Summer Transfer Window 2017 Thread

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

First topic message reminder :

Time to kickstart this baby...rumours that Kolasinac has signed a deal to go to Arsenal and that Inter are prepared to make Pochettino the highest paid manager in the world to take their job

[Dolphin Ziggler]

The laugh of a team who spent 100s of millions to finish two places below them.

[compelling and rich]

The laugh of a team who spent 100s of millions to finish two places below them.

and won more trophies than them while competing on multiple fronts

[GSC]

One of them City couldn't win as they actually made the knockout rounds of the CL.

The other nobody really cares about.

While City achieved what Mourinho tried to do in finishing top 4

[Dolphin Ziggler]

I was talking about Liverpool, and Manchester United still would have aimed at the top four over the EL this season, it was only late on they realised they had a different (face-saving) priority.

[Hammersmith harrier]

It was a trophy that Liverpool tried and failed to win last season .

[compelling and rich]

option

two trophies and champions league football

or

no trophies and champions league football

who's had the better season? its a toughie

[Dolphin Ziggler]

I think Liverpool will be happy to have played better football and achieved top four. In fact, they might have really enjoyed showing they are a better side comfortably over 38 games, who knows? But it is fun to see how important these competitions are to you now.

[Atila]

I'll take the 2 trophies and Champs League football over no trophies and Champs League football. But then again, I'd take 2 trophies and no Champs League football over no trophies and Champs League football. Winning trophies is more important for me.

Whenever Man Utd fans and Liverpool fans get together and argue which club has been more successful, they count the trophies that each club has won, not who has qualified for the Champs League the most times.

[Hammersmith harrier]

I think Liverpool will be happy to have played better football and achieved top four. In fact, they might have really enjoyed showing they are a better side comfortably over 38 games, who knows? But it is fun to see how important these competitions are to you now.

The same competition that was so vitally important to them the season before.

[compelling and rich]

dolph wont agree atila because it means siding with united. finishing in top four with nothing else to play for is better achievement than winning two trophies and getting champions league football heard it all now.

[GSC]

Europa is a good get.

But let's not pretend anyone gives a toss about the EFL/Carling/Jacamo cup among the bigger clubs. You might as well include the community shield as a trophy.

[compelling and rich]

its the lesser of all the major trophies available. but its is a major trophy unlike the charity shield. if none of them give a toss then why has it been the last 4/5 winners of the competition have all been the big boys

[Fernando]

I'll take the 2 trophies and Champs League football over no trophies and Champs League football. But then again, I'd take 2 trophies and no Champs League football over no trophies and Champs League football. Winning trophies is more important for me.
 

Well that's not really true is it. By that theory Arsenal's had a better season then Spurs despite finishing miles behind them.

All this season showed was how much of a joke the Europa League is. All the build up was just can United make the Champions League nothing about winning a trophy 

[Dolphin Ziggler]

I either hate Liverpool the most in the world or Man United the most in the world, depending on who is arguing with me. 

Not, of course, that I actually said one was better than the other. I was merely interested in the arrogance of a post about transfers from a team that spend ridiculous amounts and finish below teams.

I think how defensive you are maybe suggests you know that's not good

[Dolphin Ziggler]

And the answer to that part is Spurs, I hate Spurs. It doesn't really count with Millwall.

[compelling and rich]

lets forget the amount of games extra we had to play. its always going to have an affect on league form. just look at the last two league winnners to see how much of an effect. we choose to compete on multiple fronts, because were a club that wants to win things. merely finishing in top 4 isnt a achievement to us. it would have been ok considering it was the managers first season. but he's achieved that aim while winning trophies. i would have took our season over any other, other than chelsea. for all of spurs good play they won nothing

[compelling and rich]

I'll take the 2 trophies and Champs League football over no trophies and Champs League football. But then again, I'd take 2 trophies and no Champs League football over no trophies and Champs League football. Winning trophies is more important for me.
 

Well that's not really true is it. By that theory Arsenal's had a better season then Spurs despite finishing miles behind them.

All this season showed was how much of a joke the Europa League is. All the build up was just can United make the Champions League nothing about winning a trophy 

i suggest you didnt speak to many proper united fans and just listened to the media then. champions league was a huge bonus and the reason why you start aiming for the trophy but in a final it certainly isnt when theres a major trophy on the line, one that we had never won

[Hammersmith harrier]

Getting in the top four is almost treated like winning a trophy by some.

[GSC]

I'd have it over the League Cup and it's not remotely close.

