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Tag: Waturo Endo

Liverpool’s position on Tyler Morton and Wataru Endo transfers ahead of January

Liverpool are not anticipated to sell Tyler Morton or Wataru Endo in the January transfer window, despite neither midfielder securing a regular starting spot.

Arne Slot has established a core group of four midfielders who regularly start, a group that even Harvey Elliott has found difficult to break into.

Among these are academy graduate Morton and Endo, the fourth-oldest player in the squad, who have played just 162 and 261 minutes respectively.

However, despite their limited playing time and significant summer interest, Liverpool are not planning to allow either player to leave in January.

This information comes from two reliable Merseyside journalists. James Pearce of The Athletic has provided details on Morton, while David Lynch, now writing on Substack, offered an update on Endo.

Pearce explained that Liverpool will not allow Morton to go on loan. He added that, with clubs unwilling to meet their £20 million asking price in the summer, “unless a midfielder is added, that stance is likely to remain unchanged.”

Meanwhile, Lynch reported that Liverpool won’t move Endo in the middle of the season, although his situation may be reassessed at the season’s end.

In July, Marseille had an £11.8 million bid for Endo rejected, and no further offers came forward. While several European clubs showed interest in Morton, no permanent bids were made. Bayer Leverkusen were seen as the closest to signing the 22-year-old, but with Liverpool unwilling to loan him out again, he remained at the club.

Pearce noted that Morton’s “attitude and application in training have been second to none,” with Slot and his staff clearly impressed by his dedication.

With Liverpool advancing to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup and likely to progress deep into the FA Cup – having drawn League Two’s Accrington Stanley in the third round – there will be more opportunities in 2025.

It’s reasonable to assume that Liverpool would not be open to weakening their squad in January, despite the limited roles played by both Endo and, in particular, Morton.

Both players are expected to accept this stance, especially with Liverpool in an exceptional position at the close of the year, leading both the Premier League and Champions League.

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Liverpool gets major update on contract negotiations with Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk

Liverpool awaits decisions from Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, and Trent Alexander-Arnold regarding their futures, but there is encouraging news for the former two.

Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah are reportedly “very likely” to sign new contracts with Liverpool. The two, along with Trent Alexander-Arnold, are approaching the end of their current contracts, which expire at the season’s conclusion. All three players have received offers to extend their stays, but no decisions have been made yet.

The coming week could be crucial, as the trio may begin negotiating pre-contract agreements with foreign clubs starting in January unless they commit to new deals before then.

Although a final decision before the year’s end seems increasingly unlikely, positive news has emerged regarding Van Dijk and Salah. Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth, speaking to GIVEMESPORT, stated that the pair are “very likely” to stay at Anfield.

Sheth also suggested that while Alexander-Arnold’s future remains uncertain, he has been less vocal about it compared to his teammates.

This update follows Van Dijk’s recent comments hinting at his desire to remain at Liverpool. Ahead of the Boxing Day match against Leicester, the captain told Amazon Prime: “I love the club, the club loves me. I love the fans, the fans love me and it is a very good foundation to be successful. In my opinion I can play for another three, four years at least at the highest level. We will see what the future brings.”

Liverpool.com notes that it has always seemed likely that Van Dijk and Salah would extend their contracts, while Alexander-Arnold might require more persuasion, particularly with the allure of Real Madrid. Hopefully, Sheth’s prediction holds true, and there will be no long wait for Van Dijk and Salah to sign new deals. With January just around the corner, it seems they might consider other offers, but the hope is they will ultimately remain with Liverpool.

December 28, 2024
Liverpool May Sell Wataru Endo in January

Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher believes that Japanese midfielder Wataru Endo might be sold in the January transfer window. Endo has dropped in the hierarchy since Arne Slot took charge at the club.

The Reds had been keen on acquiring Zubimendi over the summer but couldn’t complete the transfer. In the meantime, Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister have taken on deeper midfield roles under Slot, yet Liverpool may still seek to sign a specialized holding midfielder in upcoming transfer windows.

Endo has struggled to secure playing time in the Merseyside jersey, particularly in the Premier League, leading Carragher to suggest a possible January sale.

Jamie Carragher, a Liverpool legend with 737 appearances—second most in the club’s history—believes that Wataru Endo could have been traded for a player like Martín Zubimendi in future transfer windows. On Sky Sports, Carragher expressed his view that Endo may not fit the defensive midfielder profile that Arne Slot desires for his team.

“I’m not sure he’s [Endo] the kind of player that Arne Slot seeks for that position. When you mention the No.6 they were interested in, we all know that was Martín Zubimendi. He’s the complete opposite of the type of player that Endo is.”

