- 9 hours ago
Blockbuster Liverpool transfer one step closer due to Arne Slot's decision
Liverpool manager Arne Slot plans to continue his revolution for the Reds’ midfield during the January transfer window.
Wataru Endo may leave if an acceptable offer is made and behind the scenes the Anfield powerhouse continues to look for reinforcement in midfield. Aurelien Tchouameni, Orkun Kokcu and Tijjani Reijnders are high on Liverpool's shortlist.
There is a very good chance that Endo and Liverpool will part ways in a matter of weeks, with the Japanese having made only a handful of appearances under the Dutch boss.
Slot wants to make room in midfield for a new reinforcement and the former Stuttgart player seems to be the victim of that. Endo came over from the Bundesliga in the summer of 2023 for a fee of €20 million. This season, the 31-year-old controller has to make do mainly with substitute appearances, as evidenced by the 166 minutes of play spread over eight matches.
Liverpool line up Endo upgrade
There is another condition, besides receiving an acceptable offer, for Endo to leave: bringing in a new midfielder.
Real Madrid’s Tchouameni has been of interest to the Reds for some time. AC Milan ace Reijnders has also been linked with a transfer and Benfica’s Kokcu has also recently received interest from Liverpool.
According to the latest reports from England, Liverpool are looking to strike for Tchouameni, who would arrive at Anfield to compete with midfielders Curtis Jones, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch. Although several top clubs have shown interest in the former Monaco player, Liverpool seem to be the most likely destination for the midfielder.
Reijnders is also prominently on Liverpool's wish list. Previously, Italian media reported that a swap deal between Liverpool and AC Milan is not out of the question.
Chiesa's departure would have to contribute to that. The attacker signed from Juventus last summer, but has failed to impress in a Liverpool shirt. The 27-year-old Italian has only played 78 minutes for his new side across three appearances.