The Kopite View

Liverpool supporters won’t have to wait much longer to see Ronald Araújo in a red shirt.

The Uruguayan defender completed his season-long loan move from Barcelona earlier this week, and all eyes will now be on Sunday when Liverpool face Como in their final pre-season fixtures. 

And honestly, I can’t wait to see him play.

A huge signing for Iraola

Araújo arrives at Anfield with an impressive CV.

The 27-year-old has made more than 200 appearances for Barcelona, won three La Liga titles and can operate both at centre-back and right-back. 

Liverpool desperately needed more defensive options, particularly with injuries affecting several players.

Now Iraola has another experienced defender to work with.

And Sunday’s game could give us our first glimpse of exactly how he intends to use him.

Araújo alongside Van Dijk?

This is probably the biggest question Liverpool supporters have.

Could we see Ronald Araújo alongside Virgil van Dijk?

That would certainly be an exciting partnership.

Van Dijk brings experience, leadership and composure, while Araújo offers pace, physicality and aggression.

Liverpool have been vulnerable defensively during pre-season, particularly when opponents have attacked quickly after the Reds lose possession.

Araújo’s recovery pace and ability to defend one-on-one could be extremely valuable in Iraola’s high-intensity system.

The perfect opportunity against Como

Sunday’s double-header against Como gives Iraola an excellent opportunity to assess his squad before the Premier League opener against Newcastle.

The first game takes place behind closed doors at 11:30am, before the main event at Anfield at 6pm BST. 

Araújo has already joined his new teammates in training, so there is every reason to be excited about seeing him get his first minutes. 

And there will be plenty of attention on how quickly he settles into Iraola’s defensive structure.

A chance to make a first impression

This isn’t about expecting Araújo to solve all of Liverpool’s defensive problems immediately.

It’s about getting his first taste of playing at Anfield and beginning to build an understanding with his new teammates.

And what an introduction it could be.

The Anfield crowd will get their first look at the new No.33, while Araújo himself has already spoken about how excited he is to experience the stadium and get started with Liverpool. 

Bring on Sunday

We’ve spent weeks talking about Liverpool’s new era under Iraola.

Now we’re finally getting to see some of the pieces come together.

Wirtz.

Isak.

Araújo.

And potentially Jacquet too.

But for me, Araújo’s debut is one of the things I’m most looking forward to on Sunday.

Let’s see what he can bring.

Let’s see him alongside Van Dijk.

And let’s see whether Liverpool have found the aggressive, physical defender they’ve been crying out for.

Roll on Sunday.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly made a bid worth more than £60 million for Cody Gakpo, but Liverpool are expected to reject the proposal.

According to Mounir Boualin, Spurs have now put an offer on the table for the Netherlands international as they look to strengthen their attack.

The latest development comes after Tottenham’s interest in Gakpo has been reported for several months. Earlier reports suggested Spurs were preparing a bid of more than €60m, with Liverpool in a strong position because of Gakpo’s long-term contract. 

Liverpool don’t want to sell

The most important part of this story is that Liverpool are likely to reject the offer.

And I think that would be the right decision.

Gakpo remains an extremely useful member of Iraola’s squad and, despite some speculation over his future, Liverpool don’t have to sell.

He signed a new contract last year which runs until 2030, putting the Reds in a very strong negotiating position. 

If Tottenham want him, they are going to have to make Liverpool think very seriously about losing him.

But could things change?

This is where the situation gets interesting.

Liverpool are reportedly pursuing Bradley Barcola and are also looking at other attacking options, while there has been speculation that the Reds could sign two wingers this summer.

If Barcola arrives, Liverpool’s attacking depth would become incredible.

Barcola.

Wirtz.

Isak.

Gakpo.

Chiesa.

Ngumoha.

And potentially another winger.

That could make Gakpo’s position within the squad slightly more complicated.

But that doesn’t necessarily mean Liverpool should sell him.

Gakpo still offers something different

One of the reasons I’d be reluctant to lose Gakpo is his versatility.

He can play from the left, operate through the middle and provide a physical presence that some of Liverpool’s other attacking players don’t possess.

He’s also entering his prime years.

At 27, Gakpo isn’t simply a youngster with potential. He’s an experienced international who has already demonstrated that he can perform at the highest level.

For a manager like Iraola, having different types of forwards could be incredibly valuable.

What would Liverpool do with £60m+?

That’s the question Liverpool would have to ask themselves.

If they accepted more than £60m, they would have significant funds to reinvest.

But would they actually be able to find a player better than Gakpo for that money?

