Liverpool related transfer speculation

[StevieM]

My theory is that Gomez leaves.
Tuchel picked these CB's for upcoming internationals:
Dan Burn (Newcastle), Trevoh Chalobah (Chelsea), Levi Colwill (Chelsea), (Chelsea), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa)

Seriously, a fully fit Gomez is better than all of them.
He has to leave if he wants to make the world cup squad. To me it's a no-brainer, he wanted to leave last summer and they convinced him to stay.

[Pearce] “Yeah, it was definitely for real.” Joe Gomez on how close he came to leaving Liverpool last summer and his delight that he ended up staying put. “I know how blessed I am to be here. It will be 10 years next summer. I love this club.”

Yeah, but he’s due a testimonial now isn’t he - not that that’s a reason to stay.

It really is down to what he wants, he’s clearly happy, lives the club and is an enormously popular player in the dressing room, works hard (when not dead) and doesn’t complain if he’s not playing.

If playing for England in the World Cup is his goal, then fair enough, but he’d be sacrificing the chance to win more medals while potentially playing for a mid table team.

I mean, he’s earned the right to do what he feels is best, but Ivdontvtjink were pushing him out the door.

Feels like he’d transition into a youth coaching role very well - seems intelligent and genuinely good role model.

Besides… he’s has to score before he’s allowed to leave or retire.

Other thing is, apart from Huijsen, we haven’t really been linked firmly with other CB’s in the way we’ve been linked to FBs - which leads me to think we’re not planning for lots of changes at CB this summer.

Don’t think Nallo is quite ready to step up yet, but maybe pre-season will suggest otherwise.

 

[Modo]

Yeah, but he’s due a testimonial now isn’t he - not that that’s a reason to stay.

It really is down to what he wants, he’s clearly happy, lives the club and is an enormously popular player in the dressing room, works hard (when not dead) and doesn’t complain if he’s not playing.

If playing for England in the World Cup is his goal, then fair enough, but he’d be sacrificing the chance to win more medals while potentially playing for a mid table team.

I mean, he’s earned the right to do what he feels is best, but Ivdontvtjink were pushing him out the door.

Feels like he’d transition into a youth coaching role very well - seems intelligent and genuinely good role model.

Besides… he’s has to score before he’s allowed to leave or retire.

Other thing is, apart from Huijsen, we haven’t really been linked firmly with other CB’s in the way we’ve been linked to FBs - which leads me to think we’re not planning for lots of changes at CB this summer.

Don’t think Nallo is quite ready to step up yet, but maybe pre-season will suggest otherwise.

Nallo was sent to Neverland after that PSV game and he's not coming home any time soon.

We're definitely not asking Gomez to leave, I strongly believe Slot wants him to stay. But the only reason he got significant minutes this season is because Konate got injured.

Just like Trent, Gomez has won everything, I'm not sure he himself wants to chase medals while being on the sidelines. He just turned 28 and is about to finish his 10th year at the club. It feels like a good time to leave, especially after winning a title. There will be suitors, plenty of them.

Regarding testimonials, well, it's not like it used to be. You usually don't get one while you're still in your prime nowadays.

 

[StevieM]

Nallo was sent to Neverland after that PSV game and he's not coming home any time soon.

We're definitely not asking Gomez to leave, I strongly believe Slot wants him to stay. But the only reason he got significant minutes this season is because Konate got injured.

Just like Trent, Gomez has won everything, I'm not sure he himself wants to chase medals while being on the sidelines. He just turned 28 and is about to finish his 10th year at the club. It feels like a good time to leave, especially after winning a title. There will be suitors, plenty of them.

Regarding testimonials, well, it's not like it used to be. You usually don't get one while you're still in your prime nowadays.

That’s it though, we don’t know what Gomez wants. I think he’s a completely different character to Trent, who obviously fancied a bit of the glitz that Real could offer - Gomez clearly doesn’t, hrs always come across as introverted and less enamoured with the trapping of celebrity.

