold on to him. We'd want a significant amount for Johnson, I doubt anyone would pay over 10 mill for him right now.

So in my eyes, it's more likely Reina, our loan signings not joining us permanently or the ones who are already out on loan leaving for good as well as another batch of youngsters who aren't gonna make it being told to find a new club.

I think Agger might want to leave and agree that maybe Lucas will be moved on.

Personally I'd like to see us hold on to both.

Rumour has it Rafa will be in for Agger and can see Lucas being sacrificed for a midfielder in the mould of Henderson, good engine etc.

That's no slight on Lucas, I just think he will be the odd one out and Suso will probably groomed to take over Gerrard's role in the future.

Saying that I could be 100 miles away.

Return:  Suso, Borini, Robinson, Coady, Wisdom & Ilori
Send Back:  Cissokho & Moses
Loan Out:  Teixeira, Alberto, Yesil, Ibe
Sell:  Kelly, Jones, Toure, Aspas, Reina, Assaidi, Coates

That is 8 players who have featured this season (even if only minimally) out the door, and 6 players returning from loan to have a crack at breaking into the full squad.  Supplement this with better options in the following areas and we look much better for next season:

- Better backup GK
- Versatile fullback who can play on either side
- Top drawer CM with an engine on him, bite to his tackles, and powerful runs going forward
- Versatile and tricky attacker who can play as a CAM, or fill a wide berth in a fluid front 3
- Pacey and direct attacker who functions primarily as a ST/CF

4: Money that had been used, in previous two years, to pay off "Stadium Debt" [£30m + in both years] and...

I have always wondered whether that was just another name for the out of court settlement that finally got Hicks and Gillett to walk away completely.

I am hoping our "war chest will be about £70million + sales

I think Moses, Cissokho, Aspas, Assaidi, Coates, Reina and possibly Kelly and even Agger might go. Obviously we are not going to recoup a vast sum from those... maybe around the "£25/30 million mark?

Anyway you look at it we need a substantial number of incoming players even with the return of our players from loan. 

Obviously need a back up keeper and to strengthen defence, I think would be the main priority. It should be easier to sign better players providing the owners are prepared to stump up the cash.

A few journo's in the loop seem to be suggesting £60 + sales which wouldn't be too shabby.

Probably worth adding to that

6.  Increased prize money from the Premier League (maybe 2 or 3 million - although no doubt bonuses will eat that up)

7. Trigger payments from Warrior/Standard Chartered for Champions League football/Performance.  Heard a £10M figure mentioned.

8.  Money not spent in January.

You could say it wouldn't stretch the levels of incredulity that we could see a £100M budget.  However, we know how they like to do these deals over the length of the contract.

Getting back in the CL is great but I don't think we can guarantee we will be in it for the next 5 seasons.

I expect to see the reds spend a net figure of around £50-£60M this summer.  Lot still depends on Luis Suarez' motivation post World Cup as to the types of personnel we bring in.

"IF" Suarez was to leave I'd probably prefer Liverpool to purchase go out and spend big on one player to replace him rather than to opt for the Spurs approach.

Anyway, getting back to the topic.

Reina
Enrique
Coates
Johnson
Kelly
Lucas
Aspas

will all leave I reckon.

I really hope we don't get rid of Agger.  It would be a season too soon for an experienced European defender.

I agree. A brilliant point from a brilliant blog post in the Luis Suarez thread discussing him and our club stated that our failure to compete adequately in the market was let down by the need to 'spread thinly on quantity rather than thickly on quality'. Man Utd's relative success in the transfer market under Ferguson was, I believe, down to their ability to bring in one or two top class players rather than 5 or 6 average ones. They never went through any major overhauls, only gradual additions here and there. This is what we need to do. I said it in the transfer thread but I would not like to see us overturn the squad to any great extent. That would require a lot of shape shifting and bond making once more within the squad. About two top class additions should suffice.

Man Utd's relative success in the transfer market under Ferguson was, I believe, down to their ability to bring in one or two top class players rather than 5 or 6 average ones. They never went through any major overhauls, only gradual additions here and there. This is what we need to do.

This all day long.

We are a good side now, a young side.  Sure our squad is thin but we have to be realistic and not expect a miracle in 4 competitions next year.

We need to build like a top European club would now.   Replace with better quality, not potential quality in a couple of years.