That’s far from guaranteed.

And if Liverpool are already spending heavily on Barcola, selling Gakpo could simply create another hole that needs filling.

It could become a case of one step forward and one step backwards.

Tottenham certainly seem serious

Spurs’ interest isn’t completely new.

They have been linked with Gakpo for some time, and reports have suggested that their manager wants the Dutchman as part of his attacking rebuild. 

Now they have reportedly gone from interest to making an actual offer.

The question is whether they’re prepared to go considerably higher.

For me, Liverpool should say no

If this £60m+ bid is genuine, I wouldn’t be tempted.

Liverpool have already lost huge attacking personalities this summer and are trying to build something new under Iraola.

Gakpo can be an important part of that.

If Barcola arrives, competition for places will be fierce — but that’s exactly what Liverpool need.

I’d rather have Barcola, Gakpo, Isak, Wirtz, Chiesa and Ngumoha fighting for places than sell Gakpo and create another position that needs replacing.

Tottenham have made their move.

Now Liverpool need to decide where their price starts.

And if the reported £60m+ offer arrives?

I’d be saying no. 

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has raised a major concern ahead of the new season, claiming that the midfield problem which affected the Reds last campaign has not gone away.

Speaking on The Overlap, Carragher said:

“For me, the midfield is still a huge problem for Liverpool. I watched our last two pre-season matches.”

He added:

“The problem Liverpool had last season was that there was space everywhere in midfield and that still hasn’t gone away at all.”

Those comments should certainly get Liverpool supporters thinking.

The space in midfield is the concern

One of the biggest criticisms of Liverpool last season was the amount of space opponents could find between and around the midfield.

When Liverpool pressed, there could be huge gaps if the press wasn’t coordinated perfectly.

When possession was lost, the midfield could sometimes be exposed.

And according to Carragher, watching Liverpool’s final two pre-season matches has done little to convince him that the issue has been fixed.

That is particularly interesting because Andoni Iraola is expected to demand an intense, aggressive pressing game from his Liverpool side.

The system can be exciting.

But it also comes with risks.

Iraola needs to find the right balance

Liverpool want to play on the front foot.

They want to press high.

They want their full-backs to attack.

They want their midfielders to support the forwards.

But somebody has to provide the protection when Liverpool lose the ball.

That could be the biggest tactical challenge facing Iraola.

If Liverpool’s midfield gets stretched, their attacking football could leave them vulnerable to counter-attacks.

We’ve already seen glimpses of that during pre-season.

Liverpool can look devastating when everything clicks, but they can also leave themselves exposed when the structure breaks down.

Could Gravenberch and Szoboszlai be the answer?

One solution could be the midfield partnership of Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai.

Both have the athleticism to cover ground, while Gravenberch has shown that he can operate deeper and help Liverpool progress the ball.

Szoboszlai’s energy and pressing could also be crucial in Iraola’s system.

But they need to develop an understanding.

If both players push forward at the same time, Liverpool could once again leave too much space behind them.

That’s where the coaching becomes so important.

Liverpool may still need another midfielder

Carragher’s comments also raise another question:

Does Liverpool need another midfielder before the transfer window closes?

The Reds have plenty of technical quality in the middle of the pitch.

But perhaps what they lack is a player who can consistently control the space in front of the defence.

Someone who can recognise danger before it develops.

Someone who can break up attacks.

Someone who can maintain the team’s shape when Liverpool’s attacking players are given freedom.

That type of midfielder could be hugely valuable to Iraola.

The attacking football will be exciting

Nobody wants Liverpool to become a cautious team.

The prospect of watching Wirtz, Isak, Barcola, Gakpo and Ngumoha attacking at speed is incredibly exciting.

But the best attacking teams also understand when they need to defend.

That’s the balance Iraola has to find.

Liverpool cannot simply outscore everyone.

At some point, they will face opponents who sit deep, absorb pressure and then attack the space Liverpool leave behind.

That’s when the midfield structure will be tested.

Carragher’s warning shouldn’t be ignored

Carragher isn’t saying Liverpool can’t be successful.

He’s highlighting something that could ultimately decide whether this new Liverpool side becomes exciting or genuinely elite.

The attacking ingredients are there.

The intensity is there.

The talent is certainly there.

But if Liverpool continue leaving huge spaces in midfield, they could be giving their opponents exactly what they need to hurt them.

Iraola has two weeks to solve it.

And perhaps the biggest question heading into the new season isn’t whether Liverpool can score enough goals.

It’s whether they can control the space behind the attack.