Slot clearly rates him highly as both player and part of the squad, so that “being wanted” part might be enough for him to stay were he is - only he’ll know that.

I wouldn’t read too much into the Nallo situation - after the PSV game there really only was 1 FA Cup game for him to appear in - and he was on the bench - the Plymouth game and that would have been a disaster if he’d played in it.

I think he’ll have an opportunity to show in pre-season whether he can step up and be more involved in match squads, is ready for/needs a loan or needs another year of development - he’s still only 18 - no need to rush him.

Again, I go back to the dangers of trying to change too much, to quickly - I’d be surprised if we let more than one of Konate, Quansah or Gomez leave this summer - even if it meant losing Konate on a free - and wouldn’t be at all surprised if none leave and we don’t sign a CB.

 

[keniget]

Gomez could’ve been a great player but injuries have really hampered his career.

It’s a big risk for a mid table club to spend good money for him as he can’t be relied on.

 

[bluebell]

Joe's lack of minutes is due to him being unable to stay fit. He missed 28 games due to a hamstring injury. Not sure how if he moves he increases his playing time when he is likely to be injured after a string of consecutive games. I would rather keep but someone makes an offer of north on £50m (which no one will) I would keep him and manage him like CJ

 

[Modo]

Joe's lack of minutes is due to him being unable to stay fit. He missed 28 games due to a hamstring injury. Not sure how if he moves he increases his playing time when he is likely to be injured after a string of consecutive games. I would rather keep but someone makes an offer of north on £50m (which no one will) I would keep him and manage him like CJ

Newcastle were ready to spend £45 mill on him last season.

 

[bluebell]

Newcastle were ready to spend £45 mill on him last season.

that was last season, he has just come back from a long lay off, no decent club will take a risk on him. Boscagli has signed for Brighton, Tah has signed for Bayern. West ham have offered a 5 year contract to CJ Egan-Riley , he is only 22 English, a free agent and can play full back as well as CB. England U21 international. he obviously has potential. Though he is squad option.


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bF86IITYv4&t=113s

Scouting Report: CJ Egan-Riley
Player Details

• Name: Conrad Jaden Egan-Riley
• Position: Centre-Back (CB), Right-Back (RB), Defensive Midfielder (DM)
• Club: Burnley FC (EFL Championship)
• Age: 22 (Born January 2, 2003, Manchester, England)
• Height/Weight: 183 cm (6’0”) / 74 kg (163 lbs)
• Foot: Right (3* weak foot per EA FC)
• Nationality: England (eligible for Ireland, Jamaica)
• Contract Status: Expires June 30, 2025 (linked with Strasbourg, West Ham) web:3,4,11,14post:0,2,9,11
• International: England U15–U21, Republic of Ireland U16 (2018 Victory Shield)

---

Background
CJ Egan-Riley emerged from Manchester City’s academy, training with the club for over a decade and winning the FA Youth Cup in 2020. He made his professional debut in 2021 (EFL Cup vs. Wycombe Wanderers) and his UEFA Champions League debut in 2022 (vs. Sporting CP), earning praise from Pep Guardiola for his versatility and composure. Transferred to Burnley in July 2022, he struggled for minutes under Vincent Kompany, leading to loans at Hibernian (Scottish Premiership, 2023) and Jong PSV (Eerste Divisie, 2024). Under Scott Parker in 2024–25, Egan-Riley became a key part of Burnley’s record-breaking Championship defense, earning EFL Young Player of the Month for February 2025 and a spot in the 2024–25 EFL Championship Team of the Season.web:5,16web:5,14

---

2024–25 Season Performance

• Appearances: 43 matches in the EFL Championship (as of May 2025)
  