Jamie Carragher on Sky Sports

Wataru Endo vs. Martin Zubimendi

After the match, Liverpool Echo journalist Paul Gorst provided his player ratings for Liverpool’s performance against West Ham United. Endo, who started in midfield, did not deliver his best performance in a Liverpool shirt and received a rating of 5/10, which was warranted due to his lackluster showing.

While Endo may not have excelled that night, he fulfilled his responsibilities. The veteran has proven he can rise to the occasion, as he did in the Carabao Cup final last season, where he gave his all to help the Reds secure the trophy. It’s fitting to refer to Endo as a cult hero.

Gorst indicated that Endo seemed anxious during Jarell Quansah’s own goal. Critics also noted his deficiency in progressive passing, with Carragher’s post-match remarks further emphasizing the disappointment in his performance. It will be fascinating to see whether Slot and his recruitment team opt to sell Endo when the transfer window opens again.

September 27, 2024
Liverpool thinks the £60 million player can play in an entirely different position the next year

Liverpool is still searching for a potent No. 6 to help Arne Slot close the score with Arsenal and Manchester City.

Having offered £110 million for Moises Caicedo last summer before settling on a stopgap solution in Wataru Endo, the Reds are all too aware of the need for an imposing midfield presence, one that can equal what Rodri and Declan Rice have contributed to Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta’s respective clubs.

It’s interesting to note that Liverpool think they already have a solution at Anfield, but he is hesitant to play as the number six.

Dominik Szoboszlai is a player that Liverpool believes can play deeper.

Liverpool think Dominik Szoboszlai has what it takes to play in a deeper No. 6 role next season, according to an intriguing piece from the Telegraph.

The rumour is that several at Anfield think the Hungary international might have a bigger role, but he is hesitant to take it on. Slot has not stated that he intends to act on this belief for the upcoming season.

After spending £60 million to join from RB Leipzig, Szoboszlai made an early impression last season as Jurgen Klopp deployed him in an attacking midfield role. However, as the 2023–24 campaign progressed, the Hungarian’s impact decreased.

In the end, the 23-year-old made 45 appearances, scoring seven goals and dishing out four assists.

He did not have any form of goal involvement in his last 12 Premier League games.

International Hungary is not the solution to the sixth issue.

Although Endo, a 31-year-old Japan international, was a good addition for just £17 million last summer, he is not a long-term solution for the No. 6 position.

Given how important that position is in the present day, Liverpool definitely must sign a marquee alternative for it, even though Szoboszlai isn’t the solution.

Imagine the man from Székesfehérvár attempting to battle physically against Rodri or Rice in a pivotal Premier League match the following season.

Although he is no match for them defensively or physically, he could have an impact with his technical ability from deep.

According to WhoScored, Szoboszlai averaged one tackle and 0.5 interceptions per game in the Premier League the previous year.

In contrast, Rodri made 2.1 tackles on average every 90 minutes, while Rice averaged 2.2 tackles and 1.2 interceptions.

It’s interesting to note that, according to the CIES Football Observatory, Szoboszlai is now valued more than Rice.

Instead of forcing Szoboszlai or another kid into the No. 6 spot, Liverpool should spend big money on a good player to take that position.

July 25, 2024
Liverpool ‘interested’ in Endo’s former Stuttgart teammate.

Liverpool are interested in signing Stuttgart defender Waldemar Anton, a former teammate of Wataru Endo, according to reports in Germany.

The Reds will attempt to add fresh players during the summer transfer window as they prepare for their debut season under new head coach Arne Slot. They are thought to be looking for a new centre-back, with Joel Matip leaving this month after his contract expired.

According to German outlet Sport BILD, Liverpool is interested in Anton, who recently led Stuttgart to an impressive second-place finish in the Bundesliga, surpassing Bayern Munich and qualifying for the Champions League.

If Anton does join Liverpool, it will not be the first time the Reds have signed Stuttgart’s captain, as they did with Endo last summer. The Japan international instantly became a fan favourite at Anfield, appearing 44 times and scoring three goals in 2023/24.

Before deciding on his club future, Anton will first navigate the European Championships, where Germany will compete for continental cutlery on home soil. They started their campaign with a 5-1 victory over Scotland on Friday night.

Virgil van Dijk is poised to enter the final year of his contract at Anfield, with his future uncertain despite his dedication to helping the club build in the post-Jurgen Klopp era. A fresh face in defence would be excellent news for Liverpool.

Youngster Jarell Quansah made steady progress last season and was named to England’s provisional Euro 2024 squad before being cut from the final team. Joe Gomez has mostly been used as a full-back in the last year, while Ibrahima Konate is still a key member of Liverpool’s backline but has frequently struggled with injury since joining from RB Leipzig in 2021.

More news……

Liverpool to offer £84 million to sign a forward compared to Mohamed Salah

Liverpool have made an offer to sign a player that Troy Deeney believes is better than Mohamed Salah.

