Liverpool reportedly have plans to sign an upgrade to Wataru Endo during the summer transfer window.
With Jurgen Klopp having officially departed Anfield and his successor Arne Slot ready to start work, the Merseyside giants are now expected to go through somewhat of a transitional period.
Resolving the future of Mohamed Salah, who only has a year remaining on his contract, is naturally one of the top priorities of new director of football Richard Hughes.
However, given the manner of Liverpool's drop-off during the run-in, there is a desire to make a number of alterations to the squad.
Finding an alternative for departing centre-back Joel Matip also sits towards the top of Liverpool's to-do list, yet it appears that Slot is also keen to add a high-profile fresh face in another area of the pitch.
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Liverpool, Slot keen on Endo alternative
Last summer, Liverpool had been keen to add at least one of Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo to their midfield ranks in order to take on the defensive role in the engine room.
Having witnessed both players sign for Chelsea instead, Liverpool made the surprise move for Endo, who was 30 years of age and had spent the previous three years at Stuttgart.
The general consensus is that Liverpool have gotten value for money from the £16m addition given he made a total of 43 appearances in all competitions during 2023-24.
Nevertheless, according to Football Insider, Liverpool are ready to spend big in order to secure an alternative to the Japan international.
Endo was allegedly only viewed as 'a stop-gap' to fill the void left by Fabinho and Jordan Henderson departing for the Saudi Pro League, and he will not be regarded as a first-choice player under Slot.
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How could the scenario play out?
Given that only 20 of Endo's 34 starts this season came in the Premier League, it should perhaps come as little surprise that he is only viewed as a backup option by Slot.
As well as the exits of Fabinho and Henderson, Stefan Bajcetic was absent for almost the entire season, increasing the need for Endo to play a frequent role.
How Liverpool go about finding a new option remains to be seen. They have been credited with an interest in Atalanta BC's Teun Koopmeiners, but the Dutchman is usually deployed in a more advanced role.
If Liverpool wish to spend big on a new defensive-minded option, it may require cashing in on one of their current players for the middle of the pitch, but there is no obvious route unless Endo is sold for a cut-price fee.
Darren Plant