[compelling and rich]

I'd have it over the League Cup and it's not remotely close.

yeah but that wasnt the question, champions league football via winning the europa and league cup or top 4 finish. we all know the answer its just some cant admit it

[Dolphin Ziggler]

To be fair, I'd rather win the FA Cup than finish top four. 

And I think we know that Man United would have given no sh*ts about the Europa if there was no Champions League for it

[compelling and rich]

disagree, it meant as a united fan id seen us win the whole lot.

i agree that in groups rest players etc but soon as you get to quarters/semis you have to take it seriously with or without champions league football as a bonus.

[Guest]

Manchester City forward Enes Unal has completed a £12m move to Villarreal. Buy-back clause until 2020.

[Atila]

I'll take the 2 trophies and Champs League football over no trophies and Champs League football. But then again, I'd take 2 trophies and no Champs League football over no trophies and Champs League football. Winning trophies is more important for me.
 

Well that's not really true is it. By that theory Arsenal's had a better season then Spurs despite finishing miles behind them.

All this season showed was how much of a joke the Europa League is. All the build up was just can United make the Champions League nothing about winning a trophy 

It is true because I did say "for me".

[lfc91]

Firstly the Clichy transfer is a rumour at this point. One that has been denied by Liverpool based on some of the article I have read.

Secondly, I think the majority would agree United have had the better season (Solely because the Europa now comes with champions league access). Two trophies and Champs league qualification (automatically) over 4th and a Champs league qualifier spot every day of the week for me. All that comes with 4th place over 6th is some additional prize money and us being able to say we proved over 38 games that we are currently a better team than Arsenal/United. (Obviously this will incur the 'look how many games we played line).

Bottom line though, I personally feel Liverpool are currently in a better situation (IMO having a superior and better gelled first 11) that can be built upon by a good summer of business. Obviously United can go out and sign 200 million worth of players and we no longer have the superior first 11. But speaking solely with regard to Liverpool I feel we are in the strongest position we have been in since 2008/2009, and I am excited to see who Klopp brings in.

[lfc91]

Also, with regards to Clichy, I would happily see him at Liverpool as long as Klopp was signing 2 LBs. Would mean Moreno sold back to spain, Milner on the bench as a utility man and Clichy as back up LB to a newly acquired starting LB.(Assuming wages weren't to high).

Doubt it will happen, but that is the scenario where I would be happy to take CLichy.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Also, with regards to Clichy, I would happily see him at Liverpool as long as Klopp was signing 2 LBs. Would mean Moreno sold back to spain, Milner on the bench as a utility man and Clichy as back up LB to a newly acquired starting LB.(Assuming wages weren't to high).

Doubt it will happen, but that is the scenario where I would be happy to take CLichy.

This is exactly the scenario Liverpool should be pursuing imo

[lfc91]

Too many sources claiming Klopp wants to keep Milner as starting LB though Olly which is worrying....

Fingers crossed that was only a scenario for signing Sessegnon and building him towards starting position over a season or 2 (Which is dead in the water now it seems). As well as Milner as done out of position, if he is starting LB next season in my eyes the transfer window will have been a failure.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Too many sources claiming Klopp wants to keep Milner as starting LB though Olly which is worrying....

Fingers crossed that was only a scenario for signing Sessegnon and building him towards starting position over a season or 2 (Which is dead in the water now it seems). As well as Milner as done out of position, if he is starting LB next season in my eyes the transfer window will have been a failure.

Couldn't agree with you more here - would be madness for Liverpool to go into next season with Milner still the starting LB

[Guest]

Sessegnon to Spurs. Probably be loaned back to Fulham for the season

[lfc91]

Fingers crossed this isn't another Delle Ali situation for Liverpool! (Although it seems in this case it was more a case of Sessegnon not wanting to leave London than Liverpool being unwilling to pay)

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Atleti's transfer ban upheld until 2018 - that'll effect the Lacazette deal but for guys like Lucas, Theo Hernandez and Griezmann not so much, with release clauses in their deals they can still all leave if they're met

[Crimey]

Milner didn't even do badly at left back, I don't think it'd be a disaster if we went into the season with him playing there at all. The exact same thing was said last summer, then we went through the season with Milner playing pretty decently. His form dropped off towards the end but that was more to do with the sheer amount of games I feel. People need to learn to actually watch football rather than making judgements based on paper. I can't think of any problems this season that were caused by having Milner as left back. How long does a player have to play in one position before he's no longer called 'out of position'. He played the entire season at left back, without ever playing another position, that's enough for me to say that in our squad he's considered a left back. Players change where they play all the time. 

