Liverpool have FINALLY got the central midfielder they need

Liverpool’s transfer priorities right now are at No10 and left-back. Florian Wirtz will soon be confirmed as the most expensive British transfer in history when he completes his £116m deal from Bayer Leverkusen.

And Milos Kerkez is also imminent. Talk is picking up that a deal estimated at £40m is finally close for the Hungarian. Once those two signings are finalised, sporting director Richard Hughes and head coach Arne Slot will turn their attentions elsewhere.

READ MORE: Liverpool could follow Florian Wirtz with second MEGA signing

We could see Liverpool add a new centre-forward - with no shortage of world-class names linked. And depending on what happens with Ibrahima Konate and Jarell Quansah, Liverpool could opt to push through a deal for a new centre-back too.

READ MORE: Fabrizio Romano confirms Liverpool in talks over SENSATIONAL €100m striker deal

That leaves midfield slightly neglected in this transfer window following extensive links last year to Martin Zubimendi. Ryan Gravenberch was given his opportunity once Zubimendi decided to stay at Real Sociedad and Liverpool haven’t looked back since.

Endo speaks up on Liverpool future

But the Dutchman showed signs of tiredness during the closing stages of the season. He, along with Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister, featured extensively for Liverpool last season without a proper breather.

And although we’ve seen tentative links to players like Angelo Stiller and Nicolo Rovella, it’s unusually quiet around central midfield targets.

But Liverpool, perhaps, already have the ideal stand-in candidate if Gravenberch or Mac Allister need a break.

Wataru Endo, 32, can now count himself as a Premier League title winner and has confidently declared that he plans to remain on Merseyside next season.

Speaking in Japan recently at an event, the midfielder was asked directly what his plans for the future would include.

Endo: I told you I'm staying!

"Are you staying with Liverpool next season?” asked the MC as relayed by Soccer Digest.

"I told you I'm staying!” replied the Samurai Blue captain. "If the club tells me to leave, no, I'm staying. I have a contract. It's up to me to make the final decision. Basically, I'm staying, for now."

There you have it.

Having featured extensively as a substitute last season, Endo is again ready to answer Slot’s call and ensure the club don’t have to go to the market for an expensive replacement.

Endo can take bigger role

Endo gradually earned more game time last season, demonstrating a terrific work-rate and temperament which won over Virgil van Dijk among others.

READ MORE: Liverpool set to break transfer record for SECOND time

While Liverpool are spending big money in other positions, Endo has offered the club guarantees that he is the man to provide the requisite skill, experience and expertise they need in midfield.

Those plans for a new No6 can be put on the back burner.

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