Japanese midfielder Wataru Endo, captain of Stuttgart, was a surprise signing for Liverpool in the transfer market last summer. Despite initial negativity in England, he became a regular in the middle of the season and was dynamic in Jurgen Klopp’s final season at Anfield.
However, the appointment of manager Arne Slot changed his position. When the club switched to a two-piece formation at the bottom of midfield, Dutch midfielder Ryan Gravenberch was chosen to partner Argentine midfielder Alexis Mac Allister.
The 22-year-old young midfielder has been a consistent performer since the start of the Premier League season and has been named Player of the Match in a number of games. The 31-year-old veteran midfielder, a regular contender in the same position, has spent more time on the bench.
According to Football Insider, Slot has been continually pushing the club for a new defensive midfielder since this summer and is hoping to sell the national team midfielder this winter and bring in a young midfielder of a level that can compete for a starting place at the bottom of midfield.
Marseille, led by Roberto De Zerbi, who was in charge at Brighton until last season, tried to acquire him with an offer of €14 million, but Liverpool rejected the proposal. He stayed, partly due to the difficulty of securing a replacement, but rumours of his departure are likely to heat up this winter.
The Japanese midfielder is also attracting the attention of several Bundesliga clubs, but will he be able to change the reputation of his commanders in the games he plays in the future…?