Summer 2023 Transfer Thread

[Wezza]

Mac Allister speaks good English. Thought he had a good game. The end. 

[TD_LFC]

James Pearce with the ITK shenanigans.

 

 

[JohnnyH]

8 minutes ago, TD_LFC said:

James Pearce with the ITK shenanigans.

 

 

Kieta extension

[Sugar Ape]

 

[an tha]

47 minutes ago, TD_LFC said:

James Pearce with the ITK shenanigans.

 

 

Think the lad Amir nails it in replies....

[Anubis]

Fuck you Anfield Edition. My turd has now tweeted.

 

 

[Jose Jones]

2 hours ago, Scott_M said:

I quite like Mac Allister, gets around the pitch, bit of quality on the ball.  I reckon he'd be ideal for the Hendo position. 

Not sure what type of midfielder Gravenberch is, but surely Mount would also be a best fit for the Hendo position as well?  Would seem to be doubling up, when we could use someone who could play a little deeper in the 6 or on the left side.

 

[TheHowieLama]

22 minutes ago, Jose Jones said:

I quite like Mac Allister, gets around the pitch, bit of quality on the ball.  I reckon he'd be ideal for the Hendo position. 

Not sure what type of midfielder Gravenberch is, but surely Mount would also be a best fit for the Hendo position as well?  Would seem to be doubling up, when we could use someone who could play a little deeper in the 6 or on the left side.

 

 

He has played in a double pivot more often than not this season. Played on the left for last year a bit I think, read he played in 5 positions that year (each midfield slot, LW and as a striker)

[Jose Jones]

51 minutes ago, TheHowieLama said:

 

He has played in a double pivot more often than not this season. Played on the left for last year a bit I think, read he played in 5 positions that year (each midfield slot, LW and as a striker)

Oh aye?  Well I think he'd better in the Hendo position.  So there.

[TheHowieLama]

8 minutes ago, Jose Jones said:

Oh aye?  Well I think he'd better in the Hendo position.  So there.

 

I think you're right.

[Jose Jones]

15 minutes ago, TheHowieLama said:

 

I think you're right.

If that doesn't convince Klopp, I don't know what will.

[TD_LFC]

7 hours ago, an tha said:

Think the lad Amir nails it in replies....

 

Agree, It was a call back to an earlier post about ITK's posting obscure emoji messages for engagement rather than an expectation of something happening.

 

19 hours ago, TD_LFC said:

 

 

[TD_LFC]

5 hours ago, TheHowieLama said:

 

He has played in a double pivot more often than not this season. Played on the left for last year a bit I think, read he played in 5 positions that year (each midfield slot, LW and as a striker)

 

Yeah, been played increasingly further forward since Feb/March after De Zerbi moved Pascal Groß alongside Caicedo.

 

De Zerbi certainly seems to think that further forward is the best position for him though his ability to play in 3 or 4 positions is an obvious benefit.

 

 

[Lee909]

If we stay with a 433 then he fits the Thiago role on the left. Let's him drive forward and come inside onto his right foot. Don't think Mount happens. No issue if it does but think they'll do a deal. Think Chelsea are just allowing the market to dictate his value. Thuram,Kone,Caicedo type for the right hand side. 

[Jose Jones]

22 minutes ago, Lee909 said:

If we stay with a 433 then he fits the Thiago role on the left. Let's him drive forward and come inside onto his right foot. Don't think Mount happens. No issue if it does but think they'll do a deal. Think Chelsea are just allowing the market to dictate his value. Thuram,Kone,Caicedo type for the right hand side. 

Depends what we're doing with Trent, if he's going to be drifting into the middle, then you don't want a more defensive midfielder on that side as they will be in the same spot.

 

[TD_LFC]

The targeting of more attack minded, higher press, #8/#10 style midfielders makes more sense in this box midfield system where the #6 holds with Trent and the #two midfielders either side push further forward when attacking.

 

If, as it seems, Mac Allister and Mount are the preferred option for those roles then I'd like to see a third midfielder adding to #6 options with Fabinho/Bajcetic, not sure that Gravenberch is that at the moment but price might dictate that move.