Because if Carragher is right and the midfield problem is still there, it could become the biggest weakness in Iraola’s exciting new Liverpool side. 

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool supporters may have just received the Bradley Barcola boost they have been waiting for.

Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly reached a verbal agreement with Ajax for Belgian winger Mika Godts, with the package worth around €55 million.

Fabrizio Romano reports that a new official bid was accepted and a verbal agreement is now in place, although the paperwork still needs to be exchanged before the transfer is formally completed.

And for Liverpool, this could be hugely significant.

PSG finally have their replacement?

The reason this is so interesting is simple.

Bradley Barcola.

Liverpool have been heavily pursuing the PSG winger, with reports that the player has already agreed personal terms with the Reds. Liverpool remain in discussions with PSG over the transfer fee. 

One of the major obstacles has been PSG’s need to strengthen their own attacking options before allowing Barcola to leave.

Now they appear to be doing exactly that.

PSG have already added Maghnes Akliouche and have been pursuing Ferran Torres, while Godts now appears to be heading to Paris. 

Suddenly, PSG’s attack is becoming extremely crowded.

And that could be fantastic news for Liverpool.

Could Godts pave the way for Barcola?

This is the million-euro question.

Liverpool supporters have been watching the Godts situation closely because the Belgian operates in a similar position to Barcola.

Reports have previously suggested that PSG’s pursuit of Godts could help facilitate Barcola’s departure. 

Now that PSG have reportedly agreed a €55m package for him, the biggest obstacle to Barcola leaving could potentially be disappearing.

Of course, a Godts agreement doesn’t automatically mean Barcola is joining Liverpool.

PSG still have to agree a fee with Liverpool.

But the situation is certainly beginning to look much more favourable.

Liverpool have been waiting

Liverpool’s interest in Barcola has been well documented.

The Reds are reportedly in daily contact with PSG as they attempt to complete a deal, while Barcola is understood to be open to moving to Anfield. 

Liverpool have also been reluctant to meet PSG’s biggest valuation of the player.

That remains the major issue.

But if PSG have now decided they can replace Barcola with Godts, their negotiating position could change.

They may no longer need to keep Barcola simply because they don’t have enough attacking depth.

Imagine Barcola at Anfield

This is where Liverpool supporters can start getting excited.

Imagine Bradley Barcola playing in Iraola’s attack alongside:

Florian Wirtz.

Alexander Isak.

Cody Gakpo.

Federico Chiesa.

Rio Ngumoha.

That is an incredibly exciting group of attacking players.

Barcola would bring something Liverpool currently lack — explosive pace and direct running from wide areas.

He could attack full-backs one-on-one, carry the ball at speed and give Iraola another devastating outlet when Liverpool win possession.

The dominoes could finally be falling

It feels like this transfer saga could be approaching a crucial stage.

PSG wanted attacking reinforcements.

They’ve signed Akliouche.

They’re bringing in Godts.

They’ve reportedly agreed a deal for Ferran Torres.

And Liverpool want Barcola.

The pieces are beginning to fall into place.

But Liverpool still have work to do

It’s important not to get carried away.

Godts agreeing to join PSG does not mean Barcola is automatically a Liverpool player.

There is still a transfer fee to negotiate and plenty that could happen before the deal is completed.

But this is exactly the kind of development Liverpool supporters have been hoping for.

PSG now appear to have found another winger.

And that could finally give them the freedom to let Barcola go.

Could Mika Godts be the final piece of the puzzle that sends Bradley Barcola to Anfield?

Liverpool fans will certainly be hoping so.

If the Reds can get this deal over the line, Barcola, Wirtz and Isak could become one of the most exciting attacking combinations in the Premier League.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

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Liverpool supporters have been given another interesting update amid the growing speculation surrounding Alexis Mac Allister and Manchester City.

According to Greg Evans and Adam Jones, Liverpool could change their stance if a serious offer arrives for the Argentine midfielder. However, there is currently no offer on the table.

The situation could become more complicated if Rodri completes his expected move to Spain, potentially triggering a midfield merry-go-round. Manchester City are already considering several options to replace their Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder. 

And that is where Mac Allister could potentially enter the picture.

Liverpool aren’t actively looking to sell Mac Allister

The important thing here is that Liverpool are not currently trying to sell Mac Allister.

The Reds have reportedly prioritised contract extensions for Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai, while Mac Allister still has two years remaining on his current deal.

That makes the situation very different from a player who has entered the final year of his contract.

Liverpool have no immediate need to sell.