Supposedly Liverpool have entered the race for Bernard Mendy, but I doubt we'll get him.

[lfc91]

Yes most people would agree he was pretty good in that position. However, why would you continue to play a right footed Centre midfielder in a key position (Wing backs often being our only source of width with the narrow front 3) when you have the resources and the time to bring in a better player who has played the position their entire career? Clearly there are better options available who would improve our first 11.

I can understand keeping him there if finances were limited as there are more pressing issues to address, however as that doesn't appear to be the case it would be, IMO, approaching idiotic not to bring in a LB to take over the starting spot.

[Crimey]

Yes most people would agree he was pretty good in that position. However, why would you continue to play a right footed Centre midfielder in a key position (Wing backs often being our only source of width with the narrow front 3) when you have the resources and the time to bring in a better player who has played the position their entire career? Clearly there are better options available who would improve our first 11.

I can understand keeping him there if finances were limited as there are more pressing issues to address, however as that doesn't appear to be the case it would be, IMO, approaching idiotic not to bring in a LB to take over the starting spot.

Again, I don't think it's fair to say he's out of position when he played and trained there all year. It's just pedantic. 

It's clear to me that Klopp wants Milner in the side and left back was a suitable slot for him. His leadership qualities are apparent. Not to mention when Liverpool were playing so well, a large part of that was Milner's abilities to get involved with the midfield build up on the left hand side with Wijnaldum and Coutinho which allowed more fluid play than if there was a conventional left-footed wing back on that side. 

What better options are available to join and be an immediate replacement for Milner and replace what he brought to the side?

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Imagine thinking James milner was good and will be good enough to play LB for a side wanting to win the PL and challenge in Europe. For starters Clichy would be better than him there, and there is many many options out there for Liverpool to improve at that slot. I actually think they could do with improving at RB too, Clyne is pretty meh too

[lfc91]

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/ryan-sessegnon-alternatives-liverpool-could-13080333

Would prefer the majority of those at LB over Milner.

I think it is fair. Personally don't feel 1 year is enough to make up the gap on players who have played at LB for 10-20 years. Each to their own i suppose. If we don't sign a starting LB then you will most likely be correct, that Klopp wants him in the side. And I will most likely be disappointing.

Yes that is true, and a large part of our attacking play was negated when he would go to the by line and either cut back on his right or put in a poor cross with his left. You are talking as if a natural LB can't become involved in build up in the middle of the park? He obviously has qualities he brings to the team, but I don't feel they trump what a better LB could bring to the team.

[Crimey]

Imagine thinking James milner was good and will be good enough to play LB for a side wanting to win the PL and challenge in Europe. For starters Clichy would be better than him there, and there is many many options out there for Liverpool to improve at that slot. I actually think they could do with improving at RB too, Clyne is pretty meh too

How much of Liverpool do you actually watch? You so often have these opinions and I'm guessing it's just because you don't actually watch because it's a joke. Clichy is past it, he was one of City's very worst players this year. Milner out performed him 10 times over this year. 

Clyne is a fantastic right back and probably the only player in the side who can be confident he'll be first choice next year. Of the other teams in the Premier League, the only two players I'd say would start over him are Kyle Walker and Seamus Coleman. Azpilicueta if he still played there but he hasn't for about 4 years.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

I don't think clyne or milner offer anywhere near enough going forward, and I think this is shown in those games Liverpool always struggle in against sides who just defend against them. You don't play with wingers so rely on full backs to provide width (like spurs), but as lfc points out above milner doesn't provide width on the left cos he's cutting inside and clyne just isn't very good going forward,as shown by his lack of goals/assists. I'd be wanting to improve on them both if I were a Liverpool fan

[lfc91]

I believe long term Trent Alexander Arnold is being earmarked for RB. So whilst Clynes attacking does leave much to be desired, his defensive ability and consistency mean he will be starting RB for a few seasons more at least I would imagine.

[Crimey]

I don't think clyne or milner offer anywhere near enough going forward, and I think this is shown in those games Liverpool always struggle in against sides who just defend against them. You don't play with wingers so rely on full backs to provide width (like spurs), but as lfc points out above milner doesn't provide width on the left cos he's cutting inside and clyne just isn't very good going forward,as shown by his lack of goals/assists. I'd be wanting to improve on them both if I were a Liverpool fan

That would only weaken what is already not a particularly strong defence. We need Clyne to be more defensively solid. 

Parked buses are a problem for all sides and having full backs who sit on the touchline isn't going to change that. The problem with breaking down parked buses is two fold.