If Liverpool FC are currently debating bringing in 7 or 8 Alberto, Aspas, Ilori, Borini's at £8-£10M then they are working off the old blueprints.  Things have changed now.  I sincerely hope that the club do not rock the boat.

Let's enjoy Sterling, Flanagan, Henderson with another year under their belt.  Let's see whether Rossiter can follow Sterling's beacon.

6.  Increased prize money from the Premier League (maybe 2 or 3 million - although no doubt bonuses will eat that up)

Heard that's ~£100m due to BT Sport.

Heard that's ~£100m due to BT Sport.

It's in another thread - I think overseas rights have also got a huge impact.

I meant the actual merit payment as bbb had already mentioned TV money in his list.  I think it's about £1M a place up the league - so if we win the league there's the extra £6M from 7th.

I'd only like to see us bring in 2 or 3 top quality players.
I know we have a war on all fronts next season,
but we have a lot of young players due to come back from loan
and a lot of squad players already.

If we spent our money on making sure we got our top targets,
unlike this season where we missed out on Willian, Salah and Konoplyanka,
then I wouldn't worry too much about the rest of the quad.

Before people think I've gone completely against my previous stance,
where I said our squad is too small, I don't expect our squad to remain
the same and fully expect some of the squad filler to be moved on.
In that case of course we need to replace them, but I priority should
be to get some quality into the team.

I'd be looking full backs and wide attacking options before we do anything else.

One or two quality players is what we should aim for, rather than a few mediocre players. That is if we are to learn from the past should be the object of the "War chest"

Heard that's ~£100m due to BT Sport.

Old article, but that's the figure that was being tossed about before:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/10072297/New-Premier-League-TV-deal-promises-100m-prize-money-for-next-seasons-title-winners.html

Imagine we bring in Rakitic and Moreno for around 40 mil, far less than the 55mil the scums are supposedly ready to spend on Shaw & Lallana, it would be a fantastic battle right from the transfer window

Man Utd's relative success in the transfer market under Ferguson was, I believe, down to their ability to bring in one or two top class players rather than 5 or 6 average ones.

Can't argue with that logic mate - it's a point which has been made a number of times in recent years... quality over quantity. I firmly believe that's how a strong squad should be built - you buy quality and move, if needs be, your erstwhile first team starters to 'the bench'/squad.

The buy one, sell one [one in, one out] 'policy', which we appeared to be following for a while, needs to change now we're back in the Champions League and I think it will. I said earlier that, if we continue with the "make room" 'philosophy', which sees higher earners moved on to "make room" [wages], then we might see the back of some or all of Lucas, Agger and Johnson. To me that would weaken the squad unless we are buying two (of equal or better quality/experience) to replace each of them.

By default therefore (and again, I've said this before); we should not be looking to shift players who have had an impact in the first team... only those who haven't.

By default therefore (and again, I've said this before); we should not be looking to shift players who have had an impact in the first team... only those who haven't.

It's been a mystery to me why Kelly hasn't had more of a crack this year post injuries...it wasn't that long ago that he was the next big thing. He'll probably be out the door, although I'd personally like to see him be given a run in preseason before a decision is made. Agger looks likely to go too, but surely if we are going to compete on all fronts he should be kept? None of him, skrtel, sakho or illori will play every game. Rotation would be a good policy in Central defence rather than any one player getting pushed out through lack of opportunity.

It's been a mystery to me why Kelly hasn't had more of a crack this year post injuries...it wasn't that long ago that he was the next big thing. He'll probably be out the door, although I'd personally like to see him be given a run in preseason before a decision is made. Agger looks likely to go too, but surely if we are going to compete on all fronts he should be kept? None of him, skrtel, sakho or illori will play every game. Rotation would be a good policy in Central defence rather than any one player getting pushed out through lack of opportunity.

I agree with you, but I don't understand why so many people think Agger will be sold.  He is our vice captain, has played more games than Sakho, has YNWA tattoed on his knuckles, and he has said that he doesn't want to leave as long as he is in the managers plans.  I have to think that BR sees all 3 of Agger, Sakho, and Skrtel as being firmly in his plans for next season, so I can't see him leaving.  This would leave Ilori and Wisdom (assuming Toure is sold) as youthful backup options to provide depth across the back four.  I'd be happy with that core of CB's. 

