Arne Slot is thought to be keen to move on one of Jurgen Klopp’s last signings with Premier League clubs interested.
Life at Anfield has started almost perfectly for Slot since he took over from Klopp this summer. The Dutch manager has led his team to victory in all but one match, with the only loss coming against Nottingham Forest on September 14.
Currently, Liverpool sits atop the Premier League and has enjoyed convincing wins in both the Champions League and Carabao Cup, including a straightforward 2-0 victory over Bologna on Wednesday.
Before the season began, fans were eager for the signing of Martín Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, especially after his standout performances in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph. However, the 25-year-old decided to stay with his La Liga club.
In an unexpected turn, Ryan Gravenberch has excelled in the No. 6 position, delivering a series of impressive performances. As a result, Wataru Endo has only made two appearances and could be on his way out after losing his place in the squad.
The 31-year-old joined Liverpool from Stuttgart in August 2023 for around £16 million, where he was a fan favorite in the Bundesliga. Reports now suggest that Liverpool is open to offers for the midfielder, with clubs across Europe showing interest. Endo’s contract runs until 2027, allowing Liverpool the potential to recoup a significant fee for the Japan international.
Earlier this summer, French club Marseille expressed interest in Endo, but no deal was finalized.
In September, Wataru Endo expressed that he isn’t concerned about his lack of playing time while away with the Japan national team. “Once the international break is over, we’ll have a series of matches, so I’ll get more opportunities,” he said. He emphasized that you can’t rely solely on 11 players for numerous games, adding, “I’m confident I’ll get my chance.”
Endo reassured that his physical fitness isn’t an issue, stating, “I’ve been training well and I’m not worried.” He acknowledged his experience at his age helps him adapt to game situations and stressed the importance of training and preparation.
After Endo’s only Premier League appearance this season against Brentford, Slot confirmed that he still has a role in the team. “It’s not just about the player, but also the competition he faces,” the Liverpool manager explained. “We have many talented midfielders.”
Slot praised Endo’s training efforts but noted the strong competition for places. “You saw a solid performance from all three midfielders today. It’s not only about him; it’s about the others too. He will be crucial for us throughout the season, as we know how long it can be and how many players we’ll need.”