A far cry from the days when Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, and the Egypt international were Jurgen Klopp’s unconteste frontline, Liverpool’s attacking department is now rather uncertain, with questions about Luis Diaz’s future.

Liverpool may have made a significant bid for a Brazilian forward, according to Spanish media.

Liverpool make an offer to Rodrygo.

According to SPORT, Liverpool have made an offer of €100 million (£84 million) to buy Real Madrid No. 11 Rodrygo.

The Spanish news agency believes Real Madrid is willing to sell the Brazil international for €150 million (£127 million) – despite the additions of Kylian Mbappe and Endrick – but has rejected Liverpool’s offer.

SPORT feel Rodrygo would prefer to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu.

However, if it becomes clear that Mbappe and Endrick would take away minutes from him, the South American will want a transfer to the Premier League from Real Madrid.

Rodrygo impressed in the 2023/24 season, helping Real Madrid win La Liga and the UEFA Champions League for the 15th time, scoring 17 goals and giving nine assists in 51 games across all competitions.

As previously said, Deeney believes the 23-year-old is better than Salah.

Reds appear to be enamoured with the Brazilian.

Of course, managers and recruiting staff come and go, and transfer targets change all the time, but Liverpool appears to have been attempting to sign Rodrygo since at least 2019.

Elano, who was previously at Manchester City and Interim Manager of Rodrygo’s former club Santos at the time of his rise, told ESPN that Liverpool expressed “strong interest” in the attacker while he was still a member of the Brazilian side’s development ranks.

The 42-year-old stated that Liverpool was really interested in the child while he was in the lower categories (at Santos) and wanted to buy him, but the offer was too cheap. Then came the offer from Madrid.”

Liverpool have clearly adored Rodrygo for many years, and that admiration does not appear to have waned despite suspicions of this £84 million deal.

June 16, 2024
I have nothing personal against Jurgen Klopp, but I hope Liverpool gives their summer signings another year.

Liverpool great Didi Hamann discusses his public spat with Jurgen Klopp and evaluates the effectiveness of the Reds’ midfield makeover from last summer.

It should come as no surprise, looking back to the summer of last year, that Liverpool focused most of their £150 million midfield makeover on the Bundesliga.

The writing was on the wall when Jorg Schmadtke, who had held comparable positions at VfL Wolfsburg, FC Koln, Hannover 96, and Alemannia Aachen during the preceding 20 years, was named the Reds’ new sporting director on a temporary basis.

After Julian Ward left the team and stayed on for an additional week to supervise the already agreed-upon £35 million signing of Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton & Hove Albion, Schmadtke took over and used his connections in his native country for the remainder of the summer.

After Julian Ward left the team and stayed on for an additional week to supervise the already agreed-upon £35 million signing of Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton & Hove Albion, Schmadtke took over and used his connections in his native country for the remainder of the summer.

After Liverpool exercised his release clause, Dominik Szoboszlai was acquired from RB Leipzig for £60 million, and on transfer deadline day, Ryan Gravenberch, a long-term target, was finally signed by Bayern Munich for a transaction that might have cost as much as £40 million.

The Reds had to wait patiently for the Dutchman, as Jurgen Klopp would later acknowledge, saying, “We knew there was a chance for Ryan.” Klopp was speaking about the preseason’s beginning at an Anfield Road stand test event in December. Such an action was long overdue, with the club corresponding with his representatives for the most of the first half of 2023.

In the meantime, Liverpool finally decided on Wataru Endo from VfB Stuttgart after growing dissatisfied with their attempts to sign a new holding midfield player following the surprise departures of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho to Saudi Arabia. They had passed up players like Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia, and Andre Trindade.

The 30-year-old Japan captain, who had joined Stuttgart in August 2019 as a 2. Bundesliga player before continuously fighting to stay in the German top division, undoubtedly confused onlookers when he arrived.

Endo and Klopp have both admitted on multiple occasions that Liverpool would not target him under normal conditions. But need dictates that his £16.2 million arrival, having overcome a sluggish start, appears to be both a steal and a genius.

Granted, Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, and Endo have experienced rather different outcomes in their inaugural season on Merseyside.

The Hungarian had a great start to the season, but after two hamstring injuries, he lost his way in the second half. Although he has shown promise in brief appearances, the Netherlands international has found it difficult to secure a consistent spot in the team.

And as was already established, Endo had a poor start to the campaign but has since shown promise, earning a spot in Klopp’s starting lineup as the season approached its halfway point. That will have astonished many in England, including Liverpool icon Didi Hamann, but not the now 31-year-old.

The German, who left Bayern Munich in 1998 to accept a £5.5 million contract with Newcastle United when he was just 25 years old, has firsthand experience with making the switch from the Bundesliga to the Premier League. The Reds paid £8 million the following year to get Hamann for Anfield.