I agree with you, but I don't understand why so many people think Agger will be sold.  He is our vice captain, has played more games than Sakho, has YNWA tattoed on his knuckles, and he has said that he doesn't want to leave as long as he is in the managers plans.  I have to think that BR sees all 3 of Agger, Sakho, and Skrtel as being firmly in his plans for next season, so I can't see him leaving.  This would leave Ilori and Wisdom (assuming Toure is sold) as youthful backup options to provide depth across the back four.  I'd be happy with that core of CB's. 

I get exactly what your saying here. Just one thing to add though, you say about playing more games than Sakho but that's not due to playing better than Sakho, and I'm not in anyway having a dig at Agger or his performances or anything, just that he has probably played a bit more than he may have done because Sakho was out for quite a while with his injury.

I agree with you, but I don't understand why so many people think Agger will be sold.  He is our vice captain, has played more games than Sakho, has YNWA tattoed on his knuckles, and he has said that he doesn't want to leave as long as he is in the managers plans.  I have to think that BR sees all 3 of Agger, Sakho, and Skrtel as being firmly in his plans for next season, so I can't see him leaving.  This would leave Ilori and Wisdom (assuming Toure is sold) as youthful backup options to provide depth across the back four.  I'd be happy with that core of CB's. 

I've said it and still feel it's a very real possibility.

If Brendan needs to add to his budget Agger is a player I feel he may well see thatwill give him a decent transfer fee and an area we have good cover in.

More likely though I think Agger may see his chances of playing next season getting smaller and look for one last move for regular football.

I'll just put it on record again though that I wouldn't sell him and feel we need to keep the likes of Danny and build the squad further to really strengthen.

It's in another thread - I think overseas rights have also got a huge impact.

I meant the actual merit payment as bbb had already mentioned TV money in his list.  I think it's about £1M a place up the league - so if we win the league there's the extra £6M from 7th.

It was indeed JD. For those who missed it.....

Man utd success in transfers under ferguson? I thought they bought superstars a fair few of whom did not do well and were shipped out. I think they used the Real Madrid policy. I think ferguson having an eye for a player is hilarious given that we all had the same eye. He didn't know why veron wasn't good and van nistelroy was he just grabbed them because they were the best at what they did.  He can't tweak a system to fix it he just shifts them on.

Back to us. 'War Chest' ? When madrid, Munich, Barcelona, citeh, psg, Monaco and chelski in the market we don't have a war chest we have enough to buy a couple squad players and one or two very good defensive players. Which is what we need.

It was indeed JD. For those who missed it.....

Where are the live tv figures from. Ultimately that depends on who finishes where and how many times they've been on.

Who's been televised most this season?

Who's been televised most this season?

I'm sure we are up there, if not top, of that list.

I've said it and still feel it's a very real possibility.

If Brendan needs to add to his budget Agger is a player I feel he may well see thatwill give him a decent transfer fee and an area we have good cover in.

More likely though I think Agger may see his chances of playing next season getting smaller and look for one last move for regular football.

I'll just put it on record again though that I wouldn't sell him and feel we need to keep the likes of Danny and build the squad further to really strengthen.

I highly doubt this. With Agger gone we have just Sakho and Skertl ready to play EPL and CL level games meaning we would need two new CB's anyways, so why not just sign one and keep Agger?

I doubt that anyone outside of Aspas and the loanees leave, there would be too many holes to fill. The odds of us selling one player and getting back two better players based on that "extra" money are very, very slight.

I'm sure we are up there, if not top, of that list.

IF Sky buy the rights to show the Newcastle match then we would have been on SS for 21 league matches and on BT Sport for 7 league matches. Something tells me that you're right, we should be top of the list.

Coates will go.

Aspas wont hang around.

Jose Enrique.

May ship Johnson to baptise a new back four.

Toure

Assaidi

Moses

Cissokho

Illori

Reina

Can see Ilori staying and Borini going. Alberto has a question mark over him. Armin Hodzic on loan to FK Zeljeznicar Sarajevo and he is their top scorer and they're 3rd in the Bosnian league. He has 10 goals in 22 games. I'd be tempted to give him a run in the Carling cup to see if he's anywhere near ready for the EPL. As for Krisztián Adorján, He's not hitting the net enough for me, he has 3 goals from 20 in the Dutch league, so I think I'd reloan him out to see if he can have a better season somewhere else.

