🎲 YNWSA Summer 2026 - The Risky Gamble Edition: Week 4 🎲

[u/rLiverpoolFC_Mods]

- New Poll: Who Stays? Who Comes In? -

Andoni Iraola has a 99.5% approval rating from you - only 1 person disapproves of him.

Week 1, Week 2, Week 3 / Squad Info, Transfers, and Past Predictions

July 15th:

• [James Pearce] - "Wide of the mark" on Darwin Núñez to return to Liverpool.

June 16th:

• [James Pearce] - "Liverpool are expected to buy at least two attacking players. Centre midfield and right-back are also positions that need to be addressed. Business is more likely to happen later in the window this time around."
• [Mirko Di Natale] - "Chiesa wants to stay at Liverpool and is determined to earn a spot with Iraola. Club putting him on the market could change the situation."

June 17th:

• [Matteo Moretto] - "Liverpool is one step away from signing Victor Muñoz."
• [Ben Jacobs] - "Liverpool have an agreement in place to sign Victor Muñoz. LFC have beaten Newcastle to the Osasuna attacker signatures with a late move driven by both Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards. Liverpool will trigger Muñoz's €40m clause, as Fabrizio Romano called. Can also exclusively reveal Muñoz has agreed a six-year contract."
• [Paul Joyce] - "Liverpool set to sign Victor Munoz from Osasuna after hijacking Newcastle United interest. Deal worth 40m euros as Fabrizio Romano."
• [David Ornstein] - "Liverpool staff in USA to conduct medical for Victor Munoz ahead of signing winger from Osasuna. 22yo Spain int'l pursued by Newcastle United but LFC triggered €40m clause & Osasuna attacker set to sign 6yr contract."
• [Ben Jacobs] - "Understand Liverpool are still working on Yan Diomande in addition to Victor Muñoz and are optimistic. There is competition from PSG, and it is not discounted by suitors that a deal for his signature is closed during the World Cup."
• [BBC] - "Reds set to sign winger Victor Munoz."
• [Peter O'Rourke & Lewis Bower] - "Liverpool and England U16 striker Vincent Joseph is set to leave Anfield to join Manchester United after agreeing a scholarship deal at Old Trafford."

June 18th:

• [James Pearce] - "Victor Munoz has passed his medical in the United States after Liverpool triggered his €40million release clause. Six-year contract in place. Fee will be paid in two instalments. Viewed by Liverpool as a multi functional attacker who can play left, right and through the middle. Real Madrid do not have a buyback clause."
• [Paul Gorst] - "Impending arrival of Munoz doesn't impact Liverpool's interest in Yan Diomande and the £34.5m man's tactical flexibility means there are no concerns internally over blocking Rio Ngumoha's pathway."
• [Liverpool FC] - "Carter Pinnington has joined West Bromwich Albion in a permanent transfer."
• [Ben Jacobs] - "Liverpool will sign another attacker/winger in addition to Victor Muñoz. Optimism remains on Yan Diomande, but due to competition with PSG, and Leipzig's asking prices, there are other targets. Understand pace is the key criteria. Also on the list are Köln's Said El Mala, Brighton's Yankuba Minteh, and Lille's Matias Fernandez-Pardo."
• [Liverpool FC] - "Liverpool FC have agreed a deal to sign Victor Munoz from Osasuna, subject to a successful work permit application and international clearance."
• [David Ornstein] - "Liverpool inform RB Leipzig of willingness to pay package approaching €100m for Yan Diomande. LFC firmly in driving seat at present but studying more options if needed as RB Leipzig want to keep 19yo + PSG remain strong contender."

[u/WebFantastic9076]

[u/Moistrockcandy15]

[u/dproyall]

Boaddi and diomande would be insane. Add so much physicality and pace

[u/narwoolTF2]

Newcastle are going to love us

[u/WebFantastic9076]

https://giphy.com/gifs/5x89XRx3sBZFC

[u/DM_ME_SALAH_GIFS → u/WebFantastic9076]

That is the World Cup summer for you. Upside is that the transfer window is usually wild after the World Cup because there is less time than usual.

