Liverpool are not keen on offloading Wataru Endo despite some interest in the midfielder with plenty of reasoning behind their decision.
According to Football Insider, Liverpool are currently unwilling to sell Wataru Endo. The Merseysiders reportedly turned down an offer for the Japanese midfielder, as the bid did not come close to their valuation, while Arne Slot may end up keeping him for tactical reasons.
Liverpool not interested in Wataru Endo sale
Last summer, there was a frenzy around Liverpool Football Club and their midfield targets. They chased Romeo Lavia for a long while before turning their attention towards Moises Caicedo as they launched a ‘crazy’ bid for the Ecuadorian. In the end, Chelsea prised away both those midfielders, leaving the Reds to scour the market for a new option to bolster their midfield.
They made a surprise move for Japanese midfielder Wataru Endo from Stuttgart, with Liverpool ending up paying around £17 million for him. While there were hopes they would still bring in a new holding midfielder, that wasn’t the case, as Endo turned out to be one of Jurgen Klopp’s important players last term, making 43 appearances in all competitions.
While there’s still hope from fans that the new boss will sanction a move for a new holding midfielder, the Dutchman is formulating his plans to get on with the new campaign. In fact, Liverpool are not keen on selling Wataru Endo, as they could keep him for many reasons including tactical.
Marseille saw a bid rejected by Liverpool for Endo, as the Merseysiders did not consider the offer, which was worth a reported £12 million, to meet their valuation. In truth, Liverpool might have considered selling the 2023 signing for the same amount they bought him, but now there’s more of a tactical angle for their reason not to sell him.
Wataru Endo suits Arne Slot’s playing style
One big change that Liverpool fans will see when Arne Slot begins the season will come in midfield. The Dutchman prefers a double-pivot as opposed to the midfield-three that Klopp liked. Hence, the impetus will be more on the attackers, with the midfielders tasked with holding the fort and providing the frontline with a solid base.
Endo’s ability to win balls and be a nuisance in that midfield will be seen as helpful by Arne Slot. His experience and the ability of other stars like Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Diminik Szoboszlai will let the Japanese star thrive in this system, as the manager can take another year before bringing in a long-term replacement for the 2023 signing.