I agree with you, but I don't understand why so many people think Agger will be sold.  He is our vice captain, has played more games than Sakho, has YNWA tattoed on his knuckles, and he has said that he doesn't want to leave as long as he is in the managers plans.  I have to think that BR sees all 3 of Agger, Sakho, and Skrtel as being firmly in his plans for next season, so I can't see him leaving.  This would leave Ilori and Wisdom (assuming Toure is sold) as youthful backup options to provide depth across the back four.  I'd be happy with that core of CB's. 

I think if Agger goes it will be because he is so injury prone rather than anything else. A lot will depend imo on how Ilori has developed and whether we can bring in someone with the quality we require at a price we can afford to pay, but ultimately it will be fitness that decides Agger's fate.

Personally I think the most important thing is that the boss and the current squad have raised the bar on what is expected week in, week out
The foundation has been laid so any player that have been out on loan this season know now that they have to comeback completely committed and are lucky to be on the club at this amazing time.
I would want though the players on loan at the club to leave as they really haven't delivered at all.
As for those contracted players currently at the club, I don't want any of them to leave.
I want to add to to the squad with the returning loan players and about 5 new hardworking and focused players who are here for the privilege and not the CL money that we will now have.

It was indeed JD. For those who missed it.....

Also, some of the totals don't add up correctly.

1st was correct, but 2nd should have been £97,187,791, I think. Not saying the figures are way off, but it does cast a bit of doubt on them.

... and about 5 new hardworking and focused players who are here for the privilege and not the CL money that we will now have.

You'd get no end of takers if "hardworking" and "focused" is all you're looking mate.

I'd only like to see us bring in 2 or 3 top quality players.
I know we have a war on all fronts next season,
but we have a lot of young players due to come back from loan
and a lot of squad players already.

If we spent our money on making sure we got our top targets,
unlike this season where we missed out on Willian, Salah and Konoplyanka,
then I wouldn't worry too much about the rest of the quad.

Before people think I've gone completely against my previous stance,
where I said our squad is too small, I don't expect our squad to remain
the same and fully expect some of the squad filler to be moved on.
In that case of course we need to replace them, but I priority should
be to get some quality into the team.

I'd be looking full backs and wide attacking options before we do anything else.

Pretty much echoes my thoughts mate. If we could bring in 3 genuine difference makers ie. players who are up to the current quality of our 1st team then we will be in business. Another forward, an attacking middie and a full back seem to be the biggest areas of need, and perhaps another centre mid while we're at it. We've got a few lads coming back from loan who should be ready to contribute in Suso and young Ilori and (as you say) we may see a couple more of the youngsters playing in the domestic cups next season, I would not be surprised to see Ibe, Texeiria and Rossiter all getting some game time next season.

The Telegraph says we are after 5 new players and if 70 mil is our "war chest" incl sales, then my 5 would be Lallana, Konoplyanka, Son Heung-min, Ben Davies and Saul Niguez

The Telegraph says we are after 5 new players and if 70 mil is our "war chest" incl sales, then my 5 would be Lallana, Konoplyanka, Son Heung-min, Ben Davies and Saul Niguez

I'd say 5 is too many, 2 or 3 yes but 5 new starters would disrupt the team too much and there's no point buying squad players, we have enough of them.  We currently have 10 players out on loan who have been playing more or less every week for their loan Clubs and with the exception of Pepe and Assaidi I think they'll play some part for us next season. 

The Telegraph says we are after 5 new players and if 70 mil is our "war chest" incl sales, then my 5 would be Lallana, Konoplyanka, Son Heung-min, Ben Davies and Saul Niguez

I'd be pretty interested in bringing Son here. He's a player we should've looked at back when he was on Hamburg.

Our squad

Mignolet, Jones
Enrique, Flanagan
Sakho, Agger
Skrtel, Toure, Ilori
Johnson, Kelly
Gerrard, Lucas
Henderson, Allen
Coutinho, Suso, Texiera
Sterling, Assaidi
Suarez, Aspas
Sturridge, Borini

The problem areas are obvious. I wouldn't be surprised to see both Kelly and Johnson leave. Same with brad jones. I'm quite confident that Assaidi and Aspas will both leave, with Borini being our impact sub.

