Anfield Index
·10 de janeiro de 2025
Anfield Index
·10 de janeiro de 2025
Liverpool’s transfer window is heating up, and recent reports suggest that Napoli’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia could be on the Reds’ radar. In a lively discussion on Anfield Index’s Chat G&G, Grizz Khan and Gags Tandon debated the possibility of this blockbuster move and its implications for Arne Slot’s side.
With David Ornstein’s name being mentioned in connection to Liverpool’s transfer activity, the debate turned into a detailed discussion about Kvaratskhelia, the club’s striking options, and the Reds’ title ambitions.
Photo: IMAGO
The conversation started with uncertainty over how to pronounce Kvaratskhelia’s name, but Grizz Khan made it clear that the Georgian international was a serious talent.
“Just call him Kavara,” Grizz said, setting the tone for the discussion. Gags Tandon then speculated on the potential deal, highlighting how Liverpool may need to act aggressively in the transfer market.
Grizz also referenced the broader attacking market, mentioning Napoli’s Victor Osimhen as another big-name forward with a release clause hovering around €90 million (£75m). “That is, in this day and age, for an absolute bagsman… one of the most sought-after strikers in world football right now,” Grizz stated.
The hosts speculated on how Liverpool might handle their attacking options, especially given the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Mohamed Salah’s future. “Imagine if they did it,” Grizz mused. “Imagine if they went for something like that because Mo’s going, and they just replaced it with a whole new strike force.”
David Ornstein’s name inevitably came up, as he is widely regarded as one of the most reliable journalists in football transfers. Grizz was particularly intrigued by the source of the Kvaratskhelia rumours.
Photo: IMAGO
This “connection of the dots,” as Grizz put it, suggested that there could be some credibility to the reports. With Liverpool in need of reinforcements, particularly in attack, Kvaratskhelia’s name appearing on the radar is something worth monitoring.
Beyond transfers, the discussion moved into Liverpool’s title challenge. Gags Tandon made a bold claim regarding the club’s next match: “If we beat Nottingham Forest, the Premier League title is coming to Anfield.”
Grizz, however, was slightly more measured in his response, acknowledging the importance of upcoming fixtures but stopping short of guaranteeing silverware. “We’re all in,” he conceded. “Or we’re not.”
Gags justified his statement by drawing parallels with Liverpool’s title-winning campaign in 2019-20, recalling a crucial 4-0 win over Leicester City as a turning point. “That was the moment we knew we were going to win the league,” he said. “If we beat Forest, I think this team won’t look back.”
While speculation over Liverpool’s transfer business and title push dominated the conversation, there was also room for controversy. Mohamed Salah’s recent social media exchange with Jamie Carragher was brought up, with Grizz expressing disappointment.
“I was disappointed in Mo this week,” Grizz admitted. “I don’t agree with footballers backbiting on Twitter… He’s been answering all the critics on the pitch, and he should continue to do that and not get wound up.”
Tandon echoed those sentiments, suggesting that Salah engaging in such debates showed signs of agitation: “It shows me that they’re rattled… It’s not befitting of the way we’ve been running and operating on and off the pitch.”
Beyond the immediate focus on transfers and results, Grizz and Gags also discussed Arne Slot’s squad management. Concerns were raised about Slot’s reluctance to rotate certain players, particularly Harvey Elliott and Wataru Endo.
“The trust isn’t there,” Gags observed, questioning why these players were not getting more minutes. Grizz agreed but was keen to give Slot the benefit of the doubt. “We don’t really know how he works with a squad yet,” he said. “It’s still early in his tenure.”
Looking ahead, both hosts agreed that Liverpool’s fixture congestion would be a key test of Slot’s ability to rotate effectively. Grizz highlighted that Liverpool had strategically positioned themselves to rest key players in certain matches, but only time would tell if the plan worked.
The episode of Chat G&G was a fiery discussion filled with optimism, debate, and cautious skepticism. While Kvaratskhelia’s potential move remains speculative, the broader picture of Liverpool’s title challenge, squad management, and Salah’s influence were all key talking points.
As Liverpool prepare for a pivotal run of fixtures, all eyes will be on whether Arne Slot can steer the Reds to silverware. If Grizz and Gags are right, Nottingham Forest could be the defining moment of the season.