But there is a growing feeling that a sufficiently large offer could make the club reconsider.

Why would Liverpool even consider it?

This is where things become fascinating.

Mac Allister is approaching 28, and his current contract situation means Liverpool could potentially extract maximum value from him this summer if they decided that a sale was the right option.

But selling him would also create a huge hole in Iraola’s midfield.

And that is the problem.

Liverpool can’t simply sell Mac Allister and assume somebody else will immediately fill his role.

Finding a replacement this late in the window would be extremely difficult.

Manchester City could change everything

If Rodri leaves Manchester City, Maresco’s side will need another elite midfielder.

Rodri’s potential move to Barcelona has been one of the biggest stories of the summer, with City reportedly holding out for a significant fee for their midfielder. 

Mac Allister is reportedly one of the names being considered.

And you can understand why.

He’s technically excellent, tactically intelligent, experienced at the highest level and capable of playing both as a deeper midfielder and further forward.

But there’s one enormous question:

Would Liverpool really sell him to Manchester City?

I would be very surprised.

Liverpool would need a serious offer

The wording from Evans and Jones is important:

“Liverpool could change their stance if a serious offer came in.”

That doesn’t mean Liverpool are actively negotiating.

It doesn’t mean Mac Allister is available.

And it certainly doesn’t mean he’s on his way to the Etihad.

It means that, like almost every football club, Liverpool have a price at which they would consider a transfer.

The question is whether Manchester City would be prepared to meet it.

And if they did, Liverpool would then have to decide whether the money is worth the disruption.

What happens if Mac Allister leaves?

This is where the Adam Wharton speculation suddenly becomes particularly interesting.

If Liverpool were to lose Mac Allister, they would immediately need another midfielder capable of stepping into the squad.

Wharton has been linked with Liverpool and would offer a younger option with enormous potential.

But replacing an established Argentina international with a developing Premier League midfielder would still be a major gamble.

Liverpool could also choose to give more responsibility to Curtis Jones, assuming he remains at Anfield.

Either way, losing Mac Allister would fundamentally change Iraola’s midfield.

I wouldn’t want to sell him

Personally, I’d be very reluctant to let Mac Allister leave.

He’s one of those players who can sometimes go under the radar because he doesn’t always produce spectacular moments.

But watch Liverpool carefully and you’ll see how important he is.

His passing.

His intelligence.

His ability to control possession.

His versatility.

His experience.

And his understanding of the game.

Those qualities are extremely difficult to replace.

The next few weeks could be fascinating

At the moment, there is no serious offer for Mac Allister and Liverpool are not actively pushing him towards the exit.

But if Rodri leaves City, the dominoes could start falling.

City need a midfielder.

Mac Allister could become an option.

Liverpool could receive an offer.

And then the Reds would have a decision to make.

Do they cash in on a midfielder who will be 28 in December, or keep one of their most important players and avoid creating another problem for Iraola?

For me, the answer is simple.

Keep Mac Allister.

Unless Manchester City come forward with an offer so enormous that Liverpool simply cannot ignore it.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

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Liverpool have entered a new era.

Mohamed Salah has gone, and one of the biggest questions facing Andoni Iraola is how Liverpool replace a player who was so influential for so many years.

One name that keeps coming up is Rio Ngumoha.

And I have to admit, I’m fascinated by the possibility.

But there is also a huge question that Liverpool need to answer:

Are they really expecting a teenager who has only just broken into the first team to replace Mohamed Salah?

From hardly playing to replacing a legend?

This is what makes the situation so intriguing.

Ngumoha is still only 17.

He was largely used sparingly during his breakthrough season and has predominantly played from his natural position on the left wing. Recent reports say Liverpool are now considering using him on the right, the position Salah occupied for so many years. 

That is an enormous responsibility.

Salah isn’t simply another winger Liverpool need to replace.

He’s a club legend.

He’s been one of the most productive attackers in Liverpool’s history and spent years making the right side of the Reds’ attack his own.

Now, suddenly, Ngumoha could be asked to fill that enormous void.

But perhaps Liverpool aren’t asking him to replace Salah immediately

This is the important distinction.

I don’t think Liverpool should be looking at Ngumoha and saying:

“You’re our new Salah.”

That’s unfair to the player.

Instead, they should be saying:

“Can you become our long-term answer on the right?”

That’s a completely different proposition.

Ngumoha has already shown enough to suggest that he has enormous potential, and he has reportedly been open to playing on either flank. 

If Iraola can gradually introduce him on the right, give him minutes and allow him to learn the position without enormous pressure, Liverpool could potentially have something special.