Our squad

Mignolet, Jones
Enrique, Flanagan
Sakho, Agger
Skrtel, Toure, Ilori
Johnson, Kelly
Gerrard, Lucas
Henderson, Allen
Coutinho, Suso, Texiera
Sterling, Assaidi
Suarez, Aspas
Sturridge, Borini

The problem areas are obvious. I wouldn't be surprised to see both Kelly and Johnson leave. Same with brad jones. I'm quite confident that Assaidi and Aspas will both leave, with Borini being our impact sub.

I think Brendan has said that getting Johnson to sign a new contract is a priority. Although, if he's requesting too much you may have a slight point.

I think Brendan has said that getting Johnson to sign a new contract is a priority. Although, if he's requesting too much you may have a slight point.

Do you personally think his performances merit a pay increase? It'd be nice to give him a year extension and get in someone to replace him from starting XI. Not sure Kelly can cut it. We will see

Our squad

Mignolet, Jones
Enrique, Flanagan
Sakho, Agger
Skrtel, Toure, Ilori
Johnson, Kelly
Gerrard, Lucas
Henderson, Allen
Coutinho, Suso, Texiera
Sterling, Assaidi
Suarez, Aspas
Sturridge, Borini

The problem areas are obvious. I wouldn't be surprised to see both Kelly and Johnson leave. Same with brad jones. I'm quite confident that Assaidi and Aspas will both leave, with Borini being our impact sub.

I put a line through all the people I don't think will be at LFC next season. Borini will be our impact sub?... so everytime we get a penalty we are going to bring him on to score it?  Seriously, the 2 goals he got recently were both penalties... in open play he's scored 3 goals from 29 games. I seriously hope Sunderland stay up, as for some reason the fans like him and I doubt he will move there if they are relegated. If Borini is meant to be an impact sub what exactly is he meant to impact? it certainly won't be goals.

Do you personally think his performances merit a pay increase? It'd be nice to give him a year extension and get in someone to replace him from starting XI. Not sure Kelly can cut it. We will see

It makes no difference what I think, I have no influence on what happens at the club.

I put a line through all the people I don't think will be at LFC next season. Borini will be our impact sub?... so everytime we get a penalty we are going to bring him on to score it?  Seriously, the 2 goals he got recently were both penalties... in open play he's scored 3 goals from 29 games. I seriously hope Sunderland stay up, as for some reason the fans like him and I doubt he will move there if they are relegated. If Borini is meant to be an impact sub what exactly is he meant to impact? it certainly won't be goals.

Just bear in mind that he's going to get a lot better service here at Liverpool. We ought to get rid of Aspas no doubt, but I'm in two minds when it comes to Borini. He can improve but whether he'll be good enough is a decision only BR can make.

Just bear in mind that he's going to get a lot better service here at Liverpool. We ought to get rid of Aspas no doubt, but I'm in two minds when it comes to Borini. He can improve but whether he'll be good enough is a decision only BR can make.

if it's service that's been the problem could somebody please explain to me Borini's 3 goals from 61 shots in open play in 29 games and why for the same team Wickham has 5 goals from  21 shots in 12 games from open play?  Can someone also please explain why when Borini was at Liverpool before he didn't do much better?  Oh yeah I get it... Borini is brilliant I'm just missing the point he has movement and doesn't stand still for 90mins 

if it's service that's been the problem could somebody please explain to me Borini's 3 goals from 61 shots in open play in 29 games and why for the same team Wickham has 5 goals from  21 shots in 12 games from open play?  Can someone also please explain why when Borini was at Liverpool before he didn't do much better?  Oh yeah I get it... Borini is brilliant I'm just missing the point he has movement and doesn't stand still for 90mins 

Jesus Ribapuru 

I don't know. We will have to wait and see.


Edit: just remember I have more likes than you! 

Jesus Ribapuru 

I don't know. We will have to wait and see.


Edit: just remember I have more likes than you! 

bah.. likes are often returned. . If I started clicking like more often mine would go up too.. I wouldn't mind Wickham.  He's almost unnoticed compared to his talent level.  I'd certainly do a swap deal. He's like the English Morata.

Borini is young and I would back Brendan to get something out of him next season, even if he was just used as a rotation/ cup striker. BR has brought on other young players this season to a new level, now that he has firmly implanted his ethos on the squad - give him the chance to do the same with Borini. But if we get 3 goals from 20- odd games next year, then yeah, time for him to go.

