Liverpool transfers: Wataru Endo sale to fund MAMMOTH arrival

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.

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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.