But the Barcola situation tells us something

Liverpool’s continued pursuit of Bradley Barcola is particularly interesting.

If Ngumoha was already considered the definitive replacement for Salah, why would Liverpool be willing to spend such a huge amount on another winger?

That tells me Liverpool don’t completely trust themselves to rely on Ngumoha yet.

And I think that’s absolutely right.

The teenager could become a superstar.

But Liverpool cannot put the weight of replacing Salah entirely onto a 17-year-old.

Barcola, or another established winger, would give Iraola an experienced option while Ngumoha develops.

The right wing could become Ngumoha’s opportunity

There is something incredibly exciting about this, though.

Ngumoha’s natural position is on the left.

But learning to play on the right could actually make him a much more complete attacker.

He has already indicated that he is comfortable playing on either side, with the youngster saying being unpredictable from both flanks is important. 

Imagine him eventually becoming comfortable enough to play either wing.

That would make him incredibly valuable to Iraola.

And perhaps, somewhere down the line, he really could become Salah’s successor.

Don’t rush him

This is where Liverpool need to be careful.

Ngumoha shouldn’t be expected to score 20 or 25 goals.

He shouldn’t be expected to create the same numbers Salah did.

He shouldn’t be compared with one of the greatest players in Liverpool’s modern history every time he loses possession.

He’s a teenager.

Let him develop.

Give him minutes.

Let him make mistakes.

Allow him to learn the right-wing position.

And most importantly, take the pressure off him.

But what if he is ready?

That’s the exciting part.

What if Iraola discovers that Ngumoha is actually better on the right?

What if his direct running, pace and confidence make him a nightmare for Premier League full-backs?

What if playing him away from his usual position unlocks another level?

We simply don’t know yet.

And that’s why this is such an intriguing storyline going into the new season.

Liverpool need a safety net

For me, the ideal situation is simple.

Sign an established winger.

Give Ngumoha opportunities on the right.

Don’t expect him to be Salah.

Let him become Rio Ngumoha.

If Barcola arrives, for example, Liverpool could have an incredibly exciting situation.

Barcola can provide immediate quality while Ngumoha continues developing.

Wirtz can create.

Isak can finish.

Barcola can provide explosive pace.

And Ngumoha can gradually grow into his new role.

That is far healthier than throwing everything onto a 17-year-old.

Could he eventually be Salah’s replacement?

Yes.

Could he replace Salah right now?

That’s a completely different question.

The potential is certainly there, and Liverpool are reportedly exploring the possibility of using him on the right. 

But replacing a legend isn’t something that happens overnight.

Maybe Liverpool aren’t looking for the next Mohamed Salah.

Maybe they’re looking for the first Rio Ngumoha.

And if Iraola gets this right, Liverpool supporters could eventually look back and realise that the answer to the post-Salah question was already sitting at Anfield.

The question is whether Liverpool are prepared to give him the time he needs to become it.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool are reportedly moving closer to completing a deal for Bradley Barcola, with the Paris Saint-Germain winger potentially on his way to Anfield in a huge summer transfer.

According to Nico Schira, Liverpool are getting closer to an agreement with PSG for a fee of around €125 million, with Barcola set to sign a contract running until 2032. 

That would represent another enormous statement of intent from Liverpool.

Barcola edging closer to Anfield

The latest report will undoubtedly excite Liverpool supporters after weeks of speculation surrounding the 23-year-old.

Liverpool have made Barcola one of their major attacking targets, with reports already suggesting that the player has agreed personal terms with the Reds. 

The major hurdle has been reaching an agreement with PSG over the transfer fee.

Now, if Schira’s information is accurate, Liverpool could be getting closer to finding a solution.

A €125m deal would still represent an enormous investment, but it would be below some of the higher valuations previously reported for the French international. Recent reports have suggested PSG have been seeking figures considerably above €130m and, at one stage, even more than €150m. 

A contract until 2032

Perhaps the most interesting part of the report is the proposed length of Barcola’s contract.

Six years.

A deal until 2032 would demonstrate just how strongly Liverpool believe in his potential.

At 23, Barcola isn’t simply being signed to solve an immediate problem.

Liverpool would be investing in a player they believe can become one of the Premier League’s elite attackers over the next several years.

Perfect for Iraola?

This is where the transfer becomes particularly exciting.

Andoni Iraola wants his Liverpool side to play aggressive, high-intensity attacking football.

Barcola looks almost tailor-made for that style.

His acceleration is frightening.

