Arne Slot has reportedly asked Richard Hughes to sell one Liverpool player during the January transfer window.
As per Football Insider, the 46-year-old manager is open to permanently selling Wataru Endo this winter to generate funds for a younger defensive midfielder, potentially as an alternative to Ryan Gravenberch.
Despite Gravenberch’s strong performance at the start of the season, Slot wants to enhance that area of the squad with younger talent. Endo has played just 84 minutes in Liverpool’s first nine games this season, mostly in a heavily rotated squad during the Carabao Cup victory over West Ham.
Slot appears to lack full confidence in the 32-year-old Japan international to fulfill the role he expects from a number 6.
It’s also notable that Liverpool scouts were reportedly observing Ederson during Atalanta’s win over Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday. However, unless Hughes can find a suitable younger replacement in January, the club should think carefully before letting Endo go.
Trent Alexander-Arnold praised Endo after his goal in Liverpool’s 4-3 victory against Fulham last December, calling him a “real game changer” with “great technique” and an “outstanding professional.”
While Endo has had limited chances under Slot, Liverpool’s packed schedule will require contributions from all squad members. If Gravenberch were to miss time due to injury, the team might come to appreciate Endo’s true value.