  
• Goals/Assists: 1 goal (vs. Coventry City, November 2024), no assists recorded
  
  
• Key Metrics (per 90 minutes, 2024–25 Championship):
  • Passing: 82% pass accuracy, 1.02 switches (elite-level), 15 passes into the final third
  • Defensive: 100% duel win rate in standout games (e.g., vs. Blackburn Rovers), not dribbled past
  • Shooting: 9 shots, 1 goal (xG: 0.58, 0.06 xG/shot), including 1/1 left-footed conversion, 0/2 right-footed, 0/6 headers
    
    
  • Sofascore Rating: 7.4 (e.g., vs. Millwall, 3–1 win)
• Team Context: Partnered with Maxime Esteve, contributed to Burnley’s record-equaling 30 clean sheets and 16 goals conceded in 46 Championship games, securing promotion. web:11,14

---

Playing Style and Positional Versatility
Egan-Riley is a versatile defender capable of playing centre-back, right-back, or defensive midfielder. His primary role in 2024–25 has been centre-back, where he excels in Scott Parker’s possession-based, defensively solid system. web:5,22

• Centre-Back: Anchors Burnley’s backline with composure, reading the game well to intercept and block shots. His 100% duel win rate and zero times dribbled past in key matches highlight his defensive reliability.
• Right-Back: Showcased at Manchester City (e.g., Champions League vs. Sporting CP), he offers attacking overlaps and solid 1v1 defending, though less frequent in 2024–25.
  
  
• Defensive Midfielder: Comfortable in possession, with elite switch-pass accuracy (1.02/90), he can break lines and initiate attacks from deeper positions.

---

Strengths

1. Versatility: Seamlessly adapts across CB, RB, and DM, making him valuable for tactical flexibility. Praised by Pep Guardiola for his multi-positional capability. web:5,16
2. Defensive Solidity: Exceptional in duels (100% win rate in standout games), rarely dribbled past, and strong in aerial challenges and ball-blocking. Contributes to Burnley’s league-best defense (16 goals conceded).
   
   
3. Ball-Playing Ability: 82% pass accuracy and 1.02 switches/90 demonstrate confidence in possession, ideal for modern, build-from-the-back systems.
4. Youth and Potential: At 22, rated 75 with 84 potential in EA FC 25, he’s a developing talent with room to grow into a Premier League starter.
   
   
5. Work Rate: Medium/medium (EA FC 25) or medium/high (EA FC 24) work rates ensure consistent effort defensively and in transitions. web:6,8

---

Weaknesses

1. Concentration: Rated “very weak” by WhoScored, suggesting occasional lapses in focus, though not evident in 2024–25 metrics.
   
   
2. Attacking Output: Limited offensive contribution (1 goal, 0 assists in 43 games), with low xG (0.58) and poor header conversion (0/6). Not a goal-scoring threat from set pieces.
   
   
3. Physical Presence: At 183 cm and 74 kg, he lacks the imposing frame of elite centre-backs, potentially struggling against physical strikers in the Premier League. web:3,6
4. Inconsistent Early Career: Struggled for minutes under Kompany at Burnley (pre-2024) and during loans at Hibernian and Jong PSV, indicating adaptation challenges.

---

Statistical Comparison

• Positional Peers (FBref, 2024–25): Compared to Championship centre-backs over 3,601 minutes, Egan-Riley ranks highly in defensive metrics (tackles, interceptions) and passing (switches, final-third entries), but lower in attacking output (xG, assists).
  
  
• Standout Game (vs. Blackburn Rovers): 82% pass accuracy, 15 final-third passes, 100% duel win rate, not dribbled past, showcasing his defensive and distributive strengths.

---

Recent Developments and Transfer Interest

• 2024–25 Accolades: EFL Young Player of the Month (February 2025) for five clean sheets; named in EFL Championship Team of the Season.
  
  
• Transfer Rumors: Out of contract in June 2025, Egan-Riley is reportedly close to a five-year deal with Strasbourg (Ligue 1), with interest from West Ham and Chelsea scouts. Strasbourg’s European qualification and links to Chelsea’s “BlueCo” project make it appealing. web:11,14,23post:0,1,2,3
• International Call-Up: First England U21 call-up in March 2025, signaling growing recognition.

