Before the transfer window opened this summer, Liverpool were pursuing a new centre-back to replace Egypt midfielder Mohamed Salah as a defensive leader as well as an attacker to replace Virgil van Dijk.
He is still seeking both positions at the moment, but the first likely move will be to the bottom of midfield. The Athletic’s David Ornstein suggested that Liverpool are in the market for a defensive midfielder from outside the Premier League and that a move could be concluded this week.
“Despite Slot praising Gravenberch’s performance in the friendly against Manchester United, Liverpool have now identified a target in that position,”
“It is worth keeping an eye on that situation this week, with Liverpool pursuing a specialist No 6 from outside of the Premier League.”
“They have turned down bids for Endo this summer, in part because of the tricky market in that position, but are now moving ahead with a signing for that role.”
Transfer DealSheet
After losing Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia to Chelsea last summer, Liverpool acquired Japanese midfielder Wataru Endo from Stuttgart.
He gradually settled into the team, fulfilled his role of winning the ball back from a high position and played a number of games as a starter.
However, new coach Arne Slot’s preference is for a type of defensive midfielder who can build the game from a low position rather than a player who is good at winning the ball, and in pre-season he used Curtis Jones and Ryan Gravenberch.
Marseille presented an offer for the 31-year-old Japanese midfielder, but Liverpool at the time rejected the proposal. If a new midfielder joins the club, it is undeniable that he may feel inclined to be released.
He may be retained to instil leadership and veteran mindset in the team for the Dutch captain, but the departure of the Japanese captain, along with Liverpool’s reinforcement plans, will be closely watched.