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/may/03/brendan-rodgers-liverpool-six-new-signings

Brendan Rodgers estimates around half a dozen players may be needed to bulk out his Liverpool squad to the required depth for the Champions League but the manager has no immediate concerns about having to buy in creativity.

"I think with 96 goals in the league we are doing OK in that department," he said. "We will need to bring in players over the summer, and the great plus about being in the Champions League is that it makes it easier to attract the top ones, but we have developed a style of football over this past year that is already being recognized."

BR has apparently told he needs 5-6 new players, thats hardly surprising cos he now has to replace Moses and Cissokho who are temporary, else the number would have been 4.

The 'war chest ' according to DailyMail is 60mil and Lallana, Luke Shaw, Marcos Rojo, Richards, Caulker, Konoplyanka are the supposed "targets". Thats a hardly convincing list and one we cant possibly do in 60mil with Shaw in it.

I would say only Lallana, Konoplyanka & Rojo (who can play CB & LB) look promising and the 3 together would cost around 40mil.

With BR looking assured on the attacking front, I guess the other priorities will be a CM and a CB. Premium investment is definitely required on the former. Another versatile attacker would be a bonus but may be looked at during Jan

Brendan has spoken highly about the owners and execs, as you would expect an employee to do under the media glare, surely that can't include investment, just his relationship with the execs.
Because even when the varying: transfer or pocket money was announced (which is odd), I have lost faith in the execs and owner in regards to getting the deal done.
If John Henry is to show Brendan his confidence in him, he should be on the phone to Ayre when a deal is on the table
Ayre, "I'm over in Ukraine, the owner doesn't want some money now then I'll iou you the rest on 4 instalments."
John Henry, "Ian, do whatever it takes to get the job done"
Ayre"he doesn't want the 67 quid I offered, he wants like 7.8 million quids"
John Henry"ian... give him 8 mil and get the deal done"
Hangs up.

JH best back Brendan because other teams who will fund him properly and show mutual confidence/faith- may lure him away in the coming years.
I'm talking Barcelona, real Madrid, Bayern etc

The 'war chest ' according to DailyMail is 60mil and Lallana, Luke Shaw, Marcos Rojo, Richards, Caulker, Konoplyanka are the supposed "targets". Thats a hardly convincing list and one we cant possibly do in 60mil with Shaw in it.

Aye mate the contradictory nature of that 'report' would indicate that it's nothing more than speculative sh*te. 

Don't forget ross barkley has been mentioned as a target for 30 odd million quid. Can't see brendan spending that on one player regardless of how good he is.

As much as I believe Lucas and Johnson are probably surplus to a first XI I think it could be dangerous to sell them this summer.

I really really hope we keep Agger too.  I do not get what Rodgers has against him - I can only assume it is a personality clash like with Pepe.

Fringe players leaving - fair enough - but at least for the next year I would like to keep the majority of those who have played at least some part in this season.  Like many said the squad needs gradual improvement now, not wholesale surgical Spurs treatment.

Issues have to be addressed, when the team comes under scrutiny the same chinks in our armour appear and the more intense the questioning the greater the failing.
No better example than the Chelsea game when a weakness width-wise failed to stretch their lines to any extent and they were allowed to sit back waiting for the inevitable error(s) to be served up.
The failings at the back where magnified subsequently and it has to be left to the manager to decide where his priorities lie, as mentioned wholesale tampering must be avoided.

we are letting two loan players go and I would be loathe to let anyone else go we need 25 players for the CL and we can barely get a decent bench together now.

Reina, Johnson, Cissokho, 1 from Skrtel/Agger, Toure, Lucas (only for the fact I think hes given us his best and we should cash in) Aspas, Moses and a loan deal for Martin Kelly to get his career back on track

The thinking behind 1 from Skrtel and Danny is simpley that I think we need 2 top class centre backs to come in ( e.g. Hummells and the Greek lad) and Illori back from loan. so we couldnt keep both here 5 centrre halfs arent required

As much as I believe Lucas and Johnson are probably surplus to a first XI I think it could be dangerous to sell them this summer.

I really really hope we keep Agger too.  I do not get what Rodgers has against him - I can only assume it is a personality clash like with Pepe.

Fringe players leaving - fair enough - but at least for the next year I would like to keep the majority of those who have played at least some part in this season.  Like many said the squad needs gradual improvement now, not wholesale surgical Spurs treatment.

Spot on JD and how I see it as well.