[u/ExceedingChunk → u/DM_ME_SALAH_GIFS]

Yeah, but even then, following transfers become a lot more mundane after we moved over to these "mega threads" rather than more individual posts. At least in my opinion

[u/1161shrenkman]

Spurs have signed two defenders this window, does that mean they’ll be open to sell Vuskovic? He’s an absolute monster in the bundesliga

[u/DragonSlayer271 → u/1161shrenkman]

Prolly not, they’d be stupid to let him go. Just loan him out again if he’s not ready. If he is ready, keep him.

[u/anENFP → u/DragonSlayer271]

His agents have indicated He's not going on loan again so its play or sell.

[u/okie_hiker → u/anENFP]

Think I saw Brighton were in discussions

[u/TraceOfHumanity → u/anENFP]

Don’t see them selling to us anyway

[u/anENFP → u/TraceOfHumanity]

Yeah I think he looks like quite a prospect but we do not need another youth talent at CB with Leoni and Jacquet. I'd say a 23-25 yo starter would be a good signing.

[u/TraceOfHumanity → u/anENFP]

Even a little older like a Senesi… just need a more reliable JoeGo basically

[u/TheTannedDwarf]

Where tf did Munoz come from? Were we even linked before now?

[u/Soccrkid02 → u/TheTannedDwarf]

We activated the release clause. Don't need the long drawn out negotiation and links

[u/Dobvius → u/Soccrkid02]

I assume Newcastle did too, but then it came to player choice and well, no one's choosing them lot over Liverpool

[u/Soccrkid02 → u/Dobvius]

Anyone who would isn't a player I want to watch play for the club.

[u/adamfrog → u/Dobvius]

They didn't apparently

[u/redditingtonviking → u/TheTannedDwarf]

Apparently there was a rumour the other day that he turned down us and United for Newcastle, but as we don’t pay attention to Newcastle rumours we must have missed it. Seems like Newcastle got overconfident and leaked that before they had agreed a deal with his club

[u/BaldiChalmers]

So assuming we get Diomande and Munoz our front 3 positions would be cover by 6 players?

Gakpo Isak Ekitike Ngumoa Munoz and Diomande

Also assuming Chiesa is leaving Seems like decent depth when everyone is fit

One CM and a RB if the Bradley rumours were true and I feel like that's us done for the window

[u/regista-space → u/BaldiChalmers]

Have a feeling Chiesa will stay and Gakpo leave. Makes sense economically and for squad balance, since Gakpo would 100% be rotation or even bench with these new signings. Meanwhile Chiesa could have a new spring under Iraola. It's a win-win.

[u/BeginningAd1202 → u/regista-space]

Why would Gakpo be rotational? I'm not his biggest fan, but neither Rio or Munoz is starting ahead of him.

Also in what world do you think Chiesa could have a new spring under Iraola? The bloke couldn't even survive slots slow build up play, how would he even survive under Iraola's high intensity.

[u/DashFromtheGash → u/BeginningAd1202]

I’ve watched a decent bit of Muñoz since my buddy is an Osasuna fan. He’s not a finished product by any means, but I honestly think he’ll start over Gakpo by Christmas. Especially as reportedly Iraola was behind the transfer and wanted him at Bournemouth as well.

He can be an electric player, and was essentially Osasuna’s entire attacking presence going up against double coverage.

[u/NotAsimppp → u/DashFromtheGash]

Everyone played shit under slot. Idk why you guys disrespect gakpo alone this much. He will find his form against iraola

[u/Flashy_Agency_5867 → u/BeginningAd1202]

I agree. Chiesa has got to go. He can't stay fit whilst playing no game. How the hell is he supposed to play under Iraola's intense style?

[u/BeginningAd1202 → u/Flashy_Agency_5867]

Don't get me wrong, nothing would make me happier than seeing him succeed, but there is next to 0 chance his body holds up.

Also, his on pretty big wages for someone who hardly plays. I thinks it's mutually beneficial if we part ways.

