Klopp still has two Liverpool transfer priorities after Endo deal

17 August 2023 , 11:10

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Klopp still has two Liverpool transfer priorities after Endo deal

Jurgen Klopp is still aiming to complete at least two more signings once a deal for Wataru Endo is officially wrapped up.

The Liverpool boss headed into the summer with the goal of reshaping his midfield and has already acquired Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai. However, Klopp's plans have been rocked by the loss of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson, who have both completed lucrative transfers to the Saudi Pro League in recent weeks.

After missing out on deals for Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia to Chelsea, Stuttgart captain Endo emerged as a surprise target for the Reds on Wednesday and is expected to complete his move imminently. But his arrival doesn't necessarily mean Liverpool are done in the transfer market.

According to The Liverpool Echo, the Reds are still in the market for a left-sided centre-back, while Klopp could also swoop for another central midfielder in addition to Endo.

After sanctioning Fabinho's departure to Al-Ittihad, Liverpool started the season without a natural No.6 and were forced to deploy Mac Allister in a deeper role. And while the World Cup winner still managed to catch the eye, Klopp is unlikely to persist with the former Brighton star as an anchor.

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A host of midfielders had been linked with a move to Anfield before the link with Endo emerged in the wake of Liverpool's doomed pursuit of Lavia, who was thought to be an attainable target prior to the club's unsuccessful £111million bid for Caicedo.

Reports in Italy claim that Liverpool are planning to hijack Manchester United's proposed swoop for Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, while interest in Bayern Munich maestro Ryan Gravenberch has also been rekindled.

Join the debate! Who would you like to see Liverpool sign before the deadline? Let us know here.

Wataru Endo is expected to complete his move to Liverpool before the weekend

Mirror Football revealed back in April that the Reds had already reached an agreement with the 21-year-old over personal terms, but Foot Mercato claim that Gravenberch now favours a move to Manchester United, who are also interested in him.

Crystal Palace midfielder Cheick Doucoure has seemingly emerged as the Reds top target though, with reports claiming that Liverpool are confident of prising the 23-year-old away from the Eagles for less than £60m. It remains to be seen if the Eagles would tolerate a substantial bid for another prized asset with Michael Olise poised to follow Wilfried Zaha out the exit door.

With Endo on the cusp of completing his switch to Anfield, Klopp could call on the Japan international as early as this weekend, where Liverpool host Bournemouth.

Dan Marsh