 

 

[Lee909]

11 minutes ago, Jose Jones said:

Depends what we're doing with Trent, if he's going to be drifting into the middle, then you don't want a more defensive midfielder on that side as they will be in the same spot.

 

 

Yeah I agree with that but you will need pace and power and I think both they all fit that role aswell. It's a tough formation to build a squad for and very dangerous imho. If Trent misses 6 weeks all of a sudden you have to change everything because nobody else can do the role. Its why again imo we are better going 4231 or staying in the 433 and just moving Trent into midfield for some games depending on the opposition(home and away to dross play him as the RB,tougher games play him in midfield with a Robbo type at RB behind him. Soneone that can defend and just offer the overlap with a decent delivery)

[TD_LFC]

14 minutes ago, Lee909 said:

 

Yeah I agree with that but you will need pace and power and I think both they all fit that role aswell. It's a tough formation to build a squad for and very dangerous imho. If Trent misses 6 weeks all of a sudden you have to change everything because nobody else can do the role. Its why again imo we are better going 4231 or staying in the 433 and just moving Trent into midfield for some games depending on the opposition(home and away to dross play him as the RB,tougher games play him in midfield with a Robbo type at RB behind him. Soneone that can defend and just offer the overlap with a decent delivery)

 

Everything is still built around the framework of a 4-3-3 so I don't think it's that difficult to buy for or adapt too.

 

You're still looking for an all rounder on the left and a more progressive midfielder on the right you're just not committing both further forward  if Trent isn't there to maintain the double pivot.

 

Watch how we played against Utd (Henderson/Fabinho at the base, Elliott Gakpo further forward) and then Arsenal (Trent/Fabinho at the base, Henderson/Jones further forward) as that's effectively the change/variation between the two systems.

[Daisy]

Mac Allister is brilliant but hes defo gonna need a big, fast athletic mother fucker with him 

[VERBAL DIARRHEA]

7 minutes ago, Daisy said:

Mac Allister is brilliant but hes defo gonna need a big, fast athletic mother fucker with him 

Hendo?

[Lee909]

12 minutes ago, VERBAL DIARRHEA said:

Hendo?

 

Its says posted 12 minutes ago but surely 2019 was a bit longer than that

[sir roger]

20 minutes ago, Daisy said:

Mac Allister is brilliant but hes defo gonna need a mother fucker with him 

The rumours suggest Trent for that role from memory

[El Rojo]

10 hours ago, Wezza said:

Mac Allister speaks good English. Thought he had a good game. The end. 

Only thing I want to hear him say is ‘I can’t understand the scouse of the Trent and the Curtis lololol.’ 

[Scott_M]

Could somebody post the article please?

 

[joe_fishfish]

Quote

Liverpool may have withdrawn from the race to sign Jude Bellingham but there will still be plenty of change to their central midfield this summer.

The club are in the hunt for at least two, and possibly three, midfielders in the upcoming window, and a lot of exploratory work and discussions have been carried out by their senior recruitment staff in recent weeks to determine, out of the players they have tracked extensively, who will be available and at what price.

There will be departures too. Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner are all on course to be out of contract, while Arthur Melo will head back to Juventus after a disastrous season-long loan that has so far seen him play 13 first-team minutes. The age of some of those who will remain also has to be taken into account: Jordan Henderson will be 33 by the start of next season, and Thiago turned 32 a couple of weeks ago.

One of the reasons Liverpool ended their pursuit of Bellingham for this summer was a fear the matter would turn into a saga and, if they eventually missed out on his signature, other potential targets would have already secured moves elsewhere. They also concluded that, with significant surgery to the squad required, they couldn’t justify committing so much of their summer transfer kitty to one marquee signing.

What about the young midfielders that Liverpool already have on their books? Well, manager Jurgen Klopp is determined to ensure that whoever comes into the squad complements what he already has — and there are still high hopes for young players in Liverpool’s midfield department. Curtis Jones has stepped up in recent weeks, Harvey Elliott has kicked on impressively this season and it proved to be a breakthrough campaign for Stefan Bajcetic before an injury derailed his ascent.

