Slot turns to ‘hard-working’ Liverpool midfielder after Zubimendi rejection

Arne Slot has responded to the disappointment of Liverpool’s failed move for Martin Zubimendi by switching his attentions to an existing member of his squad.

There is understandable concern and trepidation over the Reds’ no.6 situation given Zubimendi’s decision to reject Liverpool at stay at his boyhood club, something for which he should be admired for it has to be said. 

Of course, that is the more romantic interpretation. Liverpool fans like ourselves are obviously unhappy that the move has fallen through and it does raise serious questions over new sporting director Richard Hughes, and it does feel like deja vu given how this seems to keep happening when trying to lure a holding midfielder to Anfield.

Despite the disappointment that all involved from a Liverpool perspective feel, Arne Slot has reportedly decided therefore to give a second chance to a player many thought would be exiting the club this summer.

Read more: Five Martin Zubimendi alternatives Liverpool could STILL sign this summer

Initially brought in as an emergency signing last summer when the Reds’ midfield targets fell through, Wataru Endo was near the top of the list of expected outgoings at the start of this summer. After enduring a torrid time of it against Real Betis and then only intermittently featuring during the rest of pre-season, Liverpool turned down a bid from Marseille and since then Endo has been consistently linked with other sides.

A report from GiveMeSport alleges that Slot will give Endo a chance to prove himself in a squad capacity with the Reds this season due to the club’s inability to sign another player in the position, although Ryan Gravenberch is likely to still be first-choice for the time being to start in that deeper midfield role.

Endo enjoyed a strong debut campaign with Liverpool, with Jürgen Klopp describing him as one of the hardest-working players he’d ever come across. Even given Endo’s poor pre-season, he showed enough quality last season that he could still be able to deliver when called upon.