Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp, Premier League, Transfers, Wataru Endo
Rory O'Callaghan
Topics: Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp, Premier League, Transfers, Wataru Endo
Liverpool are expected to have a busy summer transfer window, their first following Jurgen Klopp's departure from the club.
Klopp will step down from his role as manager at the end of the season, with Feyenoord boss Arne Slot widely expected to replace him as head coach in a new set-up at Anfield.
Slot is set to receive full backing in the transfer market, with Liverpool back in the Champions League next season and hoping to build on what is likely to be a third place finish in the Premier League.
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In addition to new signings, there are also set to be several players leaving the Reds this summer.
Thiago Alcantara is expected to depart on a free transfer when his contract expires, as will Joel Matip.
While it would not come as a surprise if those two players left along with Klopp, journalist Graeme Bailey claims there could also be a shock departure from the squad.
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He told Rousing The Kop that midfielder Wataru Endo could leave Liverpool, just one year after joining the Reds in a £16m move from Stuttgart.
The Japan international has made 41 appearances in all competitions, scoring three times, and has impressed with his consistent performances in his debut season in English football.
However, Bailey claims he could seek a move back to the Bundesliga.
"Obviously Thiago is going, we know that," he said.
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"I think if Endo moves back to Germany at some point it wouldn't be a major shock.
"He's come in, done a job, I think he's done a fine job but you can see him going back to the Bundesliga for sure. He's not on huge money and they didn't pay an awful lot for him."
There are also doubts over Ryan Gravenberch, who has struggled to make a major impact this season since joining in a £34m move from Bayern Munich.
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But Bailey claims it is unlikely the Netherlands international will be sold after just one campaign at Anfield.
"In terms of Gravenberch, it's not one I've heard but there will be some players in this squad who the new coach coming in doesn't fancy, that's just footballing life," added Bailey.
"There'll be some players who aren't in the team that we don't foresee. He [Arne Slot] won't demand people are sold but it will soon become apparent who he likes and who he doesn't."