In addition to winning the UEFA Cup and DFB Pokal with Bayern, Hamann was a two-time Bundesliga champion who also played in the 1999 Champions League final. Even with this experience, though, the Germany international still needed some time to get used to both Newcastle and Liverpool, and his early injuries did not help.

And Hamann, who saw a lot of Endo in the Bundesliga before moving to Liverpool himself, isn’t shocked by his success there, thinking that missing out on Caicedo ended up being a lucky break.

Hamann exclusively told the ECHO, via the help of Free Bets, “No, he hasn’t surprised me.” “You don’t always need the big names; perhaps it was a blessing that I didn’t acquire Caicedo for a hundred million dollars because I knew how good of a player he is.”

“He held together a faltering side. I’ve always said that he’s incredibly disciplined, technically very gifted, two-footed, and a fantastic team player, and I think he will surprise a few people.

“I’m not shocked in the least. He may have needed a few weeks or months to adjust to the Premier League’s brisk speed and rhythm, but he hasn’t shocked me in the slightest. He is a gentleman.

Endo may not have taken Hamann by surprise, but Szoboszlai has—and in more ways than one. The Hungarian’s impressive Anfield debut surprised the German, who isn’t convinced despite his £60 million transfer fee.

Consequently, he is dubious about Szoboszlai’s true level of success as an acquisition, having witnessed the midfielder’s decline in form during the second half of the season.

“It surprised me how well he started because I know from personal experience that it takes some weeks or months to adjust to the Premier League’s fast-paced environment,” he remarked. “His impressive start startled me.

“I felt they spent a lot of money on him. Although I believe he’s a very good player, time will tell.

“As an offensive player, achieving consistency is usually more difficult. Injuries also befell him in the second half of the season, and it’s unclear if he was a wise acquisition overall.

Hamann, a former player for Bayern Munich, witnessed Gravenberch’s struggles in Bavaria the previous season before deciding to transfer to Anfield. The German believes the Netherlands international has more to give despite a patchy start on Merseyside, and he hopes Arne Slot, the new manager, gives him the opportunity to establish himself.

“I believe he’s likely making a slightly bigger difference at Liverpool than he did at Bayern,” he remarked. However, there may be a little more competition at Liverpool for spots.

He must now undoubtedly begin playing regularly and having an impact on the games. He’s been brought in because he’s a large man, he moves briskly, and he can finish.

“He needs to create opportunities and score goals because Liverpool has needed goals from outside the area at certain points this season. He’s had opportunities to establish himself in the past but hasn’t taken them.

“I hope he gets another season; it’s his first, but I think he needs to improve on this one next season.”

Klopp has previously grown enraged by Hamann’s candid evaluations of Liverpool, and the two have frequently exchanged acrimonious comments in the media.

However, the former midfielder for the Reds maintains that he has no animosity towards the soon-to-be-former Liverpool manager and that he intends to have frank conversations with Klopp when they next meet.

He asserted, “I never had a problem with him.” “I realise that my remarks against the team or the club are never personal.

And I am aware that he stands up for the group, the club, and himself. Since it’s evident that this is a high-pressure job, everything is OK.

“I’ve never had a problem with him, and I still don’t, and if he agrees, I’ll talk to him when I see him. Not a bad sensation at all.

May 9, 2024
It was the right decision for Jürgen Klopp to alter Liverpool’s transfer strategy for the amazing ace who is now considered ‘world class’.

Since the 1-1 draw with Man City, Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp has been highlighting the strengths of several players. One midfield player is not to be disregarded.

If you had been informed in the summer that Liverpool would play Manchester City at Anfield in March, with Joe Gomez starting at left-back, Conor Bradley and Jarell Quansah making up half of the defence, and Wataru Endō among the first names on the roster, you could have been forgiven for questioning what had gone wrong.

When Jürgen Klopp made roster changes to his Liverpool club last summer, that was not the team that was expected. On the injury front, however, nobody could have predicted anything near to what transpired. Up to ten players, including certain starters like Alisson and Ibrahima Konaté, were sidelined, while Mohamed Salah was limited to 30 minutes of action off the bench.

But what happened at Anfield in a match that could have been crucial in the three-way fight for the Premier League title was not at all what many had anticipated a few months ago. Liverpool felt disappointed not to win by the end. Alexis Mac Allister ought to have won a second spot-kick, and Luis Díaz had opportunities.

A reversal in the second half was essential to all of that. Liverpool was still very much in the game, but Manchester City rightly led after the first forty-five minutes of play. However, Liverpool was clearly in the lead after the half.

The midfield was the source of it all. Kevin De Bruyne had discovered spaces earlier in the game, but those gaps had closed. Erling Haaland had very little chance to kick, and the balls into Phil Foden were blocked at the source.

