Initially, they were not actively seeking more defensive midfielders after encountering difficulties with high-profile transfers for Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo. Instead, they signed 30-year-old Wataru Endo, initially perceived as a squad depth option, to address their midfield needs. However, recent reports suggest a change in their strategy.

James Pearce of the Athletic now asserts that Liverpool no longer plans to acquire another specialist ‘number six’ this summer. Instead, their £16 million acquisition, Endo, is intended to start matches rather than merely serve as a squad filler. Additionally, the soon-to-be-fit Stefan Bajcetic is being considered as an alternative for this role.

In recent Premier League games, Alexis Mac Allister temporarily assumed the deepest-lying midfield role, with Curtis Jones and Trent Alexander-Arnold also filling in during preseason. Klopp, however, still has his eyes set on a ‘multi-functional midfielder,’ with Bayern Munich’s Ryan Gravenberch mentioned as a potential target.

Moreover, reports in the Daily Mail suggest that Liverpool has engaged in ‘productive talks’ with the German champions regarding the 21-year-old Dutch midfielder, Gravenberch, who has seen limited playing time in Bavaria. Interestingly, the same report contradicts Pearce’s claim, stating that Liverpool is also in discussions with Crystal Palace for Cheick Doucoure, indicating that the Malian midfielder remains on Liverpool’s radar.