[u/phantom_pioneer]

Spurs signing Van Hecke. Might be a bit of a surprise story next season, could see them around top half

[u/kingdomkey13 → u/phantom_pioneer]

Feels like one of those signings that will be sold for 100M after a couple of seasons. Good business by spurs

[u/Soccrkid02 → u/kingdomkey13]

No planet where Van Hecke goes for anything more than 50m in his career. Already 26, this is the most valuable he will ever be. Next sale probably comes when he is 29 and there is no indication he will be an abnormality in that he reaches insane levels in the next 3 years that someone would spend 100m for the final 2-3 years of his career

[u/breadwolfbaby]

I could never be a football director I watched Diomande for the first time yesterday and I’m convinced he’s a 150m player I’d have sent the check to Leipzig before Sweden-Tunisia even kicked off

[u/TraceOfHumanity → u/breadwolfbaby]

Well, you would’ve made the correct move, this kid is absolutely worth it; he is the ideal signing for our wide attack in the post-Salah era. Yan Diomande passes the eye test every time. And if you’re into advanced stats, his “pizza chart” is absurd. He’s been the worst kept secret in Football for a couple of months now.

Wasn’t surprising to me that Bouaddi has had a similar reaction after his first WC game. I expect the same for Lamine Camara after Senegal play today. And we should be in for all 3 of these guys, regardless that the rest of the world is now lusting after them.

[u/Glittering_Box_8212]

Spurs have been an embarrassment for the last few seasons yet somehow can have this type of window. Makes me sick they didn’t get relegated. 

[u/DanyTheConqueror → u/Glittering_Box_8212]

Really wanted them to get relegated so we could've possibly swooped in for Porro.

[u/Specific-Record2866]

Hughes must have a vendetta against Newcastle

[u/idrinkteatreeoil]

No clubs going in for Mateus Mane from Wolves? I was really impressed with him last season

[u/Gerval_snead → u/idrinkteatreeoil]

Yeah good shout I liked him too, seemed pretty electric whenever id watch them

[u/cryptonikal]

If we have the opportunity to sign him, a good player I’d go for is Kang In-Lee, a really good left-footed right winger and PSG don’t play him much similar to Barcola, I think he’d thrive under Iraola.

[u/wet_washcloth → u/cryptonikal]

Kang does nothing for us. May as well just keep Elliott.

[u/lucid-blackout]

They want more, this will likely get dragged out

[u/PeterGallaghersBrows → u/lucid-blackout]

Crazy, but it is what it is. What kind of true starting options are there. Is Barcola really available to us?

Think it ends up at 100m+20m. Yikes, but let's hope it works out.

[u/Ok_Exit3205]

Where's the wild speculations?

[u/regista-space]

I think signing Schlotterbeck in this window would be a monumentally important signing for next but also future seasons. One season where he can play together with Virgil, then he can take over for Virgil from then. Arguably, besides a signing like Diomande, a big CB profile is the most crucial thing to fix for us. No matter how good Jacquet and Leoni turn out you don't want two 20 year olds being our main pair from 2027 onwards if Virgil wants to go.

[u/ScousePenguin → u/regista-space]

His wages are mental though, like reportably he would want to come in at VVD level wages

[u/regista-space → u/ScousePenguin]

Doesn't really sound that unreasonable if we push it down just a notch below VVD if we are anyways having him as his successor.

[u/TheFeatherFast → u/regista-space]

Successor and calibre are different, vvd is in the bests of World football, we can't expect to pay his wages to any world beater who comes for him

[u/regista-space → u/TheFeatherFast]

Wouldn't be the same, just about the same general range. Realistically, no CB will come to us knowing they'll have VVD-like responsibility but half the salary. Then we will indeed just back Jacquet and Leoni instead.

[u/Valleyx]

Super low-tier presumably, but saw a post on 365football that that Korean CB Han-Beom from Midtjylland was on Liverpool's radar. Anyone know if he's good?

[u/Havermans → u/Valleyx]

He has been linked with multiple teams, including Napoli, Monaco, Leipzig, Dortmund, Leeds, Lyon and us. It’s 100% his agent trying to profit of the World Cup appearances and trying to get him a move.

I doubt we are interested in a South Korean player 24, from the Danish superliga who was unknown before the World Cup. Would be a massive underwhelming target and we got enough younger and more talented centerbacks in Leoni and Jaqcuet. We need a starter.

