The Kopite View

Harvey Elliott is set to leave Liverpool on loan.

According to Matteo Moretto, Valencia have reached an agreement to sign Elliott on loan from Liverpool.

Liverpool will reportedly pay the majority of the midfielder’s salary during his time in Spain.

It’s a move that could prove extremely important for Elliott at a crucial stage of his career.

Elliott needs to play

For me, this is the biggest thing.

Elliott needs regular football.

There’s no question about his ability, but getting consistent minutes at Liverpool has become increasingly difficult.

The competition for places is fierce, particularly with Liverpool having invested heavily in their midfield and attacking options.

A season at Valencia could therefore give Elliott exactly what he needs.

Games. Responsibility. Confidence.

And hopefully plenty of goals and assists.

Liverpool haven’t given up on him

The fact Liverpool are reportedly prepared to pay the majority of his wages is interesting.

It suggests this isn’t simply a case of the club wanting to get Elliott off the wage bill.

Liverpool still have an investment in the player.

They clearly want him playing football and developing.

A successful loan could potentially benefit everyone.

Elliott gets regular football.

Valencia get a talented young player.

And Liverpool could potentially get back a much more experienced and confident midfielder next summer.

It’s still a little sad

I’ll admit, though, I’m disappointed to see Elliott leave.

He’s been at Liverpool since he was a teenager and has produced some brilliant moments in a red shirt.

His technical ability is obvious.

His left foot is special.

And he’s always looked capable of producing something different.

But sometimes a player reaches a point where playing every week is more important than being part of a big squad.

That appears to be where Elliott is now.

Valencia could be perfect

La Liga could be an excellent environment for him.

The technical nature of Spanish football should suit Elliott’s strengths.

He’ll hopefully have more opportunities to receive the ball, dictate play and get into attacking areas.

And unlike at Liverpool, he should have a much greater chance of becoming a regular starter.

That’s exactly what he needs.

What happens next?

The biggest question will be what happens when the loan ends.

If Elliott has an outstanding season at Valencia, Liverpool could have an interesting decision to make.

Do they bring him back and give him another opportunity?

Or does his development increase his value enough for the club to consider a permanent transfer?

I wouldn’t rule anything out.

A lot can change over one season.

My verdict

I think this could actually be a very good move for Harvey Elliott.

At Liverpool, he’s competing against some outstanding players.

At Valencia, he’ll hopefully get the opportunity to become one of the main men.

That’s what he needs now.

Not another season sitting on the bench.

Not another season where he’s getting 15 or 20 minutes here and there.

He needs to play.

He needs to prove himself.

And he needs to remind everyone just how talented he is.

So while it’s disappointing to see another Liverpool academy graduate leave the club, I’m going to be rooting for Elliott every step of the way.

Go to Valencia.

Play your football.

Enjoy yourself.

This could be the season that changes Harvey Elliott’s career.

But I think this is the end of his Liverpool career with only a year left on his contract.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Cody Gakpo is staying at Liverpool.

After days of speculation linking the Dutch forward with a move to Manchester City, Liverpool have rejected City’s latest attempt to sign him.

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Manchester City made a £75 million bid plus £5 million in add-ons for Gakpo, but Liverpool turned it down.

The pursuit is now over, with all parties apparently aware of the situation following direct communication between the clubs and the player’s representatives.

For Liverpool supporters, this is potentially huge news.

Liverpool have said no

Manchester City clearly wanted Gakpo.

A package worth £80 million is a serious offer, particularly for a player who hasn’t always been a guaranteed starter at Liverpool.

But the Reds have decided that it isn’t enough.

And I have to say, I’m pleased.

Liverpool have already lost a number of important players this summer and the last thing they need is another attacking option walking through the door on Deadline Day.

Gakpo staying is massive for Iraola

Andoni Iraola’s squad has already been stretched.

The Liverpool manager has inherited a team that has undergone significant changes, while injuries have also affected his options.

Keeping Gakpo gives him another experienced attacking player who can operate in several positions.

He can play from the left.

He can play through the middle.

He can play on the right.

That versatility is incredibly valuable when you’re competing in the Premier League, Champions League and domestic cups.

Just imagine if Liverpool had sold him

Liverpool have already lost Mohamed Salah.

Curtis Jones has left.

Ibrahima Konaté has departed.

Andy Robertson is also no longer at the club.

And if Gakpo had followed them out of Anfield, the attacking depth would have become a major concern.

Even with Bradley Barcola arriving, Liverpool need options.

Alexander Isak needs competition and support.

Barcola needs time to settle.

And Liverpool cannot realistically expect their new signings to play every minute of the season.

Gakpo staying suddenly makes the squad look a little healthier.

A chance for Gakpo to prove himself

There is also another side to this.

Gakpo now has an opportunity.

He knows Manchester City wanted him.

Liverpool have rejected £80m for him.

That should tell him something about how highly the club still value him.

Rather than looking at this as a transfer that didn’t happen, Gakpo can use it as motivation.

He can stay at Anfield and fight for his place.