The running that Endō, Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Harvey Elliott completed was essential to everything. The 31-year-old Endō played with the intensity of a player ten years younger.

“What do you anticipate? that the 30-year-old Japanese skipper you sign would be an exceptional player in the Premier League?” stated Klopp in a post-Manchester City interview with BBC Sport.

“We thought he would be a terrific player, but what he’s doing with that role, whether it be with Macca, Dom, or Harvey—what a game he played, by the way— You never know when someone can reach world-class status, but that’s exactly what transpired.”

That really is a great compliment. However, it is not uncalled for. With more than 20 minutes of regular time remaining, De Bruyne was substituted by Endō, who played an outstanding game against Manchester City.

Pep Guardiola concluded that Mateo Kovačić was the person needed to help turn the tide. By then, Endō, Mac Allister, and Elliott were winning the midfield battle, and Manchester City’s major creator was out of the game.

Endō was not your average Liverpool transfer. He was well over the age the Reds typically move for at thirty. However, Klopp and previous sporting director Jörg Schmadtke were completely justified in their $21 million (£16 million/€19 million) transfer; it is difficult to envision Moisés Caicedo, who would have cost about seven times as much, having an influence similar to Endō’s this season.

More news……

Liverpool sends scouts to see the £60 million midfield player against Arsenal.

According to sources, Liverpool dispatched scouts to study Alan Varela, a £60 million transfer target, during Porto’s Champions League victory over Arsenal last week.

Since moving from Boca Juniors in his home Argentina to Portuguese club Porto in August, the 22-year-old defensive midfielder has drawn attention.

Leading teams are allegedly keeping an eye on Varela’s status in anticipation of a potential transfer at the end of the current campaign.

Seven of the Argentine’s twenty-eight outings for Porto have come in the Champions League.

Porto qualified for the round of sixteen after finishing second behind Barcelona thanks to his assistance in winning four of their six group games.

Prior to their second meeting at the Emirates on March 12, Porto leads Arsenal 1-0 from the first leg. A quarterfinal spot is up for grabs.

“We achieved a fantastic outcome,” Pepe declared. We need to be even more concentrated than we were today because it will be even harder in London. We must be faultless.

Galeno’s goal was crucial to our hopes of making it to the quarterfinals. We were aware that the game would be difficult.

“We put on a great show and won with a great goal, but Arsenal has a lot of quality.”

March 12, 2024
“He’s a machine,” says Jurgen Klopp, referring to the Liverpool player who will ink a new long-term deal.

In the Carabao Cup final, Liverpool defeated Chelsea, and Wataru Endo looked great.

Wataru Endo will have a long and prosperous career at Liverpool, according to Jurgen Klopp, once the team wins his first major prize.

Endo came to the Reds during the summer transfer window from Stuttgart, however many were taken aback by his sudden presence. Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo, who would have cost Liverpool a total of almost £163 million if they had chosen to join Chelsea, were targets for Liverpool.

Endo was said to have cost the Reds around £16 million, but because of his age and relative obscurity, some had written him off early on. However, since relocating to Merseyside, the Japan international has been playing fantastically. He played a brilliant 120 minutes in Liverpool’s 1-0 extra-time victory over Chelsea at Wembley, with Lavia sitting out due to injury and Caicedo having to settle with a runners-up medal.

Endo has a deal with Anfield that runs through the summer of 2027. Even though Klopp will step down as manager in the summer, he believes Endo will remain in the long-term plans of the next Liverpool manager.

“A good development, huh?” remarked Klopp. Yes, as I’ve mentioned a few times, we were fortunate. We bring him in, and Wataru is obviously going to sign another long-term contract at Liverpool in three or four years, merely because his passport may say he’s thirty or thirty-one but he’s not. He is an apparatus. In terms of football, he is outstanding. He has an excellent defensive mind. He grants us great freedom in many areas. Yes, excellent development. quite beneficial, quite beneficial.”

More news……..

A reporter for Sky Sports relays concerning news about Liverpool from Wembley Stadium.

A reporter for Sky Sports relays concerning news about Liverpool from Wembley Stadium.

Three key players for Liverpool’s match against Chelsea today might be sidelined.

The first major trophy of the English season is up for grabs in this year’s Carabao Cup final.

Before he leaves this summer, Jurgen Klopp wants to win awards, and today is a big chance to do so.

Liverpool’s opponents are Chelsea, and the Reds will aim to build on their victory in 2022, when they defeated the Blues in the Carabao Cup final their route to a double-winning campaign.

Regretfully, Klopp may be missing three key players for Liverpool this afternoon.

Three missing from Liverpool at Wembley
Speaking this morning outside Wembley Stadium, Sky Sports correspondent Vinny O’Connor provided a concerning update.