I have a feeling Agger will be off and maybe Lucas as well but like you I think we should be doing everything to keep them in the squad and adding to it.

As much as I believe Lucas and Johnson are probably surplus to a first XI I think it could be dangerous to sell them this summer.

I really really hope we keep Agger too.  I do not get what Rodgers has against him - I can only assume it is a personality clash like with Pepe.

Fringe players leaving - fair enough - but at least for the next year I would like to keep the majority of those who have played at least some part in this season.  Like many said the squad needs gradual improvement now, not wholesale surgical Spurs treatment.

I don't think Brendan has anything "against" Agger. Agger was named vice captain, was a starter, got injured, Sakho played well enough to not warrant being benched, Sakho got injured, Agger returned and played well enough to resume his starting place, got injured again, Sakho again played well enough to not warrant being benched.

It's more of a case of the in-form and fit player plays, especially when we only have one match per week. I've never seen a team play with 2 left-footed, left-sided CBs and the 3-5-2 we tried out didn't work that well, so it's always a case of one or the other, unfortunately.

That said, I can see him being off too. High wages, number of injuries, etc. Would hate to see it happen and it would totally be the wrong move, but it seems like there's a good chance of it happening.

I have this nasty feeling that we're gonna lose Dagger this summer 

The reason we relied on our attack is Suarez Sturridge and Sterling are that good and we've been fortunate with injuries.  There are a lot of players that  aren't performing well enough.  I think Allen and Henderson have crossed the line to be what is expected from a Liverpool player this season,  that's some evidence right there that patience can pay off... unfortunately Borini is taking too long and Lucas is taking backwards steps... I see those going along well Agger because he's not quite first choice anymore.  Johnson has to go because he's inconsistent.  Enrique is injury prone so I'd have him gone... Aspas wants to go and I would not try too hard to keep him... Cissokho and Moses loan deal should not be renewed because they've not been good enough. Toure isn't a future player because of his age. We could need upto 9 replacements this summer. Our backbone is going to be. ..


   Suarez   Sturridge  Sterling

             Hendo   Allen
                   Gerrard

    Flanno  Skrtel  Sakho

                 Mignolet

We don't have 2 good fall backs and just one good alternative Winger,  Coutinho. .. going to be a busy summer.

We need a strong presence in midfield, Alberto doesn't fit that for me so he's more forward to me. I don't know if Suso can put in a good performance next season but I'd certainly hang onto him with the extra fixtures next season.


     

The keeper situation does worry me,I'm happy with Mignolet he does look a little nervy at times bit he's a good shot stopper but if he get's injured we are knackered,I don't rate Brad Jones at all. With the CL league games and cup games etc we need some decent cover. I personally would keep Reina but he's on a good wedge, probably too much to be a number 2 keeper.

We don't need to go mad buying players. Time now to spend wisely on 2 or 3 quality additions in key areas. A full back, a central creative type and a tricky forward.

I think we should retain reina if we can get his wages down, currently no competition for Simon m. We need to keep Lucas unless we get a superior dm which there isn't many, too many people are forgetting his early season form, although it could be argued he lacks pace, personally I think agger could function in this role, as gerrard won't last no more than two seasons. We need borino  back, we need competition for our defence, another world class midfielder, that Russian we were after maybe. IDE try to get hazard off the chavs. Get rid of loan players, Johnson needs shipping out. I would get shaw in his place and forget about llama or both oh. And I would break the bank for Barkley, give em Johnson, Lucas and 23 million.  Job done

If I could have it my way:

very decent right back
Very decent left back
A competent defensive midfielder
And Javier Pastore

Then a couple of support players

Reina, Johnson, Enrique, Toure, Aspas, Assaidi, Coates, Lucas, Cissokho, and maybe Jones

"Who will leave?"
What are the odds on our no 7 buggering off to Madrid this summer?

I think we should retain reina if we can get his wages down, currently no competition for Simon m.

With all respect mate why would he come back with not being first choice and take a pay cut for the privilege?

With all respect mate why would he come back with not being first choice and take a pay cut for the privilege?

I agree, no way would he take a pay cut, however, I still think he's better than Mignolet. Reina should be at his peak now and I would love to see him retain the #1 spot for next season. Saying that, I highly doubt it'll happen

I agree, no way would he take a pay cut, however, I still think he's better than Mignolet. Reina should be at his peak now and I would love to see him retain the #1 spot for next season. Saying that, I highly doubt it'll happen

Don't get me wrong mate I'm as big a Pepe fan as you will find but he won't be back..

