As reported by The Daily Mail, Fulham’s impressive form in the Premier League has positioned them as potential contenders for European football next season. In a bid to strengthen their squad, Fulham’s management is considering a move for Liverpool’s Wataru Endo, a player who has been largely sidelined under the new coaching philosophy of Arne Slot.
Endo, who was once a key figure in the midfield under the previous manager, seems to be struggling to fit into Slot’s tactical setup. The Dutch manager prefers midfielders who are technically gifted and creative, a stark contrast to Endo’s more defensive and disruptor-style play. This has left the Japanese international mainly warming the bench, with brief appearances mostly coming during less crucial match moments.
James Pearce from The Athletic has summed up Endo’s situation, saying that the player is simply “not suited to Slot’s system.” This succinctly highlights the core issue: a mismatch between the player’s attributes and the manager’s vision, making Endo a likely candidate for a move in January.
Fulham, currently enjoying a strong position in the league, is actively seeking to add reinforcements to push for a European spot. Their interest in Endo shows that they are targeting experienced players who have not been able to showcase their full potential at their current clubs. Signing Endo would provide Fulham with a solid defensive option in midfield, bringing with it much-needed experience and defensive solidity for the second half of the season.
According to The Daily Mail, Fulham might have an opportunity to benefit from Liverpool’s tactical shift, especially if they can sign Endo at a price that reflects his limited game time this season. Despite Liverpool turning down an £11.8m offer from Marseille, Fulham may have a better chance, especially with indications that Endo doesn’t fit into Slot’s long-term plans.
Under Slot, Liverpool has seen a rise in form, with several players thriving in his new system. However, Endo’s lack of involvement points to the challenges that come with management changes, where some players fail to adapt to the new style of play. Liverpool may have to rethink their strategy, ensuring squad depth while allowing players who don’t fit in the tactical plans to seek opportunities where they can get more playing time.
For many Liverpool fans, the situation surrounding Endo is a tough one to accept. Although it is frustrating to see a player of his quality underused, it’s a harsh reality of football management that tough decisions have to be made. Endo’s possible departure might ultimately be a positive move for both his career and Liverpool’s squad under Slot.
Endo’s defensive abilities and tireless work ethic have earned him respect, but with Slot pushing for a more creative midfield, it’s easy to see why the player has found it difficult to secure a regular spot. For Fulham, bringing in a player of Endo’s caliber could be a major boost, particularly as they aim to secure a spot in European competition.
In conclusion, if Liverpool can secure a fair transfer fee for Endo, it could be a win-win situation for everyone involved—Liverpool gets to strengthen their squad with a player more suited to Slot’s tactics, Endo gets more playing time, and Fulham adds an experienced Premier League player to their midfield as they continue their European chase.