According to O’Connor, the Liverpool team did not include Dominik Szoboszlai, Darwin Nunez, or Mohamed Salah when they arrived at Wembley.

Prior to today’s match, players will have been observing their surroundings and the Wembley pitch.

O’Connor, however, claims that the three Liverpool players were unable to be seen, which has led to concerns about them losing out.

“I have some unfortunate news to share with you. The group that exited the Wembley stadium did not include Mo Salah, Darwin Nunez, or Dominik Szoboszlai,” stated O’Connor. He continued, “We’re just curious what that says about the potential team Jurgen Klopp is going to put out.”

Salah did not play against Luton Town in midweek, but he did score and provide an assist when he came off the bench against Brentford last week.

Nunez was also not present against the Hatters, but it was anticipated that both players will return today.

However, neither this update nor Szoboszlai’s performance—who hasn’t played since the 4-1 league victory against Chelsea in January—are promising.

Perhaps Liverpool is attempting to manipulate Chelsea, but it would now be shocking to see Salah, Nunez, and Szoboszlai start against the Blues, dealing a serious blow to Klopp and company.

February 26, 2024
“Excellent” Liverpool player is noticeably missing from team practise; may miss Bournemouth match

Dominik Szoboszlai’s stint on the sidelines is certain to prolong as the Hungarian is conspicuously absent from club training photos posted on liverpoolfc.com.

One of four new midfielders to grace the halls of the AXA training complex, Liverpool’s summer acquisition, has missed action due to a hamstring injury after an emphatic 4-2 victory over Newcastle United.

Even if Harvey Elliott of 90Min said that the Hungarian was “world-class,” there’s still a chance that the 23-year-old will not play for Bournemouth before returning, as it seems more likely that Klopp will bench the player for a while.

What option does Liverpool still have?

Out of our senior alternatives, only Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, Alexis Mac Allister, and Ryan Gravenberch seem to be eligible for selection, as Wataru Endo has left for the Asian Cup (we wish him success!).

Even though we would be thrilled to see our No. 8 on the lineup on Sunday, it wouldn’t break our hearts if one of the former three started the game in the middle of the midfield against the Cherries.

Until the pre-match news conference, we’ll be monitoring any new developments, but perhaps everything will work out in the end!

More news……

Liverpool has Jeremie Frimpong on their radar.

According to sources who spoke to Football Insider, Liverpool is one of the teams keeping an eye on Bayer Leverkusen wing-back Jeremie Frimpong’s condition.

Aston Villa is interested in the 23-year-old, and if they qualify for the Champions League, they may make him a realistic target, according to a report published by Football Insider on Tuesday, January 9.

After his outstanding Bundesliga achievements for Leverkusen, Frimpong is rumoured to be coveted by both Man United and Arsenal.

The growing interest in the Netherlands international ahead of a potential transition at the end of the 2023–24 season is known to Xabi Alonso’s team.

The Netherlands international is expected to become available through a release clause valued at approximately £35 million later this year.

Throughout the 2023–24 season, Frimpong—a former star for both Celtic and Man City—has played only on the right flank of a 3–4–3 formation. He is under contract in Germany until June 2028.

In his 22 appearances in all competitions this season, he has managed seven goals and ten assists.

After signing with Leverkusen in January 2021, the right-footer has played 117 games for the team, scoring 18 goals and dishing out 30 assists.

Liverpool is considering promoting Trent Alexander-Arnold to a more regular midfield position while they contemplate making a move for a new right-back.

In recent seasons, Alexander-Arnold’s backup has been Joe Gomez, a traditional center-back.

The 23-year-old is also being sought after by Arsenal and Manchester United, who may enter the hunt for his signature during the summer transfer window once concerns about Financial Fair Play are allayed.

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Fans of Liverpool are given a comforting transfer update by Fabrizio Romano.

Although Al Ettifaq of the Saudi Pro League has been linked to Liverpool defender Joe Gomez, Fabrizio Romano seems to think the Reds don’t want to let go of him.

Gomez was one of several names brought up by Al Ettifaq and their manager Steven Gerrard in a recent meeting, along with fellow Liverpool defender Joel Matip, as Ben Jacobs had previously reported on CaughtOffside.

Romano has since updated CaughtOffside exclusively in his Daily Briefing column, stating that Liverpool’s position is that Gomez is not for sale and that the 26-year-old is expected to remain at Anfield.

Even if he won’t be leaving LFC this month, Matip might be someone to monitor for the finish of the season, according to Romano.

Romano wrote, “Despite talk of a possible move to Al Ettifaq, Joel Matip won’t leave Liverpool now,” in reference to these players in his most recent piece. It might be different in the summer, and he might be drawn to Saudi attention. Additionally, I don’t see Joe Gomez going; he’s staying.