I just was asking the lad what he meant, why would Pepe come back and not be a no.1 when he could be anywhere he was to go, and take a pay cut to boot.

There is more chance of Bruce Grobbelaar being back in nets next season then Pepe.

The keeper situation does worry me,I'm happy with Mignolet he does look a little nervy at times bit he's a good shot stopper but if he get's injured we are knackered,I don't rate Brad Jones at all. With the CL league games and cup games etc we need some decent cover. I personally would keep Reina but he's on a good wedge, probably too much to be a number 2 keeper.

Most keepers are good shot stoppers.

Trouble is he seems poor positionally, with distribution,  and commanding his defence. Agreed about Jones though. Would love pepe back to offer serious competition to mig.

"Who will leave?"
What are the odds on our no 7 buggering off to Madrid this summer?

Why? He's got the CL footy he wanted. Yes Real Madrid are massive, but they've blown their league chances too this season. Plus he's now on massive money here. On the flip side, there is the pull of teaming up with Ronaldo,  Bale et al. If this is the case, then so be it.

We are still one of the world's biggest clubs. We have great players. A great, young manager,  and the pull of CL footy to attract "better" players. We are in a fantastic place right now and the future is looking rosy.

Why? He's got the CL footy he wanted. Yes Real Madrid are massive, but they've blown their league chances too this season. Plus he's now on massive money here. On the flip side, there is the pull of teaming up with Ronaldo,  Bale et al. If this is the case, then so be it.

We are still one of the world's biggest clubs. We have great players. A great, young manager,  and the pull of CL footy to attract "better" players. We are in a fantastic place right now and the future is looking rosy.

As much as he is our key man...

A few years ago we sold Rushie to juventus and got barnes, Beardsley, Aldridge, (and a bit later on houghton) in exchange more or less, and that worked out pretty well...

So if we sold Suarez...think of what that cash could generate in terms of squad strengthening...

Just a glass half full thought...

As much as he is our key man...

A few years ago we sold Rushie to juventus and got barnes, Beardsley, Aldridge, (and a bit later on houghton) in exchange more or less, and that worked out pretty well...

So if we sold Suarez...think of what that cash could generate in terms of squad strengthening...

Just a glass half full thought...

I'm pretty sure your dates are mixed up. Rush went to Juve in '84/85. Barnes et al joined 86/87? That's how I seem to remember it anyway.

I'm pretty sure your dates are mixed up. Rush went to Juve in '84/85. Barnes et al joined 86/87? That's how I seem to remember it anyway.

Pretty sure you've got it mixed up. Rush was in Italy for the 87-88 season.
Barnes joined us for the 87-88 season, so did Peter Beardsley, John Aldridge & Ray Houghton. Rush came back a year later

Nevertheless, Suarez aint leaving. We cannot "perfectly" rebuild even if we get the 100mil. We just saw a working example (Spurs) for a similar scenario. Heck, no more rebuilding, we have to build upon what we have

Pretty sure you've got it mixed up. Rush was in Italy for the 87-88 season.
Barnes joined us for the 87-88 season, so did Peter Beardsley, John Aldridge & Ray Houghton. Rush came back a year later

Nevertheless, Suarez aint leaving. We cannot "perfectly" rebuild even if we get the 100mil. We just saw a working example (Spurs) for a similar scenario. Heck, no more rebuilding, we have to build upon what we have

I thought Rushie went to Italy after the Heysel cup final? Remember it was 3.2 million pounds though.

you're right about Luis though. We have to build around him. Not too many players who could replace him tbh. Maybe aguero but at what cost?

I thought Rushie went to Italy after the Heysel cup final? Remember it was 3.2 million pounds though.

I think he signed or agreed the deal then but he stayed with us for naother season and leave for the 87-88 season.

I think he signed or agreed the deal then but he stayed with us for naother season and leave for the 87-88 season.

Indeed it was 87/88.

Crikey I know I'm getting old,  but my noggin really must be addled :O

I think we are trying to wrap up deals for Lallana and Caulker by this month, announce them on June 1. And look outside England after that.

I hope my "assumption" is true cos we cant afford to pussyfoot around negotiations anymore