And with the number of matches Liverpool are going to play, there will be opportunities.

Barcola and Gakpo could be frightening

One of the most exciting possibilities is seeing Gakpo and Barcola competing for places.

Barcola gives Liverpool incredible pace and directness.

Gakpo offers a different profile.

He’s powerful, intelligent and capable of playing centrally as well as from the wing.

Iraola now has options.

And that is exactly what Liverpool need.

Manchester City move on

Manchester City, meanwhile, have apparently ended their pursuit of Gakpo.

They are now fully focused on trying to sign Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández.

That means Liverpool won’t have to worry about another late bid for Gakpo.

The situation is apparently settled.

Gakpo stays.

My verdict

I’m delighted with this.

Liverpool have already had an incredibly busy summer.

There has been plenty of change within the squad, and Iraola needs as many quality options as possible.

Selling Gakpo now, even for £80m, would have created another problem for the manager to solve.

And that’s the last thing Liverpool need.

Sometimes keeping a player is more valuable than taking the money.

This is one of those occasions.

Gakpo is staying.

Manchester City have been told no.

And now it’s up to Cody to show Liverpool exactly why they refused to sell him.

Welcome to another season at Anfield, Cody.

Now go and make sure City regret not getting you. 

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Lamine Camara apparently wants Liverpool.

But with Deadline Day approaching, the big question is whether Liverpool actually want him badly enough to make a move.

According to an exclusive report, Camara prefers a move to Liverpool over Chelsea and is prepared to wait for the Reds to make their move.

The Senegal international has reportedly stalled a potential move to Chelsea while his representatives and intermediaries continue pushing Liverpool towards a deal.

That certainly makes things interesting.

Camara wants Liverpool

The report claims that Camara has made his preference clear.

If given the choice between Liverpool and Chelsea, he would apparently choose Anfield.

That’s obviously encouraging.

Liverpool have reportedly already been offered the opportunity to sign the midfielder through intermediaries, with members of the club considering the proposal.

So this isn’t simply a case of Liverpool discovering Camara and deciding whether they like him.

The player has apparently been presented to them.

And now Liverpool have to decide whether they want to take advantage of the opportunity.

But Hughes apparently isn’t convinced

This is where the story gets particularly interesting.

According to the report, sources within Liverpool suggest that Richard Hughes is not especially keen on signing Camara.

Instead, the club’s sporting director is reportedly prioritising another right winger to replace Cody Gakpo.

And the preferred option appears to be Ismaïla Sarr.

That could leave Camara waiting.

The player apparently wants Liverpool.

His representatives are pushing for the move.

But Liverpool have other priorities.

Sarr or Camara?

It’s an intriguing situation because both players are Senegal internationals, but they would solve completely different problems for Liverpool.

Sarr would immediately address the attacking depth.

Camara would strengthen the midfield.

And considering Liverpool have already lost several players this summer, you could make a strong argument that both positions need attention.

But with limited time remaining, Liverpool have to decide which problem is more urgent.

🧠 Camara fits what Liverpool need

Personally, I can understand why Camara has been offered to Liverpool.

He’s exactly the sort of player who could potentially fit into the Reds’ midfield.

Liverpool have lost Curtis Jones.

There have also been concerns about the lack of a natural defensive midfielder.

Camara’s energy, technical ability and versatility could potentially give Andoni Iraola another option.

He’s still young, too.

That means Liverpool wouldn’t simply be signing somebody for the next season or two.

They could be investing in a player who has plenty of development ahead of him.

But Liverpool have to prioritise

The problem is that Liverpool cannot solve every problem at once.

The club have already spent huge amounts of money this summer.

They’ve brought in major attacking and midfield reinforcements.

And now Gakpo’s potential departure has created another hole.

If Liverpool believe they need a new right winger, it makes sense to prioritise that position.

Especially if Sarr is genuinely available.

Camara is apparently willing to wait

Perhaps the most encouraging part of this story for Liverpool supporters is that Camara doesn’t appear to be rushing into a move.

The report claims that he has stalled a potential Chelsea transfer while waiting to see whether Liverpool will make their move.

That’s a significant decision for the player.

Chelsea are one of the biggest clubs in England and have the financial power to complete transfers quickly.

Yet Camara apparently wants Liverpool.

That tells you something about how highly he views the club.

Chelsea could still change everything

Of course, Liverpool cannot assume that Camara will wait forever.

There is a deadline.

If Chelsea remain interested and Liverpool don’t act, the midfielder could eventually decide that he has to take the opportunity in front of him.

That’s why this feels like a situation Liverpool need to resolve quickly.

Either decide that Camara is worth pursuing — or allow him to move elsewhere.

My verdict

I’m intrigued by this one.

Not just because Liverpool have been linked with Camara, but because the player apparently wants Liverpool while Liverpool aren’t necessarily prioritising him.

That’s a fascinating dynamic.

If Camara really is prepared to wait for Liverpool, I’d certainly want the club to have a serious conversation about whether they should take advantage.