This summer is all about ensuring they have greater energy and greater depth of quality next season.

So with Bellingham off the table, who are Liverpool interested in, why, and what would they bring to Klopp’s midfield?

Here, our reporters bring you the latest information and analysis on Liverpool’s midfield rebuild…

Mason Mount (Chelsea), Age: 24

What kind of midfielder is he?

Many of Mason Mount’s attributes are tricky to quantify. His tactical versatility, off-ball movement and appreciation of space are undervalued by many — but rarely by the manager he is playing under.

Whether it is a 4-3-3 under Frank Lampard, a 3-4-3 with Thomas Tuchel or one of the many formations employed by Graham Potter, the fact that each Chelsea coach has found a place for Mount shows how important his role is for the team.

As you can see below, Mount will often drift into threatening areas to receive the ball, finding pockets between the opposition’s defensive and midfield lines. In this example, against Newcastle, his frequent scanning is highlighted as he constantly looks to form an accurate picture of his surroundings.

While his actions may be subtle, Mount’s ability to create space for others is also an invaluable asset. Below, you can see him drift into the left half-space to attract Brentford’s Mads Roerslev to come towards him as he receives the ball.

This means that the Brentford back line are forced to shift across into a four, leaving a gap in their defence for Kai Havertz to roam into — with Mount duly finding his team-mate with an intelligent through ball.

Finally, Mount’s versatility is certainly an advantage from a tactical perspective. He has shown he can operate in a wide attacking role, as well as central midfield and his favoured attacking midfield position during his Chelsea career.

What would he add to Liverpool’s midfield? Why would Jurgen Klopp like him?

“Once you start to work with him, you see how much he loves his team-mates,” Potter has said of Mount. “How much he is prepared to do the nasty, ugly side of the game that sometimes players of his level don’t do in terms of working hard for the team, covering back; in terms of pressing; in terms of defensive transition, covering ground. He does all that stuff, and on top of that, he has the quality.”

Where could he fit at Liverpool? Well, Klopp has a penchant for signing players malleable enough to fulfil different roles within the team — particularly in midfield and forward areas.

Mount’s high pressing, intelligent movement and close control could be well-suited to playing as a No 8 in Klopp’s system, and while it has not been his predominant role, Mount has shown himself to be effective in a midfield three for both Chelsea and England. He could also play as one of the higher players in the 3-2-5 box-midfield shape Liverpool have been using in recent weeks.

A still-young, hard-working midfielder who is versatile enough to play in midfield and forward areas — it does sound like a Klopp signing.

Is a deal likely? Aren’t Chelsea keen for him to stay?

Liverpool don’t sign players from clubs considered direct domestic rivals often — the last time they bought someone for the first team from another ‘Big Six’ club was Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain from Arsenal in the summer of 2017.

Mount has just over a year left on his contract with Chelsea, who he joined at the age of six. He is still on the same wages he agreed to when signing that deal in 2019 before making his Premier League debut, which are well below £100,000 a week and make him one of the lowest-paid players at Stamford Bridge.

It has become widely expected that the England international will leave amid serious interest from suitors including Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United and the former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel following his appointment at Bayern Munich.

But despite that and multiple contract offers being rejected, the regard in which Mount is held by his employers has not diminished — and on Friday, as revealed in today’s column from David Ornstein, a direct conversation took place between co-owner Todd Boehly and the player, where his importance and a desire to keep him was reiterated.

The dialogue has been interpreted inside Chelsea as a positive development, with what looked a foregone conclusion and Mount leaving shifting to a feeling that it is not out of the question he stays.

The complicated contract situation and Chelsea’s need to raise funds having spent so freely in the past two windows do make him attainable for Liverpool. The fact he is homegrown is important too, as Liverpool look to ensure they meet the required quota — given that Oxlade-Chamberlain is definitely leaving, and Milner and centre-back Nat Phillips could follow.

Liverpool know what Mount would want in terms of personal terms. The asking price of £70million ($87m) is high for a player with just a year left on their contract, but if Mount does not sign a new deal and with Chelsea needing to raise cash, there’s clearly room for negotiation. Any sale would count as pure profit for Chelsea, given Mount was produced by their academy.

