Liverpool are planning on making a signing that will seriously affect Wataru Endo next season

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Wataru Endo was a signing that no Liverpool fan knew they needed.

When the Reds’ move for Martin Zubimendi fell through, it was difficult for some fans to figure out how they were going to make it work with only Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo able to play in defensive midfield.

Indeed, Alexis Mac Allister was used there by Jurgen Klopp on more than one occasion, but due to his attacking prowess, he’s much better in an advanced position.

However, now that Gravenberch has proven his worth and has shown that he can hold his own in the Premier League, questions have turned to the future of Endo, who’s been seen as Liverpool’s ‘closer’ for the last season or so.

Liverpool may send Wataru Endo further down the pecking order with a centre-back signing this summer

Throughout the 2024-25 campaign, Endo proved that he still has plenty of defensive talent and that he can be used as a centre-back if and when needed.

And, while a new report from The Athletic admits that Endo could be used there ‘in times of need,’ the Reds are still looking for a new centre-back.

The report adds that the only ‘issue’ that Liverpool still have within their team is centre-back after Jarell Quansah’s departure.

Slot would prefer to have two senior players ‘fighting’ for each position, which is why Liverpool are looking towards the market to ‘fill the gap’ this summer.

The Athletic also name Marc Guehi as a target who’s ‘under consideration’ this summer as the Englishman enters the final year of his deal with Crystal Palace.

Liverpool must keep Wataru Endo in and around their first-team squad

There’s no hiding from the fact that Endo wouldn’t be able to play 90 minutes twice a week for Liverpool anymore.

The midfielder joined the club a couple of seasons ago for a minimal fee, with many questioning why he was brought in at all.

However, over the last couple of years, he’s more than proven his worth and has often helped Liverpool hold onto their leads, while he’s even filled in at centre-back for the ‘less important’ games.

There’s also no denying that a fourth senior centre-back would be ideal for Slot as it would allow for plenty of rotation to occur throughout the campaign.

However, given Endo’s experience and his versatility, it doesn’t make sense for the Reds to completely sideline the Japan international, even if he is edging toward the twilight stages of his career.