Liverpool need midfield depth.

They need a potential long-term number six.

And Camara appears to fit much of the profile.

But I also understand the argument for prioritising Sarr.

If Gakpo leaves, Liverpool need another wide attacker.

So the decision comes down to what the club believe is most important before the window closes.

Camara wants Liverpool.

Chelsea are waiting.

His representatives are pushing.

Now Liverpool have to decide.

If they don’t want him, fair enough.

But if they genuinely believe he can become an important midfielder for the club, this might be an opportunity they don’t get twice.

Deadline Day is here.

And Lamine Camara is apparently waiting for Liverpool to make the call. 

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool’s Carabao Cup third-round tie against Tottenham Hotspur has been moved.

The Reds will now face Spurs at Anfield on Tuesday, September 15, with kick-off at 8pm.

And the reason for the change is rather unusual.

The fixture has been moved so that Everton’s meeting with Wolves can take place the following evening, without clashing with Liverpool’s Champions League opener against Atletico Madrid.

Liverpool’s new date

Liverpool were originally scheduled to face Tottenham on a different date, but the Carabao Cup fixture has now been brought forward.

The new details are:

Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur
Tuesday, September 15
8pm
Anfield
Carabao Cup third round

It’s another midweek fixture for Andoni Iraola’s side at what is already going to be an incredibly busy period.

Champions League comes first

Liverpool’s Champions League campaign gets underway just a few days earlier when Atletico Madrid visit Anfield.

That game is scheduled for Wednesday, September 9, meaning the Reds will already have European football to contend with before facing Tottenham in the Carabao Cup.

Moving the Spurs game to Tuesday therefore gives Liverpool an extra day compared with playing it on Wednesday.

It may not sound like much, but when you’re competing on multiple fronts, every day of recovery can be important.

Why has Everton’s game affected Liverpool?

The rearrangement is primarily about avoiding a clash involving Everton’s fixture against Wolves.

With Liverpool playing Atletico Madrid on the Wednesday, Everton’s game has been moved to the following day.

That has then required Liverpool’s Carabao Cup tie with Tottenham to be moved to Tuesday.

It’s a reminder of just how complicated the fixture calendar becomes once Premier League clubs start competing in Europe and domestic cup competitions.

One fixture moves, and suddenly several others have to be rearranged around it.

Tottenham will provide a serious test

Regardless of the reason for the change, Liverpool have been handed a difficult Carabao Cup tie.

Tottenham are exactly the sort of opponent you don’t necessarily want in the third round.

It means Iraola could have to make some difficult decisions over his team selection.

Does he rotate heavily?

Does he give opportunities to some of Liverpool’s younger players?

Or does he take the competition seriously from the beginning and field a strong side?

With the Champions League and Premier League taking priority, squad management will be crucial.

Another test of Liverpool’s squad depth

This is perhaps the biggest issue for me.

Liverpool already have concerns over the depth of their squad.

There are going to be injuries.

There are going to be suspensions.

And now there are going to be weeks where Liverpool are playing every few days.

The Carabao Cup can therefore be both an opportunity and a problem.

It’s an opportunity for players who aren’t regular starters to prove themselves.

But it’s another fixture that has to be squeezed into an already packed calendar.

Iraola’s first Carabao Cup

This will also be an interesting occasion for Iraola.

It’s his first Carabao Cup campaign as Liverpool manager, and Tottenham immediately provide a difficult challenge.

He’ll have to balance the importance of progressing with protecting his key players.

For the younger members of the squad, however, this could be a brilliant opportunity.

Players such as Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha could potentially benefit from cup football if Iraola decides to rotate.

My verdict

I’m actually quite happy with the move to Tuesday.

Liverpool will have played Atletico Madrid the previous Wednesday, so having the Tottenham game on Tuesday rather than Wednesday gives Iraola’s squad a little more recovery time.

It’s still a demanding schedule though.

And let’s be honest, Liverpool v Tottenham at Anfield under the lights sounds pretty good to me.

The Champions League opener against Atletico Madrid comes first.

Then Tottenham.

Two big games.

Two huge tests.

And another early indication of just how demanding this season is going to be for Iraola and his Liverpool squad.

Tuesday, September 15. 8pm. Anfield.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Bradley Barcola is officially a Liverpool player.

The France international has completed his £123 million move from Paris Saint-Germain, bringing one of the biggest transfer sagas of the summer to an end.

Liverpool will pay £106 million upfront, with a further £17 million available in performance-related add-ons.

Barcola has also signed a five-year contract at Anfield.

And for me, this is a signing that Liverpool supporters should be incredibly excited about.

Liverpool finally get their man

Liverpool’s interest in Barcola has been one of the defining stories of the summer transfer window.

The Reds identified the French winger as a priority target and, despite PSG initially placing an enormous valuation on their player, Liverpool refused to simply walk away.

Negotiations continued.

The price eventually came down.

And Liverpool have now got their man.

Bradley Barcola is heading to Anfield.

£123m is a huge amount of money

There’s no getting away from the fee.