Their new owners have decided they will sell any squad member rather than let anyone run their deal down and leave on a free transfer the way defenders Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen did last summer.

Alexis Mac Allister (Brighton), Age: 24

What kind of midfielder is he?

Wherever Alexis Mac Allister is asked to play on the pitch, his style will remain the same: a playmaker.

Originally signed as a No 10 from Argentinos Juniors in Buenos Aires, Mac Allister has made himself indispensable in a central midfield role at Brighton. While he has recently returned to a more advanced position in the absence of Adam Lallana, the 2022 World Cup winner has forged a strong partnership with Moises Caicedo in a double pivot within Roberto De Zerbi’s 4-2-3-1.

Mac Allister’s ability to retain possession, elude his immediate opponent, and build attacks are among his key strengths. His 13.6 per cent turnover rate — which is the share of possessions lost among total touches — is fourth-best among all central midfielders in the Premier League this season.

He will often drift into pockets of space between the lines, and look to play in those ahead of him. Below, against Leeds, we see Mac Allister assessing his team-mates’ movements as he drops in to receive the ball from Kaoru Mitoma…

… alongside Caicedo in midfield, and he shows the vision and execution to play a perfectly weighted pass to the onrushing Pervis Estupinan from deep.

That relationship with Caicedo has been one of the strongest in the Premier League this season, and while Mac Allister has the stamina to press actively when Brighton lose the ball, he is less of a ball-winner than Caicedo and has room to improve when defending in more of an organised block.

Nevertheless, it is what he offers you on the ball that is most appealing. Defensive midfield, central midfield, attacking midfield — wherever you put him, he will still provide that playmaking skill set.

What would he add to Liverpool’s midfield? Why would Klopp like him?

There was a specific moment that stood out during Liverpool’s 3-3 draw with Brighton at Anfield last October. Mac Allister skipped away from Luis Diaz, Thiago, Fabinho and finally Harvey Elliott, before being fouled by James Milner (naturally). That all happened within four seconds, right in Klopp’s view on the touchline.

You might draw comparisons between Mac Allister and one of Liverpool’s recent cult heroes, Georginio Wijnaldum, as an energetic attacking midfielder by trade who is capable of playing a deeper role.

If Mac Allister could guarantee the same amount of success Wijnaldum helped deliver in a red shirt, Klopp would certainly shake hands on a deal for him now. The Argentinian feels like a Klopp signing, as another example of a versatile young option who has the physical capabilities to bring energy to a midfield that has grown old and has lacked bite in recent months.

Having turned 24 in December, Liverpool would be signing a player who is yet to reach his peak years, but has a wealth of experience and has proven his skill set in the Premier League. That is before mentioning his dominant role in Argentina’s recent World Cup triumph, starting the final six of their seven games after missing that shock opening loss to Saudi Arabia.

Add in his eye for a goal from midfield — something Liverpool have been seriously lacking in recent seasons — and it’s hard to find a case against a move for Mac Allister.

Is a deal likely? What’s Brighton’s stance?

Mac Allister certainly features near the top of Liverpool’s list of midfield targets. They are crying out for energy and creativity in that department, and he would provide both. However, there are other top clubs in for him — including Chelsea — and Liverpool know that agreeing a deal will not be straightforward, with Brighton keen to get maximum value.

Brighton have a strong relationship with the player, his father Carlos and his representative, and there is mutual respect between the parties. That has led to the issue of Mac Allister’s future being parked for now, with so much still at stake in the rest of the season for Brighton. They are eighth in the Premier League and firmly in the hunt to secure their first-ever European qualification.

There had been no discussions or approaches for Mac Allister from any clubs at the time of writing, although Brighton anticipate widespread interest come the summer.

Ryan Gravenberch (Bayern Munich), Age: 20

What kind of midfielder is he?

Ryan Gravenberch is another multifaceted option for Klopp to consider, having played largely on the left side of a double pivot in defensive midfield at previous club Ajax but also comfortable on the left of a midfield three in more advanced areas.