---

Scouting Assessment
Egan-Riley is a promising, versatile defender with a strong defensive foundation and ball-playing ability, ideal for teams emphasizing possession and defensive stability. His 2024–25 season demonstrates maturity beyond his 22 years, anchoring Burnley’s record-breaking defense. His elite switch-passing and duel-winning ability make him a modern centre-back, though his slight frame and limited attacking output may hinder him against top-tier competition. His loans to Hibernian and Jong PSV suggest resilience, but earlier struggles indicate he thrives under the right system (e.g., Parker’s). A move to Strasbourg could test him in Ligue 1, with potential for a future Premier League return, possibly via Chelsea’s network.post:1,2

Development Areas:

• Improve concentration to eliminate lapses.
  
  
• Enhance physicality to compete with elite strikers.
• Increase attacking contributions, especially from set pieces.

Projected Role: Starting centre-back or rotational right-back/defensive midfielder in a mid-table Premier League or top Ligue 1 side within 2–3 years, with potential to reach top-tier clubs if he develops physically and offensively.

---

Critical Notes

• Data Limitations: Metrics are Championship-focused; Premier League performance is untested since his brief Manchester City stint (e.g., 2022 Newcastle game).
  
  
• Source Bias: X posts (e.g., Post 5) may inflate his value due to transfer speculation, but statistical sources (FBref, Sofascore) provide objective data. web:0,19
• Contract Uncertainty: His free-agent status (June 2025) drives interest, but Burnley’s promotion may influence his decision to stay or leave. web:9,11

 

[Modo]

CJ is shite.

 

[bluebell]

Our CB issue as its stands.
Quansah wants minutes but Slot reckons he doesn't win enough duels and the kid lost all confidence after that.
Joe, probably wants to play only CB but he can't be relied on to stay fit
Konate, has 1 year left wants an increase

solution

1) Convince everyone to stay not recruit CBs for at least half a season. I think we can survive half a season. Maybe get CJ Egan Riley as back-up if we face an injury crisis on our backline
2) Upamecano and Guhi have 1 year left on their contracts can the be convinced to come as 3rd choice

 

[bluebell]

CJ is shite.

You'll get @moron upset

Joking aside, they're moving so fast with signings, it looks like they've tapped (via agents) their top targets. If they get a CB will it be a squad option or someone who will rotate between Konate and VVD eventually replacing the big man?

 

[Modo]

You'll get @moron upset

Joking aside, they're moving so fast with signings, it looks like they've tapped (via agents) their top targets. If they get a CB will it be a squad option or someone who will rotate between Konate and VVD eventually replacing the big man?

Has to be, because we were after Huijsen

 

[bluebell]

Has to be, because we were after Huijsen

Huijesen was 19 and would have come in as 3rd choice so I assume he was okay waiting a year or two.
Most seasons I go on about one position to strengthen and for the the last couple seasons it has been the defence. We have got LB and a RB. I am sure there is a CB on the list and even if there isn't we have Steph who has shown he can step in and cover.

 

[DHSC]

i would like to see us sign Schlotterbeck.

 

[bluebell]

i would like to see us sign Schlotterbeck.

Meniscus tear
Return expected on Oct 3, 2025

 

[SummerOnions]

Newcastle were ready to spend £45 mill on him last season.

Was also part of that mad PSR fix moment though

 

[Modo]

i would like to see us sign Schlotterbeck.

Definitely, but he's not coming over to be our third choice.
We really had a good thing going when we has Virg, Matip, Konate and Gomez. Klopp somehow kept them all happy.

Slot mentioned in an interview that one of the lessons of this season was that he didn't rotate enough. So my hope for next season is that we manage to convince a top class CB to join and Slot rotates all four of them.

