Liverpool
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Liverpool fans find themselves in familiar territory as another summer transfer window approaches. Reports of an ambitious recruitment drive collide with the club’s well-established pattern of financial prudence, leaving supporters to wonder whether this window will bring the significant squad refresh many believe is necessary, or if history will repeat itself with limited activity.
Liverpool’s transfer strategy has consistently been characterized by careful planning rather than lavish spending.
While respected journalist Fabrizio Romano has promised that Liverpool “will be really busy in the summer,” similar promises preceded last summer’s window, which ultimately yielded just one significant signing in Federico Chiesa.
The Italian winger’s arrival for a modest £10 million represented Liverpool’s only major addition across three consecutive transfer windows, highlighting a notable gap between expectation and reality.
Head coach Arne Slot has publicly acknowledged the club’s ambitions, telling the BBC back in January:
“I know people sometimes question this because they haven’t seen us doing a lot in the transfer market in the summer and now in the winter as well. There’s a reason for that – because we’re happy with the squad. But I do know we’re definitely working on strengthening in the summer.”
But even if there are no major incomings, there are surely going to be outgoings, especially amongst the more fringe players of the squad.
And this could be made a reality, at least according to German outlet BILD who have reported that Eintracht Frankfurt want to sign Wataru Endo in the summer.
After a slow start under Jurgen Klopp, the 31-year-old grew into his boots at Anfield and ended the campaign as a key cog in midfield.
He made 43 appearances across all competitions, accumulating 2,758 minutes on the pitch. His versatility was evident as he primarily operated as a defensive midfielder but also adapted to various roles when required.
But this season he has seen his playtime heavily reduced, and with the 2026 World Cup rapidly approaching (of which Japan have already qualfied for) the nation’s skipper will want to be playing regular football in the build-up.
The 32-year-old Japanese national team captain, who joined Liverpool from Stuttgart in 2023 for €20 million, is said to have impressed those at Frankfurt with his precise passing, tactical intelligence, and exceptional tackling.
Eintracht values Endo’s leadership qualities, which they currently lack in midfield. However, any move may depend on Eintracht qualifying for the Champions League and Endo accepting a reduced salary.
What is strange is that Endo only earns a reported £50,000 weekly at Anfield, which should not be too much to accommodate for a club the size of Frankfurt.
However, BILD assert that it’s ‘not out of the question’ for the Japan international to agree to this.
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