Liverpool have made clear decision about Wataru Endo and signing a defensive midfielder this week

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Liverpool have some big decisions to make in the final days of the summer transfer window.

The Reds have made just one new signing so far, with Giorgi Mamardashvili now confirmed to have joined from Valencia.

However, Mamardashvili will not arrive at Anfield until 2025. Liverpool could really do with some more immediate reinforcements.

Throughout the summer so far, bringing in a new, elite defensive midfielder had been at the top of Arne Slot and Richard Hughes’ to-do list.

But having failed to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, it had been claimed that Liverpool will not target an alternative. Now, with just days to go, the Reds’ final decision has been made clear.

Liverpool don’t want another Wataru Endo

Had Liverpool been successful in signing Zubimendi, it is easy to see where the 25-year-old would have slotted into the first-team squad.

A Euro 2024 winner with Spain and an excellent deep-lying playmaker, Zubimendi could have been perfect for Liverpool.

In some ways, it’s understandable that the Reds did not wish to compromise with a lesser – or different – player earlier in the window.

During the early games of the season, Slot has utilised Ryan Gravenberch in a new role, with the Dutchman sitting deeper than usual.

READ MORE: Everything to know on Liverpool’s Giorgi Mamardashvili from height to stats

And according to The Athletic, that is indicative of how the head coach will now fill the No.6 role this season.

As a result, they claim that Liverpool fans should not expect their club to buy a new defensive midfielder before Friday’s deadline.

Although the position is named as the ‘main area of concern’ at Anfield, it’s claimed that Liverpool decided ‘soon’ after Zubimendi’s rejection that they would not go into the market.

The Reds reportedly do not want to sign a ‘stop-gap’ option like Wataru Endo and are instead seemingly prepared to wait. If the right opportunity comes up, Liverpool are said to be ‘prepared to react.’ But, for now, it’s business as usual.

Will Wataru Endo stay at Liverpool then?

It became clear early on into Slot’s time at Liverpool that he does not see Endo as the kind of player who is suitable for his team.

Endo was reportedly put up for sale at the end of July, which painted a really bleak picture of his future under the new boss.

However, the failure to sign Zubimendi has given the 31-year-old a reprieve. After coming on for the final moments of Sunday’s win over Brentford, it now feels likely that Endo is back in Slot’s plans.

In our opinion, that can only be a good thing. Yes, everyone would love the right player to be signed and come into the team. But Endo has worked hard for his chance at Liverpool and deserves his place in the squad.

The Japan captain grafted diligently to understand the role required of him under Jurgen Klopp last year and we wouldn’t bet against him now doing the same with Slot.