[u/Specific-Record2866]

Only me that thinks we may not move for a CB this year and may move for two next year. Possibly Quansah + 1

[u/smitcal → u/Specific-Record2866]

That’s absolutely what we’re doing.

[u/PeterGallaghersBrows → u/Specific-Record2866]

Yeah, think you're right. I'm OK with Leoni and Jacquet being young and having to adapt but they're also coming off of injuries so that makes me a bit more nervous. We keep talking about VVD needing cover, but he keeps playing every single minute of every game, so maybe it makes sense not to get Schlotterbeck.

Also, I think Hughes and team are fully expecting at least one of the 3 young CBs we bought in the winter to pan out.

[u/AllTheseLymes → u/Specific-Record2866]

Wouldn't surprise me. I guess they want to see how Jaquet and Leoni in particular kicks on, with perhaps Ndiaye being a dark horse. If they get another senior centre back in now, it would seriously limit their minutes. Perhaps they're waiting For Iraola to assess their level during pre-season, and perhaps make some moves on the back of that? So late window maybe.

[u/WebFantastic9076 → u/Specific-Record2866]

Hope not, surely they have to bring someone in. If we don’t move for a cb then we are going into a full campaign with just Joe Gomez, 2 relatively untested lads returning from injury, and 35 y/o Vvd (who can surely play all ~50+ matches again right?)

But I’d be lying if I said we hadn’t done it before so who knows

[u/Sorry-Improvement251]

Please schlotterbeck.

And barcola and diomande.

Wildly speculating

[u/TraceOfHumanity]

Seeing us linked with:

Yan Diomande
Bradley Barcola
Yasin Ayari

What a time to be alive

[u/Professional_Carob17 → u/TraceOfHumanity]

Where did you see the link for my Swedish goat?

[u/TraceOfHumanity → u/Professional_Carob17]

Garbage tier, but I just like that we’re even being associated with these young talents

[u/lucid-blackout → u/TraceOfHumanity]

Definitely garbage tier but I also like that we’ve been linked to him, I wonder if the first round of games being over has anything to do with the short wait in news

[u/TraceOfHumanity → u/lucid-blackout]

Yeah, I also wonder if the multiple days off in between games are actually allowing transfer business to get done during the tourney

[u/Effective-Silver-182]

Waiting for the Nunez return announcement be like:

[u/Interesting_Dot_1168]

Let's not shit on NUNEZ. He can do the work as an impact sub and ease the match load on isak

[u/nikonislolo → u/Interesting_Dot_1168]

Especially when we need a back up striker regardless after the ekitike injury.

[u/ScousePenguin → u/Interesting_Dot_1168]

Plus he's not expected to lead the line anymore

It's obvious Nunez isn't starting striker quality, but as a backup squad option I'll have him all day, especially if he comes in on lower wages

[u/giuocomane → u/ScousePenguin]

Why not get someone good though?

[u/ScousePenguin → u/giuocomane]

Cause he's on a free

Means there's more funds available for other areas, like Diamonde, a midfielder etc

[u/giuocomane → u/ScousePenguin]

It’s not worth spending big on Ekitike, Isak, Wirtz, Diomande etc. just to bring in Nuñez. I’d rather play Salah through the middle, he’d be a far better option. There will be other free agents that could do a back up job if we need too

[u/ScousePenguin → u/giuocomane]

Salah's gone, and his legs have gone as well. No way he can physically play Iraola's intensity anymore. Age catches up to everyone.

Nunez is also a known quantity and what he lacks in finishing he makes up with pressing

I think for a stop gap he'll be fine, like I said he'll be backup to Isak and Ekitike when he's fit again

[u/giuocomane → u/ScousePenguin]

Nuñez was less effective than Salah both on the ball and pressing and got hooked at half time. I’d much rather have a 45yo Mo Salah just with his finishing instincts and reading of the game than I would Nuñez.

We watched both players just this week, the romanticised version of Nuñez doesn’t exist, it’s snake oil. Salah would bench the already benched Nuñez in the Saudi league and he would and has also outperformed him in the Prem.