 

[Modo]

Was also part of that mad PSR fix moment though

True, forgot that.
But realistically a defender of Gomez's level should be worth at least £35 mill and that's despite the injuries.

 

[StevieM]

Have we been credibly linked to any CBs other than Huijsen - and I’m not talking about BB getting excited about some shit Championship player that wouldn’t make our bench.

I have a feeling anyone expecting a CB to be signed might be disappointed.

Huijsen was the exception - we’d be looking at someone 21-24, established player in a team in one of the main leagues, with a high skill ceiling and ready to make a step up to a top team, that’s fast, tall, technically good, comfortable on the ball with a good range of passing and ok with not necessarily being first choice to begin with.

Braithwaite probably ticks those boxes, but I don’t see that happening. Colwill was the other one seemingly on the list, but I don’t see that happening either.

I think we’re done after Frimpong, Kerkez, Wirtz and a striker other than maybe some kids.

I’d say, maybe Stiller, but I feel like that’s a site favourite rather than us actually actively looking at.

 

[bluebell]

Jonathan Davids to Napoli close.

 

[Modo]

Have we been credibly linked to any CBs other than Huijsen - and I’m not talking about BB getting excited about some shit Championship player that wouldn’t make our bench.

I have a feeling anyone expecting a CB to be signed might be disappointed.

Huijsen was the exception - we’d be looking at someone 21-24, established player in a team in one of the main leagues, with a high skill ceiling and ready to make a step up to a top team, that’s fast, tall, technically good, comfortable on the ball with a good range of passing and ok with not necessarily being first choice to begin with.

Braithwaite probably ticks those boxes, but I don’t see that happening. Colwill was the other one seemingly on the list, but I don’t see that happening either.

I think we’re done after Frimpong, Kerkez, Wirtz and a striker other than maybe some kids.

I’d say, maybe Stiller, but I feel like that’s a site favourite rather than us actually actively looking at.

There will be more transfers, but I think it'll be depending on who leaves. I think the priority right now is filling the gaps or strengthening the starting XI. I'd argue that getting a striker is still a top priority.

 

[StevieM]

There will be more transfers, but I think it'll be depending on who leaves. I think the priority right now is filling the gaps or strengthening the starting XI. I'd argue that getting a striker is still a top priority.

I’d agree - but there’s no guarantee anyone significant other than Trent leaves - because we know the dangers of trying to change the squad too quickly.

Add in that, much to the consternation of those that constantly froth at the mouth, we’re ok with hanging on to good players that want to run down their contract and leave for free.

I’m not suggesting that’s the best strategy - but we clearly think we can manage it without being forced to make changes when we don’t want to.

I don’t think we’ll sell Konate or Diaz unless a ridiculous offer comes in or they actively agitate for a move - and even then we’ll want top dollar.

 

[Modo]

I’d agree - but there’s no guarantee anyone significant other than Trent leaves - because we know the dangers of trying to change the squad too quickly.

Add in that, much to the consternation of those that constantly froth at the mouth, we’re ok with hanging on to good players that want to run down their contract and leave for free.

I’m not suggesting that’s the best strategy - but we clearly think we can manage it without being forced to make changes when we don’t want to.

I don’t think we’ll sell Konate or Diaz unless a ridiculous offer comes in or they actively agitate for a move - and even then we’ll want top dollar.

Exactly. It's mostly speculation on my part.
Although one of our left backs will be pushed out if Kerkez joins.
There's not much else we need other than a striker.

 

[StevieM]

I think we’ll sell Nunez - Jota I think we’ll keep.

One of Robbo or Tsimikas will go.

If Wirtz signs… Harvey is gone.

If we’re selling, it’ll be Kelleher, Badger, Morton, Doak.

Quansah & Gomez will stay.

Koumas we might sell, McConnell we’ll keep.