£123m is an enormous investment.

The initial £106m alone makes Barcola one of the most expensive players Liverpool have ever signed, while the potential £17m in add-ons could take the overall package even higher.

But Liverpool clearly believe he’s worth it.

And I have to say, this is one of those transfers where I can understand the excitement.

Barcola isn’t simply a player being signed because he has potential.

He’s already performing at the highest level.

He’s a France international.

He’s played Champions League football.

And he’s been competing for trophies with PSG.

What Barcola brings to Liverpool

Liverpool have been crying out for another player capable of taking defenders on.

Barcola can do exactly that.

He’s quick.

He’s technically excellent.

He’s comfortable receiving the ball in tight areas.

And most importantly, he wants to attack defenders.

That’s something Liverpool have sometimes lacked when facing teams sitting deep.

Give Barcola the ball in a one-on-one situation and he has the ability to create something.

He can beat his man.

He can carry the ball.

He can create chances.

And he can score himself.

A frightening attack

Just imagine Liverpool’s attacking options now.

Alexander Isak.

Florian Wirtz.

Barcola.

Mohamed Salah has left, but Liverpool have replaced some of that attacking quality with another elite-level player.

If Cody Gakpo remains as well, the options become even more impressive.

Andoni Iraola now has another player who can completely change a game.

That’s incredibly valuable.

Another French star at Anfield

Barcola also becomes another French international in the Liverpool squad.

The club have a long history of recruiting French talent, and Barcola fits the profile perfectly.

He’s young enough to continue developing but experienced enough to contribute immediately.

That’s the ideal combination.

Liverpool aren’t signing somebody who needs three years before they can compete at Premier League level.

They expect Barcola to make an impact now.

Why I’m particularly excited

I’ll be honest.

I haven’t been this excited about a Liverpool signing since Luis Suárez.

When Suárez arrived, I remember watching him and thinking that Liverpool had signed someone special.

Someone different.

Someone capable of doing things that other players couldn’t.

I get a similar feeling with Barcola.

Obviously, Barcola has to prove himself at Liverpool.

You can’t compare the two players before he’s even kicked a ball at Anfield.

But there is something about his ability, his confidence and the way he attacks defenders that makes me think Liverpool supporters are going to absolutely love watching him.

Iraola now has to unlock him

Of course, signing the player is only half the job.

Now it’s down to Andoni Iraola.

The Liverpool manager needs to find the best way to use Barcola.

He needs to give him freedom to attack.

He needs to create situations where Barcola can receive the ball facing defenders.

And he needs the rest of Liverpool’s attack to complement him.

If Iraola gets that right, Liverpool could have an incredibly exciting attacking weapon.

A major statement from Liverpool

This transfer also says something about Liverpool’s ambitions.

After spending £125m on Alexander Isak and now potentially £123m on Barcola, Liverpool are showing that they’re willing to compete financially for elite talent.

This isn’t a cheap punt.

This isn’t a player being bought as a squad filler.

This is a statement signing.

Liverpool believe Barcola can become one of the best attackers in European football.

Now they have to prove it on the pitch.

My verdict

I absolutely love this signing.

£123m is a massive amount of money, and there will inevitably be pressure on Barcola because of the price tag.

But forget the fee for a moment.

Look at the player.

Look at his age.

Look at his experience.

Look at his ability.

Look at the ceiling he still has.

Liverpool have signed a 23-year-old France international from PSG who has already played at the highest level.

That’s exciting.

And after watching Liverpool’s attack sometimes struggle for pace and unpredictability, Barcola gives Iraola something different.

Explosiveness.

Creativity.

Directness.

Fearlessness.

I genuinely cannot wait to see him in a Liverpool shirt.

For me, this is the type of signing that gets supporters dreaming.

I’ve been waiting a long time to feel this excited about a new Liverpool player.

Welcome to Liverpool, Bradley Barcola.

Now go and show us why Liverpool were willing to pay £123 million to bring you to Anfield.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool could be closing in on another young addition before the transfer window shuts.

According to Foot Mercato, Liverpool are in advanced negotiations with Saint-Étienne over the transfer of Djylian N’Guessan, with only the final details reportedly left to settle.

The young winger is a talent that Liverpool want to add as an attacking option to their squad.

It is another indication that Liverpool aren’t just thinking about the immediate future.

They are also continuing to invest in young players who could become important for the club in the years ahead.

Liverpool pushing for N’Guessan

The report states that negotiations between Saint-Étienne and Liverpool are now at an advanced stage.

There are still some details to be finalised, so this isn’t a completed transfer just yet.

But the fact that the two clubs are reportedly discussing the final stages is certainly encouraging.

Liverpool’s recruitment team have spent plenty of time looking at young talent, and N’Guessan appears to be another player they believe has significant potential.

Another exciting young talent?

Liverpool have increasingly built a reputation for giving opportunities to young players.

Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha are two obvious examples of players who have been attracting attention, while other academy prospects are also pushing towards first-team football.

The club therefore need to keep replenishing that pipeline.