Regardless of his position, the 11-cap Netherlands international’s main attribute is his ability to drive his team forward with the ball — whether that is with his passing or his ball-carrying.

Last season, in his final one with Ajax, Gravenberch’s 3.9 attempted take-ons per 90 minutes placed him in the top five per cent among all midfielders in the Dutch top flight. Equally, 16 per cent of his passes were progressive — defined as advancing the ball 10-plus metres — which was among the highest for midfielders in the division.

With his 6ft 3in (190cm) frame, Gravenberch’s long strides from midfield and close control in tight areas have seen him likened to Paul Pogba — but he is arguably more of an impactful ball-winner than the Frenchman.

“He has a lot of capabilities, especially in an attacking sense, but he understands hard work,” said Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, who was his head coach at Ajax before they both moved on last summer.

Gravenberch has all the attributes to be one of Europe’s leading midfielders for the next decade.

What would he add to Liverpool’s midfield? Why would Klopp like him?

The versatility to play either as a No 6 at the base of midfield or as a No 8 on the left side of a three will surely be an attractive proposition to Liverpool’s recruitment staff.

Gravenberch’s ability to draw players towards him and commit them with driving runs would be a beneficial attribute for Liverpool when faced with a compact opposition block. While he hasn’t ever shown it enough in a red shirt, this would be in a similar manner to the departing Naby Keita, whose profile should offer something different in Klopp’s midfield.

While Gravenberch would need time to adapt to a high-intensity style within a high-intensity league, a move for a player who turns 21 next month would be a wise investment. He is the youngest of the options listed in this piece, which would allow him plenty of time to develop at Liverpool, while also bringing the average age of their midfield down. And a Dutch spine of Virgil van Dijk, Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo could be mouthwatering.

Gravenberch was such an exciting young talent when he was coming through at Ajax. He has long been on Liverpool’s radar and a difficult first season in Germany hasn’t dented their admiration for him. Van Dijk convinced Gakpo to ignore interest from elsewhere and sign for Liverpool in January and the Netherlands captain could have a part to play with an international team-mate once again.

There’s been a Dutch hole in Liverpool’s midfield since the popular Wijnaldum moved on two years ago.

Is a deal likely? Why would Bayern sell?

Representatives from Liverpool met Gravenberch’s father, Ryan Snr, in the Netherlands earlier this month and discussions were positive.

With the player frustrated by a lack of playing time in Munich — he has made one Bundesliga start so far among 28 appearances — he would be open to the idea of moving to Anfield this summer. However, the major hurdle is convincing Bayern to do business, with the Bundesliga giants currently adamant he’s not for sale.

Liverpool also know Gravenberch won’t come cheap. They believe Bayern got him for an incredible price (€25million; £22.3m/$27.7m at current exchange rates) given his ability, and would want a sizeable profit on that fee.

Moises Caicedo (Brighton), Age: 21

What kind of midfielder is he?

At 21, Moises Caicedo has already established himself as one of the best young all-round midfielders in European football. Able to play as a defensive midfielder or a more advanced central role, the 30-cap Ecuador international glides around the pitch, covering the ground between both penalty areas with his athleticism.

One of Caicedo’s key strengths is his ability to regularly regain possession for his team before quickly starting a new wave of attack. This knack for cleanly nipping in and getting his body between the opponent and the ball is a common feature of his game, as you can see below against Crystal Palace.

He commits himself to the challenge…

… before quickly securing possession and immediately looking for that forward pass.

Similarly to Brighton team-mate Mac Allister, Caicedo’s ball-retention ability is very strong within a possession-dominant side. We told you Mac Allister’s turnover rate is fourth-lowest among all Premier League central midfielders this season, and Caicedo is next on that list; highlighting his safe, press-resistant attributes in possession.

While his output in the final third is not quite as refined as Mac Allister’s, the work Caicedo gets through in a game makes him integral to the way Brighton build through the thirds — often as the deepest midfielder receiving the ball from the centre-backs.

What would he add to Liverpool’s midfield? Why would Klopp like him? 

