Liverpool’s Transfer Plans: Elliott, Endo, Bradley and the Search for Goals | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Forward Focus: What’s Next for Elliott, Endo, Bradley and Chiesa?

In a week where Liverpool’s march towards the Premier League title continued, the latest episode of Media Matters delivered much more than Merseyside derby reflections. Hosted by Dave Davis and joined by esteemed journalist David Lynch, the podcast ventured deep into squad futures, transfer links and contract shadows. With names like Elliott, Endo, Bradley and Chiesa circulating, the analysis was detailed, deliberate—and at times, damning.

Elliott and Endo: Future Shrouded in Doubt

Harvey Elliott, once tipped for a central role in Liverpool’s next evolution, seems to be on the periphery. “The openness to Harvey Elliott offers… that’s been there for a while,” Lynch revealed, bluntly summing up the situation. Despite sporadic cameos, “he’s barely played this season,” a fact that now leaves little room for optimism.

Wataru Endo, signed as a surprise solution last summer, hasn’t firmly cemented a role either. “I don’t think that’s going to change,” Lynch added when asked if Endo’s fortunes could be revived by a strong season finish.

For both players, the message was clear: they may well feature in these final matches, but it’s unlikely to move the dial in Arne Slot’s long-term vision.

Connor Bradley: Ready or Not?

In contrast, Connor Bradley’s trajectory feels more assured. “I personally think he is [good enough] and I think Liverpool will feel that way as well,” Lynch stated. With Trent Alexander-Arnold sidelined, Bradley’s opportunity is immediate and significant.

Slot may opt for caution—“he was clearly quite close” to playing against Everton, Lynch noted—but expectation lingers that Bradley will return for Fulham. There is belief inside the club that “they know already” whether he’s starter material.

And the consensus? He is.

Chiesa, Pedro, and Liverpool’s Striker Search

It wouldn’t be Media Matters without the swirling speculation of Liverpool’s next big attacking move. Lynch discussed Joao Pedro with a caveat: “his level of production is not that high… I’d be very surprised if anything came of that.”

Photo: IMAGO

More intriguing was the discussion around Federico Chiesa. Though not explicitly linked in the episode, his profile was indirectly validated through characteristics Lynch and Davis favour: flexible, proven output, and value at the right price. “He’s available for £62 million… to me, that just screams Liverpool,” said Lynch, discussing another unnamed target with similar traits.

Who Liverpool target remains unclear—“you’ve probably got as much clue as us right now,” Davis joked—but their profile is increasingly well-defined.

Contract Limbo: Van Dijk and Salah

Of course, the spectre of unresolved deals dominated parts of the conversation. At a Cadbury’s Q&A, Virgil van Dijk told fans, “There’ll be news before the end of the season—I don’t know if it’s good or bad.” It was a statement that unnerved Davis: “I don’t even like running it down to the end of the season,” he admitted.

Still, Van Dijk offered comfort: “I love the club and the club loves me.” But as Lynch added, “Why is this going on? It’s mystifying.”

There’s hope, not certainty, that Salah and Van Dijk will stay. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future is even murkier.

Fulham and the Run-In

With Fulham next, Liverpool face “the quintessential midtable team,” Davis described. Lynch was pragmatic: “They’re not in great form… this is one Liverpool should probably expect to win.” A professional finish could allow fringe players a final chance—but nothing more than that.

“Big decisions won’t be made off this run,” Lynch said, signalling that Slot and Liverpool’s backroom already know who stays and who goes.