That’s particularly important when Liverpool are spending huge amounts of money on established stars.

For every Alexander Isak or Bradley Barcola, Liverpool also need to think about the next generation.

N’Guessan could potentially be part of that.

Saint-Étienne have produced plenty of talent

Saint-Étienne are one of the most historic clubs in French football and have a long tradition of producing talented young players.

Liverpool have obviously had plenty of success recruiting from France over the years.

The Premier League has also become an increasingly attractive destination for young French players looking to develop at the highest level.

If Liverpool can secure N’Guessan, it could represent another investment in the future.

The final details

The most important part of the report is perhaps the simplest.

The deal isn’t done yet.

Foot Mercato are reporting that the negotiations are advanced, but there are still final details to settle.

That’s why Liverpool supporters shouldn’t start celebrating just yet.

Transfers can fall apart even when clubs are deep into negotiations.

But being at this stage this close to the deadline certainly suggests there is confidence that an agreement can eventually be reached.

Liverpool aren’t finished yet

This summer has already seen Liverpool make major investments in the squad.

But the club are clearly not limiting their recruitment to first-team players.

The likes of N’Guessan represent a different type of signing.

The idea is to identify talent early, bring them into the Liverpool environment and hopefully develop them into first-team players.

Not every youngster will make it.

But Liverpool have shown that they are willing to give talented players a pathway.

My verdict

I’m always interested when Liverpool are linked with young players like this.

The club shouldn’t just be looking for solutions for this season.

They need to be building the squad for the next five or ten years as well.

If the Foot Mercato report is accurate, Liverpool are now close to completing negotiations with Saint-Étienne for Djylian N’Guessan, with only the final details reportedly needing to be resolved.

Let’s see if they can get it over the line.

Another young player, another potential future star.

And with the transfer window closing, Liverpool’s recruitment team are clearly still working behind the scenes.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Here we go again.

Liverpool are once again trying to do business with Crystal Palace on the final day of the transfer window — and if you’re a Reds supporter, you might be forgiven for feeling a sense of déjà vu.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Crystal Palace are still saying no to the departure of Ismaïla Sarr.

However, Palace are also exploring options in the market in case they receive the right proposal for the Senegal international.

And that leaves Liverpool with a very simple problem.

They need Palace to change their mind.

Palace still saying no

Sarr has emerged as one of Liverpool’s preferred options as the club look to add another attacking player.

Liverpool have already seen an offer rejected and continue to explore a deal.

But Palace’s current position is clear.

They don’t want to lose him.

At least, not unless the right offer arrives.

And that’s where things could get interesting.

Because deadline day has a habit of changing people’s minds very quickly.

Liverpool desperately need another attacker

The timing couldn’t be more important.

Liverpool have already signed Bradley Barcola.

But Cody Gakpo could be heading for Manchester City, while Liverpool are also trying to make sure Iraola has enough attacking options for what promises to be a long season.

If Gakpo does leave, Liverpool absolutely need another player to come through the door.

Sarr would provide versatility, pace and Premier League experience.

He could operate from either flank and give Iraola another option when rotating his attack.

That’s precisely why Liverpool are pushing.

But haven’t we been here before?

This is the part that will frustrate Liverpool supporters.

Crystal Palace.

Liverpool.

Deadline day.

It’s bringing back memories of last summer.

Liverpool spent a huge amount of time trying to sign Marc Guéhi, only for the deal to collapse before the window closed.

It became one of the most frustrating transfer sagas of the summer.

And now, twelve months later, we’re potentially heading towards another deadline-day negotiation involving Palace.

You couldn’t make it up.

The Guéhi saga still hurts

Liverpool supporters will remember how close the club appeared to be to signing Guéhi.

There was plenty of optimism that the England international would eventually arrive at Anfield.

But ultimately, the deal didn’t happen.

And Liverpool were left without the player they had targeted.

That’s why supporters are understandably nervous about another Palace negotiation going down to the wire.

Nobody wants another situation where Liverpool spend deadline day trying to negotiate a deal, only for Palace to ultimately refuse to sell.

Palace have the advantage

The problem for Liverpool is that Palace don’t necessarily have to sell.

If they receive an offer they consider too low, they can simply say no.

And with Sarr under contract, Liverpool don’t have the leverage they might want.

Palace are also reportedly exploring their own options.

That is the interesting part of Romano’s update.

If Palace are looking for a replacement, perhaps there is a possibility that Liverpool’s interest eventually becomes useful to them.

But until Palace find that replacement — or decide that Liverpool’s offer is simply too good to refuse — the situation remains uncertain.

Deadline day pressure

This is where Liverpool need to be careful.

The clock is ticking.

There isn’t much time left to negotiate.

Liverpool can’t afford to spend the entire day chasing one player if Palace ultimately refuse to sell.

They need alternatives.

And hopefully Richard Hughes and the recruitment team already have them lined up.

Because the worst possible scenario would be losing Gakpo and failing to bring in another attacker because Liverpool spent too long waiting for Palace.

