Liverpool accelerate midfielder signing after Wataru Endo update

Transfer Correspondent AUTHORITY Former Sky Sports and ESPN FC correspondent who specialises in global recruitment, contract negotiations, and high-velocity transfer breaking news. FOCUS Exclusive reporting, domestic and international transfer markets, and elite-level insights. THE INSIGHT Pete utilises a Global Network of Industry Sources to deliver verified, first-to-market reporting. His “Deep-Lens” analysis connects the dots between boardroom strategy and pitch-level recruitment, providing a level of transfer clarity that goes beyond surface-level rumours.

Published on:

30 Jul 2024, 2:30 pm

Liverpool are planning to sign a new defensive midfielder before the transfer window closes at the end of August, sources have told Football Insider.

Wataru Endo, 31, was brought in last summer (2023) from Stuttgart following the departures of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho - but the Reds are now targeting a long-term replacement.

Nevertheless, Endo is likely to remain a Liverpool player amid interest from Marseille with an additional holding midfielder set to sign for the Anfield club.

Football Insider revealed on Tuesday (30 July) that the French club's reported bid of £12million came nowhere near Liverpool's valuation of the Japan international.

It is believed Liverpool and manager Arne Slot are unwilling to weaken their midfield by allowing Endo to depart.

Liverpool to bolster defensive midfield area with new signing

Alexis Mac Allister was often played in a holding role under Jurgen Klopp in the 2023-24 campaign but shone in attacking areas towards the end of the season.

Young defensive midfielders Stefan Bajcetic, 19, and Tyler Morton, 21, are also on the books at Anfield and could be given the chance to impress in the new campaign.

Thiago Alcantara left Liverpool at the end of his contract in June and subsequently retired due to long-term injury problems.

(Credit: Getty Images)

The Reds start the Slot era with a first competitive fixture against Ipswich Town on 17 August.

Liverpool will return to the Champions League in the 2024-25 campaign after playing in the Europa League last term.

In other news, Liverpool and Tottenham make move to sign red-hot striker.

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