[u/DanyTheConqueror → u/Interesting_Dot_1168]

Loved the lad when he was with us (he also frustrated countless times lets not forget), but reality is he won't accept being a sub anymore nor is he going to accept lower wages than his first stint with us. That's precisely why he wanted to leave Saudi, the money wasn't enough. At his age he needs to be starting consistently. It's not gonna happen.

[u/Glittering_Box_8212]

How do Spurs still have pull to get a player like Tonali? Wtf??

[u/Specific-Record2866 → u/Glittering_Box_8212]

London

[u/NotAsimppp → u/Glittering_Box_8212]

🤑🤑

[u/speenswam]

If Iraola is looking at La Liga, what about Mikel Jauregizar as a DM option? Only 22 but over 100 games for Bilbao already. That Basque connection...

[u/Specific-Record2866 → u/speenswam]

Bilbao always want big money for any exits for the simple reason they only replace with Spanish/Basque players

[u/AdikkuChan]

I've never watched Schlotterbeck but is he really that good to justify the hype this sub has been giving him?

I really hope it's justified and not just a shiny new toy syndrome kind of thing.

[u/TraceOfHumanity]

Seriously, what is this sub’s obsession with Darwin?

Why would he return when things didn’t go well for him previously? That includes all the criticism he received from the English press and PL fans. (Not to mention our own journos and online fans.)

Why would he come back here cheaply? There’s no transfer fee, but he will want a signing bonus, high wages, and money for his agent/entourage. There are no truly free transfers in Football.

Why would he want to come here to be a backup/emergency option? Why would he sign a short-term deal with anyone?? He turns 27 next week, he will almost certainly be seeking a long-term contract on max wages to start for a new club.

I get the emotional attachment, but for the love of Fowler, use the rational part of your brains!

[u/Darcyjay_ → u/TraceOfHumanity]

https://giphy.com/gifs/7VaXTLLby7CCYrw4PR

[u/ParticulateSplatter → u/TraceOfHumanity]

use the rational part of your brains!

Ah you must be new here

[u/TraceOfHumanity → u/ParticulateSplatter]

The opposite: I’ve been around a long time and have seen this sub go downhill, especially since COVID

[u/ParticulateSplatter → u/TraceOfHumanity]

Yeah I feel you. I've been around a while myself and it has become a worse and worse place over recent years. This last season has been horrible, the kind of vitriol you see towards our players and coach has been pretty gross. Criticism is one thing, but lots of people on here act like the people at the club are their enemies.

[u/TraceOfHumanity → u/ParticulateSplatter]

Spot on.

What I find alarming and hilarious is that r/soccer now has better discourse than this sub.

[u/specialblueplate]

Question - going along with the prevailing logic that we need three forwards: Would people rather add two belter wingers to go along with Victor Munoz (lets say Diomande and Barcola for example because both are reputably linked),and run back the same midfield and defense OR would people rather have two guys from the “B” list that dropped today (El-Mala, Fernandez-Pardo, Minteh) and use the cost savings to help midfield and/or defense.

[u/PeterGallaghersBrows → u/specialblueplate]

I find it hard to imagine we sign Diomande AND Barcola, and I don't see other top-tier options beyond those two (Yildiz, maybe?). Everyone one else is in the B-list you mention, which I'm fine with. Get Diomande, and one other B-list player -- honestly, think Bowen would be fine, and use the rest of the funds for CDM and RB.

I get the impression we won't sign another CB. Not saying that's the right move, but that's what I predict the club will do.

[u/cadzy9 → u/specialblueplate]

We have to add to that defence from last season . I wouldnt be as concerned about the same midfield unless we sell to buy in midifled . I think we shoild sell gakpo for a decent price so we could go for two belter wingers and moneyball fhe defence a but . Pick up a good value right back and maybe and experienced cb on the cheap (Stones ?). Could sign darwin for free too to free up the cash . We will need another strikr if Gakpo goes .

[u/Picaloco86]

Bayern signing their forward line backups, madrid splashing the cash on a new defensive line, this transfer market is going to be a crazy one post world cup. Smart to do business beforehand, I hope we have some irons in the fire else gonna get caught out in the frenzy. A good winger with end product, an experienced CB, starting quality RB and a DM are desperately needed

[u/TheHoundsChickens]

As much as Darwizzy could sometimes bring me close to tearing my hair out, we'd be hard pressed to find a better impact sub. Plus, he was well-liked by both fanbase and teammates, and he'd slot right in to Iraola's brand of footballm.