Sarr would make sense

Despite all the frustration, I can understand why Liverpool want him.

Sarr has Premier League experience.

He’s quick.

He’s powerful.

He’s versatile.

And he has a ridiculous record against Liverpool.

Seven goals and two assists in 10 appearances against the Reds is certainly enough to make Liverpool fans aware of what he’s capable of.

I’d much rather have him doing that for Liverpool than against us.

My verdict

This could become one of the biggest stories of Liverpool’s deadline day.

Palace are saying no.

But they’re also exploring the market.

That suggests the door isn’t completely closed.

If Liverpool make an offer that Palace simply cannot refuse, perhaps Sarr will be allowed to leave.

But we’ve been here before.

Last summer it was Guéhi.

Now it’s Sarr.

And once again, Liverpool are dealing with Steve Parish and Crystal Palace on the final day of the transfer window.

What could possibly go wrong?

Hopefully, this time the ending is very different.

Because Liverpool need another attacker.

They need more depth.

And with Gakpo potentially leaving for Manchester City, Iraola simply cannot afford to start the season with fewer options.

Get Sarr. Get another attacker. Strengthen the squad.

Just please don’t give us another Palace deadline-day disaster. 

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool could be about to make another late move in the transfer market — and this time it’s in the goalkeeping department.

According to Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Luca Brughmans is currently undergoing his medical tests ahead of a potential transfer to Liverpool.

The reported deal is worth around €35 million, although the final outcome of the move appears to depend heavily on what happens with Giorgi Mamardashvili.

And with the transfer window closing, Liverpool are clearly trying to get everything in place as quickly as possible.

Brughmans undergoing his medical

Tavolieri reports that Brughmans is undergoing his medical as a precaution because of the tight schedule.

That’s an interesting development.

Liverpool have apparently moved quickly enough to ensure the goalkeeper can complete his medical before the deadline, even though his eventual destination may not yet be completely decided.

The Belgian goalkeeper has emerged as a late target for the Reds, with Liverpool seemingly keen to secure his future before the window closes.

Mamardashvili holds the key

The biggest question is what happens to Giorgi Mamardashvili.

According to the report, if Mamardashvili joins Nottingham Forest, Brughmans will remain at Liverpool.

If that transfer doesn’t happen, however, Genk are expected to keep Brughmans on loan for another season.

So Liverpool appear to have effectively covered both possibilities.

And given how little time remains before the deadline, that could prove to be very clever planning.

Liverpool don’t want to be caught short

Liverpool’s goalkeeping situation has become surprisingly interesting.

Alisson remains the undisputed No.1, but Mamardashvili’s future has suddenly become uncertain.

The Georgian goalkeeper only arrived at Liverpool after impressing enormously at Valencia, but regular first-team football is obviously difficult to guarantee while Alisson remains fit.

If Forest can offer Mamardashvili the opportunity to play regularly, a move could make sense.

And if he does leave, Liverpool need another goalkeeper.

That’s where Brughmans comes in.

€35m is a huge investment

The reported €35m valuation is certainly eye-catching.

That’s a significant amount of money for a goalkeeper who is still developing.

But Liverpool clearly see something they like.

The club wouldn’t be going to these lengths so late in the window if they didn’t believe Brughmans could have a future at Anfield.

And the possibility of leaving him at Genk for another season could actually be beneficial.

Rather than bringing him into Liverpool’s squad immediately and expecting him to adapt, Brughmans could continue playing regular football.

That could accelerate his development.

A clever piece of planning?

If this report is accurate, I actually quite like Liverpool’s approach here.

They’re preparing for both outcomes.

Mamardashvili stays: Brughmans can continue developing at Genk.

Mamardashvili leaves: Brughmans joins Liverpool and provides another option behind Alisson.

That gives Liverpool flexibility.

And on deadline day, flexibility is incredibly valuable.

Why Forest could change everything

The Nottingham Forest angle is therefore crucial.

If Forest complete a deal for Mamardashvili, Liverpool suddenly need to bring in another goalkeeper.

Brughmans would then become much more important.

But if Forest fail to sign Mamardashvili, Liverpool apparently aren’t necessarily looking to bring Brughmans into the first-team squad immediately.

That explains why his medical can take place now even though his final destination remains dependent on another transfer.

Another late Liverpool twist

It has already been an incredibly eventful transfer window for Liverpool.

We’ve seen huge-money signings.

Major departures.

Late negotiations.

And plenty of uncertainty over squad depth.

Now we’re potentially looking at another transfer which could be determined by a deal involving one of Liverpool’s own players.

That’s exactly what makes deadline day so fascinating.

One transfer can trigger another.

My verdict

I’m intrigued by this one.

If Brughmans really is undergoing his medical ahead of a €35m move, Liverpool clearly see him as a goalkeeper worth investing in.

But the immediate question isn’t necessarily whether Brughmans becomes Liverpool’s new goalkeeper.

It’s what happens to Mamardashvili.

If the Georgian moves to Nottingham Forest, Brughmans could stay at Liverpool.

