Liverpool 'decide on selling Wataru Endo' after Ryan Gravenberch breakthrough under Slot

Liverpool’s Arne Slot has flatly dismissed rumours of a late exit for midfielder Wataru Endo as the transfer deadline surges closer. The Reds, who have been restrained in their summer spend after missing out on Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi, are assessing whether to make further moves before next Friday.

Slot, who took over the reins from Jurgen Klopp in July, has pinpointed midfield reinforcement as a priority amidst whispers of Endo’s potential departure just one year after signing.

Despite Marseille’s unsuccessful attempts to sign Endo earlier in the summer, Slot is adamant about Endo’s significant contribution to Liverpool’s campaign despite not starting either of the Reds’ opening two Premier League games.

Reflecting on Endo’s situation and his broader squad dynamics, Slot stated: “It is not always about the player himself, it’s also about the competition he faces. We have many good midfielders like we have many good players.”

He lauded the entire midfield’s display, stressing the collective rather than individual spotlight: “We are really pleased with the way Wata is training for us but he has some good competition and I think you saw today a good performance from all three midfielders, so it is not always about him it is also about the others.”

Slot then reinforced Endo’s vitality to the team’s long-term plans: “He will be important for us during the season because we need all of them; we all know how long a season can be over here and how many players you need and he is one of them that we are going to need in the upcoming season.”

Endo’s move to Liverpool from Stuttgart for a hefty £16.2million last summer proved fruitful as he racked up 43 appearances across competitions in the 2023/24 season.

Despite this, Liverpool are still on the hunt for a new No. 6, with Slot playing his cards close to his chest regarding any transfer strategies ahead of the weekend.

When pressed about the lack of new faces at the club, Slot confidently responded: “No, because I trust the team. I inherited a really good team, a team of many young players as well and I think we all know, especially young players they can develop.

“We just try to work as hard as we can with them and trust them a lot. They proved last week they have earned this trust and I am hoping they can show the same on Sunday as well.”