Arne Slot has reportedly instructed Richard Hughes to sell one Liverpool player in the January transfer window.
According to Football Insider, the 46-year-old manager is prepared to approve the permanent sale of Wataru Endo in the winter to raise funds for signing a younger defensive midfielder as an alternative to Ryan Gravenberch.
Despite Gravenberch’s excellent start to the season, Slot remains eager to strengthen that area of the squad with fresh, younger talent.
Endo has only played 84 minutes in Liverpool’s first nine games this season, mostly during a heavily rotated squad in the Carabao Cup win against West Ham (Transfermarkt).
It seems Slot doesn’t fully trust the Japan international—who turns 32 in February—to perform the duties he expects from a number 6.
It’s no coincidence that reports suggest Liverpool scouts were monitoring Ederson in Atalanta’s victory over Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday.
However, unless Hughes is confident of securing a youthful replacement in January, the club should carefully consider parting with Endo.
Trent Alexander-Arnold praised Endo after his goal in Liverpool’s 4-3 win against Fulham last December, calling him a “real game changer” with “great technique” and an “outstanding professional” (LFCTV).
Although Endo has had limited opportunities under Slot, Liverpool’s busy schedule will require contributions from every squad member.
While Gravenberch has secured a starting spot, his absence due to injury could make the team realize Endo’s true value.
