Liverpool are now open to the idea of selling popular midfielder Wataru Endo in the summer transfer window, journalist Pete O’Rourke has claimed.
It has been a frustrating summer in the eyes of many Reds supporters, with new head coach Andoni Iraola not yet given enough backing in the transfer market.
Thankfully, Ronald Araujo has now completed his loan move from Barcelona, and the Uruguayan centre-back has made it clear that he can’t wait to play alongside Virgil van Dijk:
“We all know what a great player Virgil is. He’s a real reference point for the team and he’s a kind of role model and reference for me personally as well. I’m looking forward to lining up alongside him hopefully and spending time with him both on the field and off it as well. I am excited to have that opportunity and enjoy learning from him, playing alongside him.”
While a new midfielder feels important for Liverpool, in terms of depth, Football Insider‘s O’Rourke now says they are “open to offloading” the popular Endo this summer.
He adds that “contact has been made with a number of potentially interested clubs to make them aware” of his availability, and Iraola is “prepared to move him on in an attempt to clear space in his squad.”
Selling Wataru Endo would be a big risk by Liverpool
Endo clearly isn’t one of the first names on Liverpool’s team sheet, but he remains a good squad player, with Arne Slot describing him as “special” during their time working together.
One of the Japanese player’s greatest strengths is his versatility, allowing him to play in midfield, at centre-back, and even at right-back, and losing that would be a big risk.
With all due respect to Endo, Liverpool want to be in a position where he is used sparingly, but injuries and form happen, and he has shown that he can fill in effectively in the past.
If the Reds do move the 33-year-old on, it is imperative that a new signing replaces him, with the squad becoming even weaker than it already is if they aren’t careful.
