Wataru Endo: Update on Liverpool star after deal dramatically collapses
Wataru Endo has fallen down the pecking order at Liverpool under new boss Arne Slot, sources have told Football Insider.
The Reds had planned to offload the 31-year-old once they had completed the purchase of Martin Zubimendi.
The expected transfer of Zubimendi collapsed on Monday, and now any sale is off the table until a number six is signed.
Endo has struggled to adapt to Slot’s more possession-based style in pre-season, and he’s fallen behind the likes of Ryan Gravenberch, Harvey Elliot, Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones as well as first choice midfielder Alexis Mac Allister in the race for the three starting-XI spots.
That could lead to game time being limited for Endo this season, particularly from a starting perspective.
Despite that, Endo is not expected to be sold unless the Premier League giants sign a new addition to the squad before the 31st August cut-off.
The Japan international exceeded expectations in his first season at Liverpool and was a big favourite of Jurgen Klopp, who started him in 20 Premier League matches last term among 44 appearances in all competitons.
Liverpool could now keep Wataru Endo this summer
Football Insider had revealed that Liverpool’s original plan was to tell Endo he was free to find a new club this summer, but that hinged on the signing of Zubimendi.
He has been the subject of strong interest this summer from Marseille, who had an offer of around £15m rejected by the Merseyside giants.
That deal’s collapse has given Endo a lifeline at Anfield, but Liverpool are still looking for a midfielder.
Slot is said to be a “huge” fan of the Atalanta midfielder, and he could be someone the Premier League giants make a late move for.
In other news, Liverpool work on striker signing as Dortmund talks advance.
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