German clubs line up for Liverpool star; €14m bid rejected

Liverpool have knocked back a €14m bid for Wataru Endo from Marseille

Liverpool signed Wataru Endo in the summer of 2023 after they missed out on Moises Caicedo to Chelsea. The Japanese star’s arrival at Anfield was unexpected, but few would have had any complaints given how he stepped up and made a difference in Jurgen Klopp’s final season on Merseyside.

As things stand, Endo is Liverpool’s lone specialist number six on the roster. He will be 32 before the 2024/25 season is up, and the Reds will need to form a succession plan sooner rather than later.

The Reds are not averse to selling the Japanese skipper, another unexpected move. They appear willing to cash in on Endo should a suitable offer come in. Olympique Marseille, now under former Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi, are keen to rebuild their reputation as one of Ligue 1’s top sides and appear to have an eye on the Liverpool star.

Liverpool have turned down a €14m bid from Marseille for Wataru Endo. A number of German clubs are also interested in the midfielder and a higher offer could tempt the Reds to sell.
— David Lynch (@davidlynchlfc) July 28, 2024

The French side saw their €14m bid rejected, and it remains to be seen if they will return with an improved offer. According to Fabrizio Romano, it is unlikely to be the case, as Marseille have moved on and talks regarding a potential transfer collapsed weeks ago. Given that the news has come out just now, we will take it with a pinch of salt.

Marseille have since signed Ismael Kone and Pierre Højbjerg, more or less strengthening their midfield roster. However, Endo outperformed the duo in 2023/24 and was able to raise his level to thrive in England. Even if the French side opts against making a renewed approach, Liverpool need not fret.

This is because several sides in Germany are keen on Endo and could make their move as we head into the final month of the 2024 summer transfer window. After all, they will be more appreciative of Endo’s talents following his excellent stint at VfB Stuttgart. According to David Lynch via X, the Reds are ready to sell if a suitable offer comes in, an indication that the player might be on the market for the right price.

Liverpool have knocked back a €14m bid for Wataru Endo from Marseille. — Liverpool star Wataru Endo could be available this summer for the right price.

The Reds’ stance is interesting, as it is unlikely that they will let Endo go without bringing in a replacement. Richard Hughes and Co. should be busy behind the scenes and could spring into action should an exit be finalised. We could very well be in for an interesting August as Arne Slot gets a better look at his squad and starts to make decisions on certain players’ futures and potential additions. Endo struggled in the pre-season win over Real Betis and could be considered expendable if a replacement is brought in.

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Endo’s time at Liverpool might ultimately prove to be a short one but few can discount his impact on the side. A player who left his all on the pitch, the Japanese Samurai certainly turned doubters into believers. Few can forget his performance in the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea at Wembley. A cult hero of sorts, he will have come, he saw and he conquered.