If Mamardashvili remains, Brughmans could reportedly spend another season on loan at Genk.

Either way, Liverpool appear to be preparing for the possibility.

And with the clock ticking towards the transfer deadline, this could be another deal that moves very quickly.

One thing is certain:

Liverpool’s transfer window isn’t finished yet. 

Jamie (The Kopite View)

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If this report is accurate, I have one very simple question: how has Richard Hughes been allowed to do this?

According to Romain Molina, Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes is officially leaving the club to become Al-Hilal’s new sporting director.

But the most remarkable part of the report isn’t even that Hughes is leaving Liverpool.

It’s the claim that he has already been overseeing Al-Hilal’s transfer business while simultaneously working for Liverpool.

And honestly, I find that quite astonishing.

Liverpool should have been his only priority

Richard Hughes was appointed to one of the biggest jobs in English football.

Liverpool sporting director isn’t a position where you should be dividing your attention between two clubs.

Liverpool should have been his priority.

Liverpool’s recruitment should have been his priority.

Liverpool’s negotiations, targets, contracts and squad planning should have been his priority.

Instead, if Molina’s report is accurate, Hughes has somehow been juggling the transfer business of Liverpool and Al-Hilal at the same time.

How does that happen?

We’re talking about hundreds of millions of pounds

This isn’t a minor role.

Liverpool have spent huge amounts of money this summer.

Alexander Isak arrived for £125m.

Bradley Barcola followed in a deal worth around £123m with add-ons.

Florian Wirtz was another enormous investment.

There have also been numerous other incomings and outgoings.

These are decisions involving hundreds of millions of pounds.

So the idea that the person overseeing Liverpool’s sporting recruitment could also be working on another club’s transfer business is difficult to understand.

Surely Liverpool needed his full attention?

Who allowed it?

That’s the question I’d like answered.

Was this something Liverpool’s hierarchy knew about?

Was it formally approved?

Was Hughes doing this outside of his Liverpool responsibilities?

And if so, how could anyone think it was acceptable for Liverpool’s sporting director to be dividing his time between two clubs?

This isn’t about having a second job stacking shelves somewhere.

This is another football club.

A club with its own recruitment strategy, its own targets and its own transfer negotiations.

Liverpool are too big for this

Liverpool shouldn’t need to remind anybody how important the sporting director’s role is.

The club are competing for the biggest trophies in football.

The transfer department is making decisions that can shape Liverpool’s squad for years.

That’s why I find the situation so difficult to comprehend.

Imagine being a Liverpool supporter and finding out that while the club are desperately trying to strengthen Iraola’s squad, the sporting director is also apparently working on another club’s recruitment.

I’d want to know why.

Especially with Iraola starting a new era

The timing makes it even more difficult to understand.

Liverpool have a new manager.

Andoni Iraola has walked into a squad that has changed dramatically.

Players have left.

Players have arrived.

There are still areas of the squad that supporters believe need strengthening.

The manager needs the recruitment department completely focused on giving him the tools required to compete.

This isn’t the time for divided attention.

This isn’t about Hughes leaving

And to be clear, I don’t have a problem with Richard Hughes deciding that he wants a new challenge.

Football executives leave clubs all the time.

If he wants to go to Al-Hilal, that’s his decision.

My issue is with the suggestion that he was already working for them while still Liverpool’s sporting director.

Those are two completely different things.

Leaving Liverpool is one thing.

Doing another club’s transfer business while employed by Liverpool is something else entirely.

What makes this even more bizarre

Liverpool have had an incredibly busy transfer window.

We’ve watched the club pursue numerous players.

There have been negotiations with PSG, Brighton, Crystal Palace and plenty of other clubs.

We’ve seen Liverpool change targets and move from one player to another.

And apparently, during all of this, Hughes was also involved in Al-Hilal’s recruitment.

If that’s correct, it’s fair for supporters to ask whether Liverpool were getting 100% of his attention.

Because that’s what the club should expect from someone in such an important position.

My verdict

I’m not going to pretend I know exactly what has happened behind the scenes.

We need more information and, ideally, confirmation from Liverpool or Hughes himself.

But if Romain Molina’s report is accurate, I think Liverpool supporters are perfectly entitled to be unhappy about this.

Richard Hughes was employed by Liverpool.

Liverpool were paying him to oversee Liverpool’s sporting operation.

He should have been concentrating on Liverpool.

One club. One job. One priority.

If he wanted to work for Al-Hilal, fine.

Leave Liverpool and then do it.

But the idea of simultaneously overseeing transfer business for both clubs is something I simply don’t understand.

Liverpool are one of the biggest football clubs in the world.

They deserve a sporting director whose entire focus is on Liverpool Football Club.

And if Hughes really has been juggling both jobs, the biggest question isn’t why he’s leaving.

It’s why Liverpool allowed him to do it in the first place. 

Jamie (The Kopite View)

There was supposed to be a sense of excitement around Anfield yesterday.

A new manager.

A new season.

New signings.

A new chapter for Liverpool.

