“It’s Not a Priority” – David Ornstein Confirms Liverpool’s Midfield Transfer Plans | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Summer Midfield Stance Raises Questions Amid Slot’s Early Success

When Liverpool failed to secure Martín Zubimendi from Real Sociedad last summer, some fans feared another season of instability in midfield. Fast forward to April 2025 and Arne Slot’s side sits within reach of silverware, largely due to a surprise midfield evolution: Ryan Gravenberch.

Gravenberch has become integral to Liverpool’s tactical setup, redefining himself in a deeper defensive role. The Dutchman has started all 30 Premier League fixtures this campaign, with over 2,500 minutes logged. That’s more than double his output under Jürgen Klopp the previous season. According to Opta, only Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk have played more minutes for the Reds this term.

His consistency has not gone unnoticed. “That call appears to have been vindicated with Gravenberch’s outstanding season,” David Ornstein wrote in his Athletic column. And vindicated it may well be—at least from a club perspective. But from a fan’s lens, there’s still a looming sense of fragility beneath the surface.

Photo: IMAGO

Endo’s Role Sparks Mixed Signals

Wataru Endo, signed last summer from Stuttgart, was heralded as a short-term solution—a veteran to plug defensive holes. Yet under Arne Slot, he’s become more of a specialist than a starter.

Despite the manager’s glowing praise—Slot called him an “unbelievable attitude” player—Endo has only clocked 713 minutes in the league, featuring in just 19% of total game time. A closer inspection reveals a trend: 15 of his 23 appearances have come as late-game substitutions, usually to protect a lead or control tempo.

Ornstein points out that “Endo’s contributions” have been valued internally, but the numbers don’t quite match the sentiment. For fans, it’s hard not to view Endo as under-utilised, particularly during that demanding nine-match stretch featuring Manchester City, PSG, and Newcastle, when Gravenberch was visibly fatigued.

Photo: IMAGO

No Urgency for Midfield Additions

In what will be seen by some supporters as a worrying reveal, Ornstein reports that midfield is not a priority area for Liverpool this summer. He writes: “This doesn’t seem to be a department at the top of their priority list, and – if that’s the case – you can understand why.”

Ornstein adds that Liverpool’s pursuit of Zubimendi was not born from desperation, but opportunity. “Zubimendi was viewed as a market opportunity and when LFC’s pursuit didn’t come to fruition they decided against pivoting to another target; it was he who they wanted.”

Photo: IMAGO

Instead of pivoting to other midfielders, the club opted for internal trust—backing Gravenberch, leaning on Endo’s cameo appearances, and making use of Curtis Jones and Alexis Mac Allister, both of whom have delivered at various points.

It paints a picture of a technical staff that believes the answers lie within—a stance that could be brave or risky, depending on how the season ends.

Signs Point Toward Investment Elsewhere

While not confirmed, the underlying message from Ornstein’s report hints that Liverpool may instead focus on bolstering other areas. With Salah’s future still a talking point and Van Dijk’s contract situation yet to be resolved, it’s plausible that attacking and defensive reinforcements will top the club’s summer agenda.

Photo: IMAGO

Still, it’s curious. The Anfield club, previously stung by midfield depletion—most notably in the injury-riddled 2022/23 campaign—appear confident history won’t repeat itself. Perhaps Arne Slot’s faith in the system outweighs any temptation to splash the cash in midfield.

And maybe, just maybe, the club believe in evolution over revolution.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a supporter’s perspective, this report by David Ornstein feels like walking a tightrope blindfolded. Gravenberch’s rise has been nothing short of brilliant, yes—but is it sustainable without reinforcement? Playing every game, every week, with the physicality of the Premier League and deep European runs is a risk that could backfire.

The most jarring part? The apparent lack of urgency to strengthen. We’ve seen this movie before—2020/21 centre-backs, 2022/23 midfielders. Have the lessons not been learnt?

Endo’s bit-part role is another worry. While his attitude and presence are positive, relying on a 32-year-old for key fixtures—or only bringing him on to shut up shop—feels like a missed opportunity. There’s little to suggest he’ll take on a larger role next season.

Supporters will hope that Liverpool are simply keeping their cards close to their chest, perhaps waiting for the right player. But as it stands, confidence in depth feels shaky. Arne Slot has performed minor miracles with the resources he has, but he shouldn’t have to perform them every season.

In a summer that could define the next chapter under Slot, staying still might just be the wrong kind of movement.