Liverpool have rejected a bid of around £12m for midfielder Wataru Endo. The Reds have faced speculation about their midfield department for most of the summer, but it’s about who will arrive at Anfield rather than who could leave L4.
On Sunday evening, the ECHO reported that the 31-year-old Japanese captain has become the focus of interest from Marseille and a number of unnamed clubs. There is no interest in selling the former VfB Stuttgart man, but it remains to be seen whether Roberto De Zerbi’s side will get back on track or whether the Reds’ resolve will be tested again.
Stefan Bajcetic is among the selection options as he looks to return to full fitness after battling injuries following his breakthrough 2022/23 campaign. Alexis Mac Allister has the ability to play in a holding midfield role but played his best football under Jurgen Klopp later in the season.
Whether or not Endo leaves, Liverpool are looking to bolster their ranks in Arne Slot’s first season in charge. And the Dutchman says it would be a surprise if there were no new additions. He said: “If there is any news on that, we will get in touch with you. But we already have a very good squad, which I am very happy with.”
“It would be a surprise to all of us if we don’t bring in any players, so that will probably happen at the end. For now, we’re just waiting for players to come back and the right ones to sign.”
Liverpool have been linked with a host of players across Europe throughout the summer. One name that has recently emerged is João Gomes, the 23-year-old Wolves midfielder who has made 45 appearances in the English top flight and could represent a market opportunity for the Reds.
Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes is said to be admired by Liverpool. (Image: Photo by Matt McNulty//JOBs Apply News/Getty Images)
Gomes, who primarily plays as a central midfielder, can also play in a deeper role, where he made 35 appearances during his time at Flamengo, as well as five appearances for the Molineux club, scoring two goals. The goalkeeper ranks among the best players in Europe’s top five leagues for tackles and compares with the likes of Dominik Szoboszlai and Mac Allister for ball recoveries, eclipsing his Wolves teammates.
He has already admitted that his dream is to play for the Reds and in the Champions League. He told JOBsNews Brasil: “Liverpool is a team I would play for. Playing in the Champions League is my biggest dream and that of my family, my biggest dream in football.”
A youngster with Premier League experience would fit the bill on the above list of talent candidates. Another alternative is Martin Zubimendi, the Real Sociedad midfielder has already caught the eye of the Premier League, with Manchester United and Arsenal also speculated to be interested in the 25-year-old.
The defensive midfielder has largely gone largely unnoticed outside Spain and has played a key role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph. Zubimendi has made 188 appearances for the Basque club, 143 of them as a holding midfielder. A potential drawback for Liverpool would be the La Liga side’s high asking price amid growing interest from the Premier League.
Atalanta midfielder Ederson provided the Reds with a taste of what he could offer after his performances against Liverpool in the Europa League. The European Cup winner has been on the Reds’ radar after scouts were impressed by his performances. All the sports reported in May.
There have been multiple reports about Ederson and his possible move to Anfield, with the suggestion that Liverpool would make a £38m offer. However, nothing has been confirmed.
The 25-year-old has spoken about adapting to a high-pressing attacking philosophy and has had good results in both tackles and interceptions. He said: “The manager told me to be more aggressive as I had some pace and power so I needed to use those characteristics more. This season, I’ve become more accustomed to high pressing so I’ve also been able to be more attacking and have added that to my game.”
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