But instead, there was something strangely familiar about the afternoon.

The atmosphere felt flat.

And I don’t blame the supporters.

The excitement quickly disappeared

There was plenty of optimism before kick-off.

Andoni Iraola was taking charge of his first Premier League home game at Anfield, and there was genuine excitement about seeing what his Liverpool side would look like.

But once the game started, that excitement quickly disappeared.

Liverpool played with very little urgency for long periods.

The ball was moved slowly from side to side, with Forest sitting in an organised defensive shape and waiting for Liverpool to make a mistake.

It became a familiar sight.

Liverpool had possession.

Forest had the defensive structure.

And Liverpool struggled to find a way through it.

Too slow against a team sitting deep

This was probably my biggest frustration.

Liverpool were simply too slow.

There wasn’t enough movement ahead of the ball.

There weren’t enough runs behind the Forest defence.

And the passing was often happening directly in front of the opposition rather than trying to get behind them.

That makes life incredibly easy for a well-organised team.

Forest didn’t have to chase Liverpool around the pitch.

They could stay compact, protect the dangerous areas and wait.

Liverpool needed to move the ball quicker.

They needed to change the point of attack faster.

And most importantly, they needed players making runs that actually moved Forest’s defenders out of position.

The counter-attacking approach worked for Forest

Ironically, it was Forest who looked more dangerous at times.

Their approach was simple.

Stay organised.

Defend.

Win the ball.

Then attack the space Liverpool left behind.

It worked.

Forest scored first and created opportunities on the counter, while Liverpool struggled to consistently create clear chances.

Alisson had to produce a brilliant save before half-time to prevent Forest from going 2-0 ahead.

That tells its own story.

And then there was Szoboszlai

One thing that really caught my eye was Dominik Szoboszlai ending up at right-back.

We’ve seen this before.

Last season, Szoboszlai was repeatedly asked to fill in at right-back when Liverpool were struggling for options.

And now, under a new manager, we’re seeing something similar.

That’s not necessarily Szoboszlai’s fault.

In fact, he did a decent job defensively.

But it does raise questions.

Liverpool have brought in Jeremie Frimpong specifically to provide attacking threat from right-back.

So why are we still seeing Szoboszlai having to cover that position?

Is this becoming a squad problem?

This is where I think the bigger issue lies.

It isn’t about blaming Iraola for one tactical decision.

He’s working with the squad he’s been given.

And that’s important.

If the manager doesn’t have enough natural options in certain positions, he has to improvise.

Szoboszlai is versatile.

He has the energy to cover ground.

He’s tactically intelligent.

So it’s understandable why a manager might trust him there.

But Liverpool shouldn’t want one of their most important midfielders spending significant periods of games at right-back.

That’s not getting the best out of him.

And it certainly doesn’t solve Liverpool’s midfield concerns.

A new manager needs time

We also have to be fair to Iraola.

This is his first season at Liverpool.

He needs time to implement his ideas.

He inherited a squad that has undergone significant change.

Players have left.

Players have arrived.

Others are injured.

And the squad isn’t as deep as many supporters would like.

So I don’t think anyone should be judging Iraola after one disappointing home performance.

But he will need to find solutions.

Because Liverpool can’t afford to spend an entire season playing predictable football against organised defences.

Wirtz showed what is possible

There was one player who consistently looked capable of breaking the pattern.

Florian Wirtz.

He was Liverpool’s main attacking threat.

He found pockets of space.

He tried to turn and drive at the Forest defence.

He even had a goal ruled out for offside and forced a good save with a header.

That should tell us something.

Liverpool need to get their most creative players involved as quickly as possible.

Wirtz needs runners ahead of him.

Isak needs service.

The wingers need to attack defenders.

And the midfield needs to move the ball faster.

This team needs energy

That’s what I wanted to see yesterday.

Energy.

Intensity.

Movement.

Aggression.

The supporters were ready for it.

But the football didn’t give them much to get excited about.

It’s difficult for an atmosphere to build when the home team is passing the ball slowly around a deep defensive block.

Football feeds off energy.

The team gives energy to the supporters, and the supporters give it straight back.

Yesterday, that connection never really developed.

My verdict

I’m not worried about Iraola.

Not yet.

He’s new.

He needs time.

And he needs the squad to be strengthened.

But yesterday did highlight some of the problems Liverpool still have.

The passing was too slow.

There weren’t enough runs behind the defence.

The attack looked disconnected.

The midfield remains a concern.

And seeing Szoboszlai pushed back into a right-back role was a reminder that Liverpool’s squad still has some obvious holes.

A new manager doesn’t automatically mean the old problems disappear.

Iraola has to find his solutions.

And Liverpool’s hierarchy has to give him the players to do it.

Because supporters will accept a new manager needing time.

What they won’t want to see is another season of watching Liverpool dominate possession without knowing how to break down an organised defence.

Yesterday was flat.

The football was flat.

But this is only the beginning of the Iraola era.

Now we need to see what he can change. 

Jamie (The Kopite View)