Matip has served Liverpool well, but after the end of the current campaign, it may be time for him to go on. Gomez, on the other hand, is undoubtedly still a valued member of Jurgen Klopp’s squad.

January 17, 2024
Liverpool’s move for a £9 million “destroyer” could result in another Endo brag.

This winter, Jorg Schmadtke might add another clever addition to the Liverpool midfield.

One may argue that Liverpool’s 2022–2023 campaign was one to forget, but after years of success, Jurgen Klopp will want his team to remember the hardships.

With radical midfield changes made last summer, the renowned manager fixed the issues, and Liverpool is now vying for hardware once more. After 20 games, they lead the Premier League table and are deep into the Carabao Cup semi-finals and Europa League round of sixteen.

Liverpool has choices in every area of the field, but it would be stupid and blinkered to believe that adding more players wouldn’t help the team strive for a spectacular “rebuilding” campaign finale.

Although it appears like Klopp’s team is ahead of plan, it is imperative that the current transfer window be utilised to maintain this desirable position at the top of the pack.

Liverpool transfer news – Morten Frendrup

At the beginning of the month, Paul Gorst of the Liverpool Echo reported that Klopp was searching for a replacement No. 6 and had already identified Morten Frendrup, a midfielder for Genoa, for a transfer.

But Tutto Juve has subsequently revealed that West Ham United and Crystal Palace, two London teams reportedly drawn to the cheap €10 million (£9 million) price tag, may also be interested in signing him. For this reason, if a move to Merseyside is considered likely, this deal needs to be finalised quickly.

Ideally, scouts and Jorg Schmadtke, the club’s technical director, would keep an eye on the player’s progress until the summer, but given the low valuation and fierce competition, things might move more quickly in the upcoming weeks.

Morten Frendrup’s style of play

Talent evaluator Jacek Kulig called Frendrup a “superb talent” and described him as a “destroyer” of the midfield. He is known for his athleticism, passing, pace, positioning, persistence, and tackling.

After leading Genoa back into Serie A before the summer, he has made 70 appearances for the club since leaving his native country in 2021. He has been outstanding in recent months, starting all 18 league games in 2023–24 and dishing out four assists.

But Liverpool have shown themselves in the market once more with a clever acquisition, and Frendrup might duplicate the achievement after winning the team’s Player of the Month award for December.

Morten Frendrup has been a 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘀𝘂𝘀 in midfield for Genoa this season 💪

Can he help the Grifone secure a result at high-flying Bologna tonight? 🇮🇹 #SerieA #BolognaGenoa pic.twitter.com/cu8NinJdV7

— Twenty3 (@Twenty3sport) January 5, 2024

Despite his lack of major league experience, the 22-year-old is clearly skilled and could be a wise addition to a team that already has choices for the No. 6 spot.

He is completely different from Alexis Mac Allister, a holding midfielder who, while not the cleanest defensive player, is technically excellent and has a range of passing that enables him to control the game from the centre of the field.

According to FBref, Frendrup’s combination of inventiveness and defensive prowess has placed him in the top 1% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for tackles, the top 7% for assists, and the top 11% for blocks per 90.

It remains to be seen how such skill will translate to life in England, but even though his passing is not the best (he is in the bottom 27% of midfielders for pass completion), it may get better in the years to come.

Why Liverpool should sign Morten Frendrup

It was previously mentioned that one of Frendrup’s worse aspects of his game is his passing, but Endo’s performance last season could have been comparable.

Endo’s completion rate from defensive midfield in the Premier League this season is 87%, compared to just 80% last year in Germany; Frendrup may match this performance with the correct coaching and equipment.

Schmadtke pulled off a pretty amazing feat with this one, and despite being thirty years old, the Japan captain has grown and expanded his skill set under Klopp’s tutelage and amid a group of players vying for a spot at the top of European football.

Although Endo is a bit more straightforward in his craft than, say, Mac Allister or Joshua Kimmich of Bayern Munich (who has recently been linked with Liverpool), he has shown off his best qualities tremendously over the past few months. Klopp likes fluidity and demands that his players have a combination of skills to effectively contribute to the system.

In a world where lavish spending and well-known rumours drive the conversation throughout the transfer season, Liverpool has frequently taken the less-traveled route to acquire individuals who bolster Klopp’s team.

Why Liverpool should sign Morten Frendrup

Given Liverpool’s current alternatives in the deep-lying midfield with Mac Allister and 30-year-old summer acquisition Wataru Endo, it seems sense that another player is being pursued.

While Endo was a surprise summer purchase from German Bundesliga side Stuttgart for £16 million in August—following the Reds’ high-profile transfer war with Chelsea for Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia—which left Klopp furious and empty-handed—the former is inherently used in a more creative capacity.

But Liverpool have shown themselves in the market once more with a clever acquisition, and Frendrup might duplicate the achievement after winning the team’s Player of the Month award for December.

