Liverpool are ready to sell Wataru Endo during the January transfer window, using that money to buy a younger replacement. The 31-year-old has struggled to earn significant game time under head coach Arne Slot as Liverpool faced a tactical shift.
Legendary manager Jurgen Klopp signed Endo last summer to bolster the defensive midfield department after Fabinho departed from the club. The Reds chased Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo last summer but the duo signed for Chelsea for a bigger payday.
As Caicedo and Lavia flopped in London, Endo delivered fantastic performances despite his low reputation before the summer transfer deal. The Japan captain gradually adapted to the English Premier League while Alexis Mac Allister played as a makeshift number six.
Endo and Mac Allister’s partnership during the last mid-season played a crucial role while Liverpool struggled with an injury crisis. Nevertheless, the 31-year-old struggled with the pace of the Premier League, particularly against certain opponents but never stopped working hard.
Endo’s humble nature and hardworking, selfless attitude quickly earned him a lot of adoration from the Liverpool fanbase last season. However, Klopp’s departure and Slot’s arrival have significantly changed the club’s tactics and the desired profile for a defensive midfielder.
Slot deployed Ryan Gravenberch as the new number-six option after Liverpool failed to sign midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad. Gravenberch has established himself as a key player in the defensive midfield role, delivering top-notch performances with incredibly high consistency.
According to Football Insider, Liverpool are willing to sell Endo for the right price to bolster their funds in January. The Reds want a younger defensive midfield competition for Gravenberch with a profile that suits Slot’s tactical style more.
More Liverpool News
- Merson: Liverpool legend is “Impossible to Replace”
- Man United legend reluctantly admits Liverpool outshines all in title race
- Moyes raves about dominant Liverpool star earning £150kpw
Slot uses a more patient buildup and wants his defensive midfielders to play a key role in the team buildup. The efficient style leaves less space when the team is out of possession as Liverpool players are not always looking to attack.
