Liverpool can seize transfer opportunity after surprise deal presented (2024)

Liverpool have rejected an offer for Wataru Endo but that could pave the way for changes in the midfield for Arne Slot

Many Liverpool supporters have been calling all summer for a change in Arne Slot's defensive midfield options. But when a potential deal emerged over the weekend, it wasn't exactly what they had in mind.

The news the Reds have rejected a bid worth nearly £12million from Marseille for Wataru Endo will have nevertheless prompted intrigue given the widely-acknowledged lack of senior options for Liverpool in the position.

The French side, now managed by former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi, probably knew they were chancing their arm a little, not least given the offer didn't match the £16.25m Liverpool had spent to take Endo from Bundesliga side Stuttgart less than 12 months ago. The player's value has surely not subsequently decreased.

But even that would have made it difficult for the Reds to accept at the present moment given the current make-up of their squad. Matters, though, may be about to change.

As was expected given the comments from new sporting director Richard Hughes on his unveiling, Liverpool's main transfer business will take place next month heading towards the deadline on August 30.

That was predominantly so new head coach Slot could assess the squad he inherited from Jurgen Klopp, a process made somewhat more difficult with so many established players yet to begin pre-season training following international commitments.

Already, however, Slot appears to have dropped some significant pointers that suggest a key difference from the Klopp era will be in the midfield area. The Dutchman, while previously keen to highlight his tactical flexibility, regularly employed two deep-lying midfielders with Feyenoord, with an obvious preference for technicians rather than out-and-out destructive players.

Whether Endo fits that remit is open to debate. Indeed, it didn't pass unnoticed the Japanese failed to start the behind-closed-doors friendly against Preston North End, and when utilised in a double pivot against Real Betis in Liverpool's most recent pre-season outing, he failed to impress.

Of course, the Japanese was prone to such displays on occasion during his debut Anfield campaign - he was substituted at half-time in both Premier League matches against Crystal Palace last season - but overall any absence appeared to hamper Liverpool's cause during the second half of the season, such as when benched for the majority of the dreary Goodison derby defeat to Everton in April.

But, now aged 31, even Endo accepts he doesn't represent the future of Liverpool and, earlier in the summer, even called on the club to recruit another senior defensive midfielder as extra competition.

The growing likelihood, though, is that a new arrival would be a replacement rather than a rival for Endo. Marseille's bid has not only shown there is interest in the player, but possibly points to the grapevine being aware Liverpool are looking for a new deep-lying midfielder.

And the reality is the Reds need one. It could easily be argued the influence of Manchester City's Rodri and Arsenal's Declan Rice - even if the latter didn't always operate as an out-and-out number six - is why both teams finished above Liverpool in the Premier League table last season.

True, there is a desire not to block the pathway of Stefan Bajcetic, who is striving to regain match sharpness after an injury-hampered 18 months. But it must be remembered the 19-year-old Spaniard has only ever started two Premier League games as a defensive midfielder - he cannot be expected to be given that responsibility in the immediate future.

Bajectic played the second half against Betis with Slot admitting his performance was very much that of someone attempting to retune to the cut and thrust of elite level football.

The player himself agrees. "Obviously after a long time it’s difficult to get into the rhythm I had before, but that’s what pre-season is about," said Bajcetic. "I’m slowly getting my rhythm back and hopefully it will be better in the next few weeks.

"(Being on the sidelines was) really difficult, honestly – probably the hardest year I‘ve had so far, mentally and physically. But I got through it and it only made me stronger, both mentally and physically as well. I’m looking forward now to being back and enjoying what I’m doing."

And speaking to liverpoolfc.com, Bajcetic added of playing under Slot: "Obviously I need to first get my fitness back to where it was and get to my level and my rhythm. At the moment, it’s just trying to learn the system and the style of play that he wants. And every time I get the opportunity, just take it and work hard."