If Liverpool are looking for that well-rounded young talent in the mould of Bellingham, there are few candidates better placed than Caicedo.

He could feasibly play as the anchor in Liverpool’s midfield the way Fabinho currently does, and with the Brazilian experiencing a drop-off in form this season — and also turning 30 early in the next one — there is a greater need for rotation at that defensive midfield position.

Caicedo has also shown his credentials playing as a more advanced No 8 on the right side of a midfield three. His tendency to demand the ball, receive on the half-turn and rattle a ball forward will unlikely require much adaptation to Liverpool’s style of play.

His intelligent, high-intensity counter-pressing makes him the perfect fit for a Klopp midfielder, picking his moments to tackle well and do so cleanly. Caicedo certainly matches the profile of the sort of player Liverpool require — whether they can negotiate a deal to get him to Anfield is another question entirely.

Is a deal likely? What’s Brighton’s stance?

Caicedo showed Liverpool exactly what they’re missing with his performances against them this season. The feeling is it would be harder to get him out of Brighton than it would be to sign Mac Allister — and probably involve a higher fee too.

Liverpool are not the only club keeping tabs on Caicedo. He was of interest to both Chelsea and Arsenal in January and it would be no surprise if those pursuits were rekindled in the summer.

From Brighton’s perspective, in an ideal world they would not sell Caicedo and Mac Allister in the same window, but they are well prepared for that possibility. A lot could hinge on whether they qualify for Europe next season, and which competition they are in if they do. Although the biggest stumbling block to keeping either or both at the Amex Stadium is the wages they would command at bigger clubs.

Caicedo will cost Liverpool more than Mac Allister because his skills out of possession as a ball-regaining disruptor are rarer and harder to replace.

Who else should Liverpool fans keep an eye on?

Matheus Nunes (Wolves), Age: 24

There were reports earlier in the season that a deal to bring Nunes, who only joined Wolves in August, to Anfield this summer was effectively in place. That wasn’t the case, but he remains of interest. The feeling is that, after a slow start to his debut season in England, he’s kicked on in recent months and is showing signs of getting to grips with the Premier League. Nunez is with the same Gestifute agency as Liverpool trio Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota and Fabinho.

Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Age: 23

It is understood Liverpool admire Gallagher but know it would be hard to get two players out of Chelsea in the same transfer window, with Mount more of a priority. Chelsea are looking to cash in on Gallagher though and, as with Mount, as an academy graduate any sale would count as pure profit. They were prepared to sell him to Everton in January and their stance is not thought to have changed, but the price would have to be right.

Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Age: 25

Guimaraes is having a superb season in Newcastle’s midfield and they are well-placed to secure Champions League qualification after destroying top-four race rivals Tottenham Hotspur 6-1 yesterday (Sunday). Liverpool’s recruitment staff rate him highly but they also recognise Newcastle finishing in the Champions League places would make it much harder to tempt the Brazil international away from St James’ Park.

Youri Tielemans (Leicester), Age: 25

It wasn’t so long ago that Youri Tielemans was being talked about as one of the best young midfielders in the Premier League. Leicester’s poor form — coupled with a recent ankle injury — has meant the spotlight has moved away from the Belgian, but his talents remain.

Tielemans’ skill set on the ball is where he excels, regularly receiving in deeper areas and punching passes up to team-mates ahead of him — with his 7.3 progressive passes per 90 minutes placing him in the top 10 per cent of Premier League midfielders.

Liverpool didn’t fancy him when he was available at a cut price last summer when he had a year to go on his contract. The fact he would be available as a free agent this time makes him a possible option, as they could channel their resources elsewhere. Having said that, signing Tielemans — who turns 26 next month — would be a surprising move given the other midfielders the club are looking at.

(Additional contributors: Liam Tharme, Simon Johnson, Caoimhe O’Neill and Andy Naylor)

(Main graphic — photos: Getty Images, design: Sam Richardson)

 

The images were all stretched weirdly so i posted it like this. It's an awful lot of words to say nothing, imo, and i'm pretty sure it's a rehash of previous articles. Doesn't mention Ugarte at all.