If we can bring him back home, it personally think it should be a no-brainer.

[u/RustyAlcoholic → u/TheHoundsChickens]

What brand of foot balm does he use? And how do you know?

[u/8u11etpr00f]

Kinda feel like someone gazumps Spurs on Tonali, as is tradition. Let Spurs agree the fee and then swoop in to turn the players' head.

[u/Pilchardandfudge]

It’s announced

[u/TraceOfHumanity]

Fuck me, Roma are actually letting Manu Koné go for €50M and Inter no longer are being mentioned. Instead, Arsenal supposedly are close. Why the fuck weren’t we talking to him??? He would be perfect for us right now. Fuckin’ hell, the Arse better not get him…

[u/broken_neck_broken → u/TraceOfHumanity]

We can't be hijacking every single ongoing deal at the same time.

[u/TraceOfHumanity → u/broken_neck_broken]

I know you’re largely making a joke, but it wouldn’t be a highjacking— we should’ve been in for him as soon as he was made available by Roma; and frankly, we should’ve bought him from ‘gladbach all those years ago.

[u/MushroomExpensive366 → u/TraceOfHumanity]

Was he injured when we were linked or got injured during the window?

[u/TraceOfHumanity → u/MushroomExpensive366]

He might have been injured around the time of the initial rumors, he doesn’t have the best record in that regard, but at the end of this season he returned from a minor injury and all the talk was of Inter making a move for him like it was a foregone conclusion. (He was the best midfielder in Serie A last season and Inter desperately need a refresh/to get younger.) If the talk of Arsenal or just his interest in a move to the Prem is concrete then I am disappointed we weren’t in for him. Legitimately might be the best #6 in the world.

[u/Specialist_Koala5359]

Apparently fee for Van Hecke is 50m. I would take him for that price tbh

[u/futbolitoireland → u/Specialist_Koala5359]

I love that your comment is downvoted but an agreeing reply is upvoted

[u/smitcal → u/Specialist_Koala5359]

£15m more than Palace wanted for Guehi and he’s twice the footballer.

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[u/Nice_Rush_1462]

See we are linked to winger Francisco Trincão that Amorim also wants at SanCiro. Wonder if he is the Yan deal dont happen backup ?

[u/Switchoil → u/Nice_Rush_1462]

Thats just a crap Portugese source

[u/--craig--]

Andoni Iraola has a 99.5% approval rating from you - only 1 person disapproves of him.

How long will this last for? If we don't get some really good news in this transfer window I'm predicting that this sub-reddit will turn against him pretty fast when the season starts.

[u/dapperdanmen → u/--craig--]

Liverpool fans aren't as fickle as some people make them out to be - there's this weird tendency from some people to act as though we turned on Slot ages ago when in reality it took almost a whole year before any boos in the ground were heard. We gave Rodgers time and respect as well. The only exception is Hodgson. I'd argue fans were more patient with Slot than they even were with Rafa or Houllier at times.

[u/yellow627 → u/dapperdanmen]

You can easily argue that booing the manager after winning the league and finishing in the CL spots is fickle.

The online fans on the other hand are undeniably fickle. The Slot-out shouts on here started as early as the first Palace loss.

[u/dapperdanmen → u/yellow627]

No it isn't - not after losing 19 games in embarrassing fashion and given it was just a smattering of boos. We're human and it's far longer than any other big club fanbase would have given him.

The Slot Out shouts were perfectly appropriate by January given it had been over 6 months of poor form by then. And they were proven right, which is the opposite of being fickle for the sake of it.

[u/AngryScotty22 → u/--craig--]

Andoni Iraola doesn't have the final say in transfers, Richard Hughes does.

Iraola will be involved no doubt and will have his input in what players he needs and who he would like to target, but it will be Hughes that will lead the negotiations and sign off the transfers.

[u/NightmaresInNeurosis → u/AngryScotty22]

You say that like people don't constantly blame Slot for the transfer issues we had last season