Liverpool transfers in/out and rumours 22/23 + Contracts

[Insidious]

We are reportedly in talks with Firmino over a new contract (Fabrizio Romano)
Klopp is quoted as wanting both Firmino and Milner to extend their contracts.

Extending Milner's contract - within the context of wanting new midfielders to come in if a younger age - seems absolutely wild.

I adore Milner but we will have to look forward at some stage. His reduced wages are still considerable - he dropped from £150k-per-week to either £120k or £100k depending on which reports you to listen to. Squad spaces are at a premium and the midfield area of the pitch is our biggest issue, so he should really be quite high on the list for consideration when it comes to the "let them leave" category.

[CCTV]

That's the sad truth. Looking very unlikely anyone comes in as the two sick notes aren't going to leave right now and forfeit a second career fortune.
Like you say nobody wants to be injured but it's absolutely right today those two have robbed the club, they could and should have done more. There's definitely question marks over certain players and their willingness. Sturridge was always accused of it.

The current situation really highlights the mismanagement of the squad in terms of contracts over the last year or two. There's people who should have moved on and are still there. We all love and appreciate Milner but he was given a years stay because we were in a pickle yet again and also because of loyalty, I don't think there's any question about that.

Sometimes I do think Klopp has a sentimental aspect to him, he'd deny it obviously as he said so the other day when he gets as questioned about loyalty. He's kept that core group together for much longer than other clubs/management teams would and one hand its a good thing but on the other it's 100% holding us back now
The one thing Ferguson never gave in to was sentimentality, he refreshed his squad constantly even when others raised eyebrows. He built three truly great sides because of that mantra.

One solution is to let Philips go and bring in Declan Rice. Just break the bank for him. ��

Yeah, we've been very soft whilst having a really strong position.

Should have used our strong position to negotiate players down from their big wage demands and sold them on our terms if needed. Especially after winning the league.

Instead the players played the club. Getting out on free contracts and making more money for themselves, or like Mane & Salah having really strong positions against the club with 1 year remaining.

[Insidious]

The defence needs a new centre back to cover Matip / VVD.
Phillips and Gomez aren't good enough.
The trouble with that is they are both homegrown.

Just on centre-backs and being Homegrown - Sepp van den Berg would tick this box.

Now, I am by no means suggesting he should be anywhere near the starting XI, but given that his development has been going well and that he is young (21 is no age in that position) I don't really see why he couldn't take the spot of Nat Phillips. This wouldn't solve the Gomez issue of course, though in terms of age profile I'd (personally) be looking at replacing Matip before Gomez unless someone is offering us money for Joe.

That's down to my personal bias though - I'll always favour having a squad packed full of 22-26 year old players. They can still command big fees if you feel forced into a sale (so you can reinvest) and it leaves you in a situation where you are less likely to feel you have to replace 5 or 6 all at once.

[Insidious]

Stevie's application for The Apprentice and Dragon's Den.

https://twitter.com/theanfieldalert/status/1616833718353641472?s=46&t=6YjG-RqPrGc5mUTNAp3j9A

[dicko1969]

Come on jude.
Even got the song for him too.

[faridtoxteth]

Come to think of it, I always wondered why for years City always sing Hey Jude before their games..a scouse song.

[LFC-DPG]

Can’t wait for us to sign Sander Berge on the last day of the transfer window.

[Insidious]

Rumours on Twitter that Paul Mitchell may become our new Sporting Director.

Nothing reliable yet but that's an interesting one

[Steveo]

Great, why not go the whole hog and get a Salford local in…

Or maybe a Neville brother?

[dicko1969]

Or Grant and Phil.