Sean

Liverpool to get 2 hours injury time if they are doing shit. Not that that's much of a difference from last season anyway

We need some under 21's for strength in our squad, as 2 of our 25 are Ritchie and Dummett. I don't see how some find this such a hard concept to grasp. It's why signing players like Livramento and Lewis Hall would be such a fantastic idea. They wouldn't take a spot in the 25 so we would be able to have a much stronger squad overall. It's Anderson as an option, or having one less player available.

The aim has to be Champions League qualification again, and to attempt to win a trophy (like last year). I'm sure that's what the team will be targeting. I wouldn't be disappointed with 7th or thereabouts, as this season could be very competitive at the top. The way last season panned out, it was imperative to finish top 4 as the opportunity was there, it would have been a bit of a crushing blow to falter from the position we got ourselves in, and I'm sure the players would have been more gutted than us as fans if we had blown it. I think it's because of how well we did last year that I don't feel we have to do it again. We are heading in the right direction and will keep improving and getting stronger and stronger. Next year is about adjusting to the extra games and expectations and challenges that come with being a top team. If the chance for a top 4 finish is there to be taken again however, we have to take that chance. So excited for the coming season.

The kids are alright

Thought that was Bruno back to his very best for a minute

Worth staying up for. Possibly.

Barnes is gonna be such a threat to teams this season.

No European club was going to get near the wages on offer from Saudi so we'll never know how much they may have been prepared to pay for him. I'd be staggered if it's not at least £30 million, despite all the noise.

I don't think you are imagining it. I think some of it comes down to the source putting their spin on the deal, and the journalist putting this take out there. Would make sense seeing as the source is very rarely from our club

He looks a confident lad, and he seemed to be on the same wavelength as the rest of the team despite having not even trained with them. Think he'll be great for us from the off.

Just turned this on for the first time a few minutes ago to see Brazil score the most typical Brazil goal ever. They may get me into the women's game at this rate

There is no referee here is there

Lascelles, fucking hell

No chance we do. With having Dummett and Ritchie taking up 2 squad places, we need some under 21s we don't need to register.

Where's Willock? Is he injured or something I've completely missed

Was gonna just reply with but we, or rather Howe, has exceeded expectations by a mile in each of his 2 seasons so far so stranger things have happened.

He's not even comparable to HBA in terms of talent. And no that's not a dig at him.

There is some slight truth in Gordon and Barnes not being quite the same calibre or having as high a ceiling as the likes of Bruno, Botman, Isak and Tonali. However we are building a squad, that has to include a number of English players who are good enough to contribute significantly, as they are. We can't go out and buy the likes of Grealish, Rice or Kane with the premium prices they attract so the level below that is where we have aimed. Add more world beaters from abroad and we're laughing.

This thread needs more killer cats discussion as the arguments about his ability/fitness/workrate/attitude/assists/wouldbeassistsifotherscouldfinish have been done to death. Honourable mention to the posters trying to claim he's world class. I'm all for mental takes such as that.

I haven't got the same attachment to him as many on here, as someone else pointed out earlier not caring about the club under Ashley meant I missed most of his best performances here. I still got a pang of sadness reading the thread title though, and £30 million seems a bit on the low side. Still, it's needed to help the club progress I guess so I can live with that.

Can't remember the last time we conceded a goal in such a manner. Let's not make a habit of it

These 'songs' are almost making me wish we never bothered signing him

Most people would simply take a step back, reflect and apologise for such a batshit crazy opinion aimed at most of the population of England