1. Not moving the ball quickly enough, too often the passes are too slow, meaning the defence is never stretched, it can move slowly along with the ball.
2. Not enough movement. Players ahead of the ball too often stand still and don't make moves behind the defence which means again the defence can remain relatively static which is easy to defend.

Neither of those problems are going to be particularly solved by having full backs who sit wider and bomb forward.

[Crimey]

And I've noticed you didn't answer my question of how much Liverpool you have watched. Match of the Day highlights don't count.

[LivinginItaly]

Milner did do quite a good job in the left back role. However, I felt at times that being able to use him in the centre of midfield would have been more of an advantage. Particularly in the games where we had both can and Lucas playing. It is milners flexibility which is so important, hence keeping.him.at left back while solving one problem does limit his effectiveness for the team over the course of a season.

[Hammersmith harrier]

Valencia is a better right back than Clyne but is unfortunately getting on now.

[Crimey]

Milner did do quite a good job in the left back role. However, I felt at times that being able to use him in the centre of midfield would have been more of an advantage. Particularly in the games where we had both can and Lucas playing. It is milners flexibility which is so important, hence keeping.him.at left back while solving one problem does limit his effectiveness for the team over the course of a season.

I do in part agree with this, I think if we had better player to cover for Milner when he was needed elsewhere on the pitch that would have been useful. Unfortunately Moreno wasn't good enough. I think that's why buying a younger player to be Milner's understudy for a year or two and to cover him when he plays elsewhere on the pitch would be best.

[lfc91]

Attacking yes, defending no.

[lfc91]

Milner did do quite a good job in the left back role. However, I felt at times that being able to use him in the centre of midfield would have been more of an advantage. Particularly in the games where we had both can and Lucas playing. It is milners flexibility which is so important, hence keeping.him.at left back while solving one problem does limit his effectiveness for the team over the course of a season.

I do in part agree with this, I think if we had better player to cover for Milner when he was needed elsewhere on the pitch that would have been useful. Unfortunately Moreno wasn't good enough. I think that's why buying a younger player to be Milner's understudy for a year or two and to cover him when he plays elsewhere on the pitch would be best.

Just for Clarity, do you believe there are no better LB than Milner out there for Liverpool to realistically buy? Or do you feel prioritizing other positions is more important? Or is it purely the leaderships/link up play he offers you feel a new LB couldn't provide?

[Dolphin Ziggler]

We all watch far too much Liverpool cos they're on TV a lot.

Milner looked poor both the times we played you, and that includes a absolute drubbing. But the main reasons to upgrade are firstly that he doesn't naturally cover round the back of centre backs and secondly that he often delays play as a right-footed left back.

The problem with this Milner conversation is that he's rated on the fact he isn't a natural left back.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Also, BBC reporting Man United are cooling interest in Griezemann as they want a striker

[Crimey]

Milner did do quite a good job in the left back role. However, I felt at times that being able to use him in the centre of midfield would have been more of an advantage. Particularly in the games where we had both can and Lucas playing. It is milners flexibility which is so important, hence keeping.him.at left back while solving one problem does limit his effectiveness for the team over the course of a season.

I do in part agree with this, I think if we had better player to cover for Milner when he was needed elsewhere on the pitch that would have been useful. Unfortunately Moreno wasn't good enough. I think that's why buying a younger player to be Milner's understudy for a year or two and to cover him when he plays elsewhere on the pitch would be best.

Just for Clarity, do you believe there are no better LB than Milner out there for Liverpool to realistically buy? Or do you feel prioritizing other positions is more important? Or is it purely the leaderships/link up play he offers you feel a new LB couldn't provide?

The second two. I think there are much more pressing concerns for the team, particularly in terms of depth which was the major problem last year and is going to be even worse this year. Need to look at signing a new winger who can offer something similar to Mane. Need to sign at least one new central midfielder who can play in hopefully all three of the central midfield positions. I then think it's quite hard to replace what Milner brings because it's quite clear that Klopp could have bought a new left back last summer but there's a reason he put Milner there and it's because of what he offers that is harder to replace. He provides leadership in a team lacking real leaders and as he basically plays as a midfielder, needs to have the quality on the ball as a midfielder.

I would rather keep Milner as first choice for at least this year, then allow more leaders to emerge and have a left back as an understudy who can train to fit into the side ready to replace/rotate with Milner. Klopp is trying to push the ethos of training players rather than buying. He wanted to train Moreno into a better left back, but he clearly felt he could do no more, so buying a younger player, somebody who is 18-20 years old and training them to fit into the side would be the best option.

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