It was previously mentioned that one of Frendrup’s worse aspects of his game is his passing, but Endo’s performance last season could have been comparable.

Endo’s completion rate from defensive midfield in the Premier League this season is 87%, compared to just 80% last year in Germany; Frendrup may match this performance with the correct coaching and equipment.

This was a bit of a blinder from Schmadtke, and with Klopp leading the way and with a group of players fighting for a spot at the top of European football, the

Schmadtke pulled off a pretty amazing feat with this one, and despite being thirty years old, the Japan captain has grown and expanded his skill set under Klopp’s tutelage and amid a group of players vying for a spot at the top of European football.

Although Endo is a bit more straightforward in his craft than, say, Mac Allister or Joshua Kimmich of Bayern Munich (who has recently been linked with Liverpool), he has shown off his best qualities tremendously over the past few months. Klopp likes fluidity and demands that his players have a combination of skills to effectively contribute to the system.

In a world where lavish spending and well-known rumours drive the conversation throughout the transfer season, Liverpool has frequently taken the less-traveled route to acquire individuals who bolster Klopp’s team.

Although Endo was not the German manager’s first option, the former Stuttgart star has excelled because Caicedo has not lived up to the hype and Lavia has been devastated by injuries in west London.

Without a doubt, the Reds would benefit from having players like Kimmich. However, Frendrup has the potential to become a genuine world-beater, and the Anfield team would not be foolish to try again with a player who has the makings of a midfield machine.

January 6, 2024
When Liverpool will lose Wataru Endo and Mo Salah is confirmed by Jurgen Klopp.
When Wataru Endo and Mohamed Salah will depart Liverpool to play in midseason international competitions, Jurgen Klopp has revealed.

Because of the diverse roster that Klopp assembled at Liverpool, it has frequently happened that important players miss games at the beginning of the year.

Salah, Sadio Mane, and Naby Keita have all missed seasons of the Africa Cup of Nations, which is primarily to blame for that.

However, the Asian Cup this year will add to that, as Japan’s captain is summer signing Endo.

The expectation was that Endo and Salah, who will also serve as Egypt’s captains during their AFCON trip to the Ivory Coast, would be fit for their FA Cup third-round match against Arsenal on January 7.

However, Klopp has stated that the two are anticipated to leave right after Newcastle’s Premier League visit on New Year’s Day.

In his lengthy pre-match press conference on Friday, the manager provided updates to reporters, including Andy Hunter of the Guardian.

Liverpool may be without Salah and Endo for a while as AFCON takes place from January 13 to February 11 and the Asian Cup from January 12 to February 10.

They will, at minimum, be unable to attend the following four games:
- Arsenal (A) – FA Cup third round – January 7
- Fulham (H) – Carabao Cup semi-final – January 10
- Bournemouth (A) – Premier League – January 21
- Fulham (A) – Carabao Cup semi-final – January 24
They would miss four further games, including maybe an FA Cup fourth-round tie, if they get all the way to their respective finals.

That would also mean they would not be able to play Burnley (H, Feb. 10), Chelsea (H, Jan. 31), Arsenal (A, Feb. 4), or Brentford (A, Feb. 17).

As things stand, Liverpool will miss at least four games without their leading scorer and a crucial midfield player.

It is not ideal given the state of injuries in Klopp’s team, with Ben Doak, Stefan Bajcetic, Joel Matip, Thiago, and Diogo Jota remaining sidelined, Andy Robertson not yet back in contact training, and all of them long-term absences.

The boss has already hinted at his strategy without Salah, so it will be hoped that Mac Allister and Jota return in time for the FA Cup match at Arsenal.

In the Carabao Cup quarterfinals, Harvey Elliott started on the right wing in the 5-1 victory over West Ham. Dominik Szoboszlai is an additional possibility.

More news……

Liverpool adviced as one to watch for top Arsenal transfer target

In the transfer war for Juventus youngster and alleged Arsenal target Kenan Yildiz, Liverpool is apparently one team to monitor.

Arsenal is reportedly interested in the highly-rated teenage Turkey international, according to reports from the Italian publication Calciomercato, but it appears that the Gunners are not the only team after the player.

According to the most recent report from Corriere dello Sport, which Sport Witness reported and translated, Liverpool appears to be a firm fan of Yildiz as well, and Juventus should be wary of the Reds’ attempts to sign the uneasy 18-year-old.

In order to replace Mohamed Salah in the long run, Liverpool would be wise to acquire a top young attacking player such as this one, given players like Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz have not had the best luck with injuries lately.

In the meanwhile, Arsenal would be well to bolster their offensive depth as well, since it seems likely that a major loss to Gabriel Martinelli or Bukayo Saka would spell difficulty for them.
December 25, 2023