David Ornstein has delivered what could be seen as disappointing news by many sections of the Liverpool fanbase.
As the Reds approach the final stretch of the 2024/25 Premier League season, debates about midfield reinforcements have intensified.
While Ryan Gravenberch has emerged as a transformative figure under Arne Slot, concerns about his workload and the limited use of Wataru Endo have fueled speculation about summer transfer activity.
The club’s persistent interest in Real Sociedad’s Martín Zubimendi last summer suggests recognition of strategic gaps in midfield depth – although others would argue that Gravenberch has solved this need.
The Dutch international has started all 30 Premier League matches under Slot, accumulating over 2500 minutes—more than double his 2023/24 total under Jurgen Klopp.
His transition to a deeper defensive midfield role has unlocked new dimensions in his game, with Opta data revealing he ranks third in squad minutes (3,516) behind only Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah.
However, cracks in his game began appearing during a grueling 32-day period featuring nine consecutive starts against elite opponents like Manchester City, PSG, and Newcastle – normal for a player who had been operating with intensity since August with little to no rest.
Meanwhile, Wataru Endo’s situation presents a paradox. Despite Slot’s public praise for the Japanese international’s “unbelievable attitude,” his 713 minutes represent just 19% of available playing time.
The 32-year-old has become a specialist closer, featuring in 15 of his 23 appearances as a late defensive substitute.
But despite all these concerns, David Ornstein has suggested that the Anfield club are perfectly happy with their midfield options heading into the summer holidays.
Writing in his weekly Athletic Q&A, the transfer journalist revealed that it’s more likely the engine room stays the same than changes happening:
“This doesn’t seem to be a department at the top of their priority list, and – if that’s the case – you can understand why,” Ornstein wrote.
“Zubimendi was viewed as a market opportunity and when LFC’s pursuit didn’t come to fruition they decided against pivoting to another target; it was he who they wanted.”
“That call appears to have been vindicated with Gravenberch’s outstanding season, Endo’s contributions, Mac Allister consistency and Jones shining when called upon.”
Not exactly a vote of confidence that Liverpool will go out and secure a marquee midfield signing in the summer.
However, this could also suggest that the Anfield hierarchy are pursuing signings to the forward ranks and defensive cover instead – but that of course remains to be seen.
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