Liverpool have 'rejected a bid' for the midfielder as Bundesliga sides register interest

Liverpool rejected a bid from Marseille for midfielder Wataru Endo earlier in the summer, reports say.

The Japanese international arrived at Anfield last year after leaving Bundesliga side Stuttgart, making a splash under then manager Jurgen Klopp. The 31-year-old made 43 appearances in the 2023/24 season, registering three goals and one assist in all competitions.

His efforts in the Premier League have attracted the interest of French club Marseille and, according to AthleticThe French side have tabled a €14m (£11.8m) bid ahead of the transfer window.

Fabrizio Romano he added that Endo's request was submitted weeks ago and, considering Marseille have already signed Ismael Kone and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, it is unlikely to be ruled out.

Endo is also on the list of many Bundesliga clubs keen to replicate his success at Stuttgart, but Liverpool are determined to keep the Japanese international at Anfield under new manager Arne Slot.

Endo's contract at Liverpool does not expire until 2027 and his place in the club has little competition. The veteran player has even admitted that the midfielder should be a priority in this transfer window due to the lack of natural alternatives for him in the team.

Alexis Mac Allister, Curtis Jones and Stefan Bajcetic could all step into the starting position, while juniors Tyler Morton and Trey Nyoni saw minutes in the preseason.

Liverpool are yet to sign any new players from new manager Slot, who has admitted he is keen to see new faces join his squad.

“If there's news about that we'll come to you,” Slot said. “But we already have a very good team, so I'm already very happy.

“It would be surprising for all of us if we don't bring players, maybe that will happen in the end. At the moment we are waiting for the players to come back and we are waiting for the right ones to be signed. “

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