His ability to carry the ball is outstanding.

And he’s confident enough to attack defenders rather than constantly looking for the safe option.

Imagine him receiving the ball in space with Liverpool winning possession high up the pitch.

Barcola running at a retreating defence could be devastating.

Imagine Liverpool’s attack

The potential attacking options are becoming ridiculous.

Bradley Barcola.

Florian Wirtz.

Alexander Isak.

Cody Gakpo.

Federico Chiesa.

Rio Ngumoha.

And Liverpool are still reportedly interested in adding another winger, with Ibrahim Mbaye among the names being discussed.

That would give Iraola an incredible variety of attacking options.

Wirtz can create.

Isak can finish.

Barcola can destroy defenders with his pace.

Gakpo provides power and versatility.

Chiesa offers experience.

And Ngumoha could develop into a genuine star.

A huge statement from Liverpool

Liverpool have already spent enormous sums on attacking talent.

But signing Barcola for around €125m would send another very clear message.

The Reds aren’t simply trying to rebuild.

They’re trying to build one of the most exciting attacks in Europe.

And if Barcola really is coming to Anfield on a contract until 2032, Liverpool would be securing a player who could potentially be at the heart of this new era for years.

We’re getting closer…

Nothing is officially done yet.

That’s important.

The latest information is coming from Nico Schira, and Liverpool still need to complete the agreement with PSG.

But after all the speculation, reports of personal terms and the constant negotiations over the fee, this feels like another significant development.

€125m.

Contract until 2032.

Liverpool getting closer.

If this report proves accurate, Liverpool supporters could soon be watching Bradley Barcola running out at Anfield in a red shirt.

And honestly, the prospect of Barcola, Wirtz and Isak leading Iraola’s attack is absolutely mouth-watering. 

Jamie (The Kopite View)

There could be an interesting connection between the Los Angeles Lakers’ shock ownership deal and the future of Liverpool, even if the two stories initially appear completely unrelated.

It is important to stress that this is speculation rather than a confirmed link.

But when you start connecting the dots, there is certainly a scenario where the Lakers deal could have implications for Fenway Sports Group and Liverpool.

FSG had been linked with Las Vegas

For some time, FSG had been linked with the possibility of becoming the owners of a new NBA expansion franchise in Las Vegas.

That made sense given FSG’s existing involvement in American sport and its desire to continue expanding its portfolio.

However, the reported price of an NBA expansion franchise was believed to be a major obstacle.

Now there is a significant development.

A group led by Josh Kushner and Bob Iger has agreed a deal to acquire a controlling stake in the Lakers at a record $12.5 billion valuation. 

And that could potentially change the landscape for FSG.

The competition is now out of the way

If FSG genuinely wanted to pursue the Las Vegas NBA franchise, one of the biggest potential competitors for that opportunity has effectively disappeared.

The group that had reportedly been targeting Las Vegas has instead ended up buying the Lakers.

That could make an NBA expansion opportunity more attractive to FSG.

But there is another enormous piece of the puzzle.

Liverpool.

The Bezos deal could provide FSG with a huge payday

FSG are reportedly close to selling around 30% of Liverpool to a consortium including Jeff Bezos, with the deal potentially valuing Liverpool at around £4.4bn and giving FSG approximately £1.35bn. 

That would be a huge financial return for FSG.

And this is where the theory becomes interesting.

If FSG receive more than £1bn from selling part of Liverpool while retaining control of the football club, could some of that capital potentially help fund another major sports investment?

Perhaps.

Connecting the dots…

This is where we have to be careful.

There is nothing to confirm that FSG are planning to use money from the Liverpool investment to buy an NBA franchise.

There is also no confirmation that FSG will pursue Las Vegas at all.

But the circumstances have certainly changed.

You potentially have:

FSG wanting an NBA expansion team.

The biggest apparent competition for Las Vegas now buying the Lakers instead.

A huge Liverpool minority investment potentially putting more than £1bn into FSG’s hands.

Put those three things together and you can at least understand why people are asking questions.

What could it mean for Liverpool?

This is the part Liverpool supporters should pay attention to.

If FSG sell 30% of Liverpool, they aren’t selling control.

They would still remain the controlling owners.

But they would have monetised a significant portion of their investment while bringing in extremely wealthy new investors.

That could give FSG additional capital to deploy elsewhere.

And if one of those destinations is an NBA expansion franchise, Liverpool could potentially become part of a much larger American sports portfolio.

That isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

FSG have demonstrated over the years that they understand the value of building sporting organisations as long-term assets.

