Anfield Watch
·8 October 2024
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Yahoo sportsAnfield Watch
·8 October 2024
Liverpool’s starting midfield have been a real highlight of this early season so far.
Ryan Gravenberch in particular has been a revelation at the defensive midfield position, surprising even himself with the standard of his play.
He and Alexis Mac Allister have demonstrated changes in their play style from last season to suit the differences in what is being asked of them in new head coach Arne Slot’s system.
Gravenberch has shown a particular aptitude on the ball, spinning defenders and running into space with alarming regularity. As a result, Liverpool are able to exploit midfield space and a back-tracking defence.
Because of this, Wataru Endō has been incredibly limited in action. The Japanese international has seen only one start this season, an 82-minute display in a 5-1 League Cup victory over West Ham.
Other than this, he has made two last-minute cameos against Milan and Crystal Palace, totalling around three minutes.
It is clear that the 31-year old is not in Arne Slot’s future plans. As a result, CaughtOffside is reporting that Liverpool would be willing to let Endō leave for between £12.5 million to £17m.
They also report that Wolves, Fulham, and Ipswich Town are monitoring Endō ahead of the January transfer window. The player would naturally prefer somewhere where he gets playing time.
All three clubs have set defensive midfield roles. Ipswich use Kalvin Phillips and captain Sam Morsy, Fulham have opted for Saša Lukić and Wolves field new signing André.
Transfer rumours have followed Liverpool around all season due to seemingly being in a transition period. Mo Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk may all need replacing by the start of next season, whilst Darwin Nuñez and Joe Gomez may also be departing Merseyside.
Due to this, such a sum for Endō would almost certainly be used to refresh the squad. In his own position Liverpool are still eyeing Martin Zubimendi after the summer’s unfinished saga, but rumours of interest in Aurélien Tchouaméni are also rife.
The only natural backup in defensive midfield that Liverpool have outside of Endō is youngster Tyler Morton, who is slowly being eased into first-team squad action.
The money could also be immediately repurposed with reports that attacking target Omar Marmoush would only cost around £25m.
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