Wolves are struggling in 2024/25 and have seemingly now set their sights on one of Liverpool’s fringe players.
Gary O’Neil finds himself under pressure having taken just one point in the first seven points. But despite the poor start, O’Neil reportedly retains the backing of his Wolves superiors.
But he has much to ponder over the international break, and fans will be expecting serious improvements, especially at the back.
Not signing a centre-back has really hurt Wolves so far, especially with Yerson Mosquera suffering a season-ending ACL and MCL injury.
Wolves are expected to sign a new centre-back in January. But it also looks like they could also be looking at another midfielder.
Wolves eyeing potential January move for Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo
According to Caught Offside, Wolves are ‘closely monitoring’ Wataru Endo from Liverpool.
The Reds are said to be ready to listen to offers for the Japan international, who has only made four appearances for a total of 85 minutes so far in 2024/25.
It is stated that Liverpool would be looking for somewhere in the region of £12.5-£16.7 million to offload Endo.
Endo, 31, has been unable to establish himself under new manager Arne Slot so far, and it is stated that his priority would be to join a team where he gets a lot of playing time.
What Jurgen Klopp said about Wolves target Endo
Liverpool signed Endo in the summer of 2023 from Stuttgart, paying the German side around £16 million.
This was a transfer that raised eyebrows due to the player’s age and the fact he wasn’t particularly high profile.
But Endo was able to impress at Anfield quite quickly and after shining in the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea, former Reds boss Jurgen Klopp said of him (as quoted by Goal): “I’m pretty sure in three [or] four years Wataru will sign another long-term contract at Liverpool just because he might be 30 or 31 on his passport but he’s not.
“He’s a machine. He is footballing-wise exceptional. His defensive brain is outstanding. He gives us a lot of freedom for a lot of things. Yeah, top development. Very helpful, very helpful.”
It’s an intriguing claim, but arguably Wolves just do not need £50,000-a-week star Endo at this moment in time, as good a player as he is.
O’Neil has strong options in midfield right now, such as Andre, Joao Gomes, Mario Lemina and Tommy Doyle.
Unless one of those players was going to leave in January, which seems highly unlikely, then it makes little sense for Wolves to bring in Endo.
And Doyle believes he should start more for Wolves, but if the club made this particular signing it would only make his life more difficult at Molineux.