Liverpool have a decision to make over what to do with Wataru Endo this summer.
Endo was a surprise signing in August, but has gone on to make a good impression in his debut season at Anfield.
There were points in the season where the 31-year-old looked like a genuinely world-class holding midfielder. Nobody who saw it will forget Endo’s dominating display against Man City in a hurry.
Despite that though, the Japan captain’s form tailed off towards the end of the campaign. There is a general feeling that Arne Slot could do with an improvement in defensive midfield.
So, after claims that Endo could be sold after just one season with Liverpool, journalist David Lynch has moved to clear the waters.
Will Wataru Endo leave Liverpool this summer?
In our opinion, there is a strong argument that Liverpool should bring in an elite defensive midfielder this summer.
Although he exceeded expectations, Endo’s limitations also became clear as the season wore on.
There’s little doubt that the former Stuttgart man has proven himself a very good option in the Liverpool squad. But as a starter, Endo’s days look a little numbered.
To that point, Lynch took to his YouTube channel to explain whether Slot might look to upgrade upon his No.3 this summer.
READ MORE: Liverpool are definitely looking at the defensive midfielder market
“I have seen reports this week suggesting that Liverpool are already ready to move on from Wataru Endo, they’re ready to cut him lose so they can make a signing in that position,” says the reporter.
“It’s my understanding, from speaking to sources close to the player, that that’s not anything that’s been communicated to his side of things.
“He’s very happy at Liverpool and if it did turn out that Liverpool were willing to make a signing in that position he’d be absolutely determined to fight for his place and prove his point.”
David Lynch responds to Alan Varela rumours
Part of the reason for whisperings that Endo may leave is because Liverpool have been linked with other defensive midfield signings.
One such player to have been heavily mentioned is Porto’s Alan Varela. Liverpool were claimed to be ready for negotiations to start for Varela earlier this week.
According to Lynch though, the 22-year-old is not on the list at Anfield this summer.
“The word is that it’s agents trying to drive up interest in their client,” says the journalist.
“Not a player Liverpool are excepted to make a move for this summer. One you can maybe check of your list of potential signings.”
Reading between the lines, it sounds like Endo is expected to be Liverpool’s specialist holding midfielder next season.