We’re due the list of kids getting released soon, expect Ramsay, Cannonier, Balagaszi, Beck, Rhys-Williams & Kade Gordon to be off.

 

[bluebell]

Have we been credibly linked to any CBs other than Huijsen - and I’m not talking about BB getting excited about some shit Championship player that wouldn’t make our bench.

I have a feeling anyone expecting a CB to be signed might be disappointed.

Huijsen was the exception - we’d be looking at someone 21-24, established player in a team in one of the main leagues, with a high skill ceiling and ready to make a step up to a top team, that’s fast, tall, technically good, comfortable on the ball with a good range of passing and ok with not necessarily being first choice to begin with.

Braithwaite probably ticks those boxes, but I don’t see that happening. Colwill was the other one seemingly on the list, but I don’t see that happening either.

I think we’re done after Frimpong, Kerkez, Wirtz and a striker other than maybe some kids.

I’d say, maybe Stiller, but I feel like that’s a site favourite rather than us actually actively looking at.

I am not getting excited about a defender from the Championship. The kid is free and provides a squad option. He was part of a defence that let in 16 goals all season.

Slot needs to rotate both the MF and defence. I am throwing names that matches certain matrics

 

[Modo]

I think we’ll sell Nunez - Jota I think we’ll keep. ✅

One of Robbo or Tsimikas will go.✅

If Wirtz signs… Harvey is gone.✅

If we’re selling, it’ll be Kelleher, Badger, Morton, Doak.

Quansah & Gomez will stay.

Koumas we might sell, McConnell we’ll keep.✅

We’re due the list of kids getting released soon, expect Ramsay, Cannonier, Balagaszi, Beck, Rhys-Williams & Kade Gordon to be off.✅

McConnell will be loaned out.
Badger will be given a chance in preseason.

 

[StevieM]

I am not getting excited about a defender from the Championship. The kid is free and provides a squad option. He was part of a defence that let in 16 goals all season.

Slot needs to rotate both the MF and defence. I am throwing names that matches certain matrics

He doesn’t provide a squad option - because he’s not good enough to play in a top team - you need to get that into your head.

We’re not buying stocking fillers..

The “metrics” you’re using are all wrong and they’re not the metrics we’re using.

Find me some young CBs playing in the top division (not the second tier) of England, Italy, Spain, France, Holland, Belgium, Portugal or Germany that meet the skill threshold to get interested and might be available.

 

[Squiggles]

i would like to see us sign Schlotterbeck.

I can't be arsed typing that out each week. Szobo is enough

 

[refugee]

I think we’ll sell Nunez - Jota I think we’ll keep.

One of Robbo or Tsimikas will go.

If Wirtz signs… Harvey is gone.

If we’re selling, it’ll be Kelleher, Badger, Morton, Doak.

Quansah & Gomez will stay.

Koumas we might sell, McConnell we’ll keep.

We’re due the list of kids getting released soon, expect Ramsay, Cannonier, Balagaszi, Beck, Rhys-Williams & Kade Gordon to be off.

I think they already announced they were letting Cannonier go

 

[Beamrider]

I think they already announced they were letting Cannonier go

His place in LFC folklore is already secure as the kid who gave Conor Bradley the ball for that quickly-taken corner against Barcelona.

 

[Frogfish]

I think we’ll sell Nunez - Jota I think we’ll keep.

One of Robbo or Tsimikas will go.

If Wirtz signs… Harvey is gone.

If we’re selling, it’ll be Kelleher, Badger, Morton, Doak.

Quansah & Gomez will stay.

Koumas we might sell, McConnell we’ll keep.

We’re due the list of kids getting released soon, expect Ramsay, Cannonier, Balagaszi, Beck, Rhys-Williams & Kade Gordon to be off.

Agree with all of that bar I think we'll keep Badger - as a midfield backup he's far better suited than Elliott and he can cover more positions too. I think McConnell will be sold, we're a year on from his LC final and he's even further from the team than he was then.