But Liverpool supporters will understandably want to know what the long-term plan is.

Could Liverpool actually benefit?

Potentially.

If the Bezos consortium investment goes through, Liverpool would have new minority investors with enormous financial resources, while FSG retain control.

It could also strengthen Liverpool’s position within FSG’s global sports network.

The club’s value has risen enormously since FSG bought Liverpool in 2010, and the proposed transaction would underline just how valuable the Reds have become. 

But supporters shouldn’t assume that selling 30% automatically means Liverpool will suddenly have another £1.35bn available for transfers.

The money from a share sale can go to the existing shareholders rather than directly into the football club.

That’s an important distinction.

Could this ultimately lead to a full sale?

That’s another fascinating possibility.

A minority investment doesn’t necessarily mean FSG are preparing to leave Liverpool.

In fact, the reported deal allows them to retain control while taking substantial money off the table.

But if the Bezos consortium enjoys being involved with one of the world’s biggest sporting brands, could today’s minority investment eventually become something bigger?

That is impossible to know.

For now, FSG remain in control.

There are a lot of dots — but do they connect?

Maybe.

Maybe not.

It could simply be a coincidence that the group reportedly interested in Las Vegas has ended up buying the Lakers, while FSG are simultaneously preparing to sell a significant minority stake in Liverpool.

But if FSG wanted Las Vegas, the landscape has just changed dramatically.

And if the Liverpool deal provides FSG with a huge injection of cash while removing a major competitor from the Las Vegas race, then suddenly the NBA expansion story becomes much more interesting.

We’re connecting dots that may not actually connect.

But if things go a certain way, the Lakers purchase could have genuine implications for Liverpool. 

Jamie (The Kopite View)

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Liverpool have invested heavily in their attack this summer, but there is one area of the squad that I still believe needs serious attention:

the full-back positions.

Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool are expected to play aggressive, high-intensity football, which makes having reliable full-backs absolutely crucial.

At the moment, I don’t think Liverpool have enough quality or depth in those positions.

Tsimikas is a downgrade on Robertson

Let’s start on the left.

Kostas Tsimikas has been a useful squad player for Liverpool, but if we’re being completely honest, he isn’t Andy Robertson.

Robertson gave Liverpool an extraordinary level of consistency for years. His energy, defensive aggression, overlapping runs and delivery were fundamental to the way the Reds played.

If Robertson is no longer the first-choice option, Liverpool need to make sure the position doesn’t become a weakness.

Milos Kerkez looks like an exciting signing and has the potential to establish himself as the long-term left-back.

But that brings us to the next problem.

Kerkez needs genuine competition

Kerkez shouldn’t be guaranteed his place simply because Liverpool paid a significant fee for him.

He needs competition.

He needs somebody capable of pushing him, rotating with him and taking his place when his performances aren’t good enough.

That’s particularly important under Iraola.

His football is demanding. Full-backs are going to have to run, attack, defend large spaces and maintain their intensity throughout matches.

Having only one natural option in whom you completely trust is dangerous.

Liverpool need two high-quality left-backs, not one starter and a player who is simply there as cover.

The right-back situation worries me too

Then we have the other side.

Conor Bradley is an excellent young footballer, but his injury record is becoming a concern.

Liverpool simply cannot go into a season competing on multiple fronts assuming Bradley will be available for every important game.

He needs competition too.

And then there is Jeremie Frimpong.

There is absolutely no doubt about his attacking ability.

He’s explosive, incredibly quick and capable of causing serious problems going forward.

But let’s be honest:

Frimpong isn’t a traditional defender.

He’s at his best when he’s attacking.

That can be an incredible weapon for Iraola, but it can also leave Liverpool vulnerable defensively if the system isn’t perfectly balanced.

We’ve already seen how Liverpool can struggle when their full-backs push forward and possession is lost.

And then there’s Joe Gomez

Gomez is another player who makes sense as an option because of his versatility.

He can play centre-back and full-back and, when fit, can be extremely valuable.

The problem is the two words Liverpool supporters have heard far too often:

when fit.

Liverpool cannot build their entire defensive depth around a player who has struggled to maintain consistent availability.

He can be an important squad member.

But he shouldn’t be the answer to Liverpool’s full-back problems.

Iraola needs reliable options

This becomes even more important because of the football Iraola wants to play.

Liverpool are going to press.

They’re going to attack.

They’re going to push numbers forward.

They’re going to ask their full-backs to cover huge amounts of ground.

That means rotation isn’t a luxury.

It’s essential.

