Liverpool FC News
Liverpool now plotting Wataru Endo sale to fund MAMMOTH transfer
Ryan Gravenberch’s emergence as a key player in Arne Slot’s side has dispelled many fans’ worries after the club failed to sign a defensive midfielder during the summer.
The Dutchman has formed a brilliant partnership with Alexis Mac Allister in the centre of midfield and has been likened to Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira for his performances so far.
Slot has started the pair in all but one of Liverpool’s first nine games of the season – the 5-1 Carabao Cup win against West Ham.
However, a report from Football Insider suggests that the club are still in for a defensive midfielder, with Wataru Endo set to be sold to fund any incoming deal.
READ MORE: How a former Everton player is key to Luis Diaz’s revival
Slot has been hoping to improve the number 6 role ever since he joined Liverpool, with a return for Martin Zubimendi still potentially on the cards even after he rejected the club at the final hour during the summer.
Endo joined Liverpool as one of Jurgen Klopp’s final signings, and impressed last season with his tenacity and work rate – two key components of any Klopp player.
Despite this, it’s clear he isn’t a favourite of Slot, who prefers his deeper midfielders to be technically impressive and calm on the ball.
Which midfielder is on Liverpool’s list?
If Endo is on his way out, Liverpool’s need for a defensive midfielder will go from pressing to urgent, as the only backups to Gravenberch and Mac Allister would be the injury-prone Curtis Jones, the unproven but talented Trey Nyoni and Tyler Morton, who has been playing for the U21s this season.
Fans have been crying out for a marquee midfield signing for years at this stage, so now could be the time to pull the trigger on a big move.
Real Madrid are worried about the prospect of losing Aurelien Tchouameni, with Liverpool linked to him in the past – he chose the Bernabeau over Anfield when leaving Monaco in 2022 – and are reportedly readying a new contract offer. If he is to leave Madrid, a spot in Slot’s midfield could be a perfect fit.
Another midfielder previously linked to the club is Carlos Baleba, who joined Brighton from Lille last year. Liverpool are known to prefer paying a premium for players who have Premier League experience, so it wouldn’t be surprising if they were to move for him following his standout performances so far this season.
Whoever joins will need to displace the duo of Mac Allister and Gravenberch – a tougher task now than many thought at the start of the season.
Liverpool yet to be tested and Arne Slot’s season starts NOW 9 seconds ago 
Liverpool now plotting Wataru Endo sale to fund MAMMOTH transfer 30 mins ago 
Steve Nicol offers unflattering Darwin Nunez verdict as struggles continue 1 hour ago 
I’m Thomas Clark, from the ever-sunny Scottsdale, Arizona. At 47, my life’s not your usual nine-to-five grind; I’m the voice behind the screen at FC Soccer News. My days are a mix of passion and professionalism as I weave words for the love of the game. University of Arizona’s where I honed my skills, but the real education came from the hours spent in local cafes, my eyes glued to my laptop, and my mind playing the field.
Soccer’s not just my beat—it’s the rhythm to my life. I analyze plays with a tactical mind and share insights that cut through the noise. Outside work, my appetite for adventure is as strong as a striker’s kick. The chef in me loves experimenting in the kitchen, and when the hiking trails call my name, I answer with boots laced tight. I’ve got music in my bones, and you’ll often find me lost in the melodies of a well-strummed guitar.
Away from the adrenaline of sports and the hum of daily life, my world orbits around my family. Dinner tables are our huddles, where laughter and stories bounce around like a well-played ball. Weekends are sacred—reserved for family bike rides and movie marathons, where I pass down my love for classics to my two bright kids. Parenthood’s more rewarding than any byline, and it’s taught me the true value of teamwork. My wife is my rock, my steady defender, offering unwavering support through every deadline and draft. Together, we’ve built a life that’s as dynamic as the games I cover—a blend of commitment, joy, and the unending chase of a story worth telling.