Liverpool could be competing in the Premier League, Champions League and domestic cups.

There could be two or three matches every week.

You cannot expect Kerkez, Frimpong and Bradley to play almost every minute.

Liverpool need to act

The frustrating thing is that Liverpool have already spent so much money improving other areas of the squad.

The attack is looking incredibly exciting.

The midfield has plenty of quality.

The centre-back situation has been addressed with new additions including Ronald Araújo and Jérémy Jacquet.

Yet the full-back positions still leave me concerned.

Liverpool’s defensive depth has already been questioned this summer, with reports highlighting shortages across the back line. 

And with Bradley’s fitness situation and Frimpong’s ability to be used further forward, the right side remains particularly interesting. 

The minimum I’d want

For me, Liverpool should be looking for:

One genuine left-back to compete with Kerkez.

One right-back who can genuinely challenge Frimpong and Bradley.

That would completely change the situation.

Suddenly Iraola could rotate without dramatically weakening the team.

He could rest Kerkez.

He could give Frimpong a game further forward.

He could protect Bradley.

And he wouldn’t have to rely on Gomez being available every week.

The attack could be brilliant — but don’t leave the defence short

That’s the biggest concern for me.

Liverpool could be one of the most exciting attacking teams in the Premier League under Iraola.

Wirtz.

Isak.

Barcola, if signed.

Gakpo.

Chiesa.

Ngumoha.

The possibilities are incredible.

But if Liverpool don’t give Iraola enough quality at full-back, they could be creating a fantastic attacking team with a structural weakness behind it.

Kerkez needs competition.

Bradley needs competition.

Frimpong needs defensive support.

And Gomez cannot be relied upon to stay fit.

Liverpool have already started rebuilding their defence.

But I don’t think the job is finished.

If this is going to be a new era at Anfield, the full-back positions need to be part of that rebuild too. 

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool could have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of Ibrahim Mbaye, with suggestions that the Paris Saint-Germain winger could potentially be available for as little as €40 million.

According to Ben Jacobs, there have been suggestions that Mbaye’s price could be around €40m, although PSG sources have denied that figure.

Jacobs believes a higher fee may ultimately be required, but the possibility of Mbaye being available for €40m would certainly be encouraging news for Liverpool.

€40m could change everything

Liverpool have reportedly identified Mbaye as one of their targets as they look to strengthen their wide attacking options this summer.

The Reds are understood to have spoken with his representatives, with the teenager attracting significant interest following his emergence at PSG.

There had been suggestions that signing Mbaye could require a huge fee.

However, if Liverpool could negotiate a deal anywhere close to €40m, it would make the situation considerably more interesting.

For a player with Mbaye’s potential, that could eventually prove to be excellent value.

Liverpool want two wingers

The Mbaye situation is particularly interesting because Liverpool reportedly want two new wingers this summer.

Bradley Barcola remains a major target, while Mbaye is also being considered.

If Liverpool were able to bring both players to Anfield, it would completely transform Iraola’s attacking options.

Barcola would provide immediate quality and explosive pace, while Mbaye would represent an investment in the future.

Mbaye and Ngumoha could be special

One of the most exciting possibilities would be seeing Mbaye develop alongside Rio Ngumoha.

Both are young, fearless attacking players who aren’t afraid to take defenders on.

Ngumoha has already shown during pre-season that he has the ability to make an impact despite his age.

Mbaye could potentially follow a similar pathway.

Having both players developing under Iraola could give Liverpool two exciting long-term options on the wings.

PSG still hold the cards

The €40m figure needs to be treated with caution.

Jacobs has made it clear that PSG sources have denied that Mbaye can be signed for €40m, and his expectation is that a higher price may ultimately be necessary.

So Liverpool shouldn’t assume they can simply walk into Paris and sign Mbaye for that amount.

But the fact that the figure is being discussed at all is interesting.

And if PSG’s valuation does come down, Liverpool could suddenly find themselves in a very strong position.

Could €40m be a bargain?

That’s the big question.

Mbaye is still incredibly young and has plenty of development ahead of him.

But if Liverpool genuinely believe he has the potential to become a top-level winger, €40m could eventually look like a bargain.

Especially in a transfer market where established young attackers can command enormous fees.

For now, though, the situation remains unclear.

PSG deny the €40m valuation, while Jacobs believes a higher price will probably be needed.

But Liverpool supporters will certainly be hoping that the lower figure proves closer to reality.

Barcola and Mbaye for the future of Liverpool’s attack?

Now that would be some statement.

Jamie (The Kopite View)