Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net

Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch of Liverpool embrace after the draw during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Fulham FC at Anfield (Image: 2024 Liverpool FC)

When Liverpool last travelled to Chelsea, they did so without a holding midfielder.

And while the Reds would belatedly have an offer accepted by the Saints, by this point the Belgian also had his heart set on Chelsea as he completed a £58m move to Stamford Bridge.

Liverpool’s loss was Chelsea’s gain, but as we know now the Reds have had the last laugh.

They would go on to complete the surprise signing of Wataru Endo from VfB Stuttgart in a £16.2m deal, before landing Ryan Gravenberch in a £40m swoop from Bayern Munich.

While both players took their time to adapt to English football, the Japanese soon flourished under Klopp as both players helped Liverpool beat Chelsea in last year’s League Cup final.

Featuring match reports, player spotlights, behind-the-scenes stories and iconic moments from a campaign to remember.

Celebrate Liverpool's Premier League title win with the perfect souvenir by ordering a copy online today, just click here!

A must-have 48-page keepsake for every Red.

Mohamed Salah of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Anfield on April 27, 2025 (Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

And you can also order a copy of Monday's Liverpool ECHO celebrating Liverpool's triumph direct to your home on our online store.

Liverpool ECHO front page.

April 28, 2025

Also available is the Liverpool FC CHAMP20NS: Premier League winners 24/25, with a double sided poster.

Pre-order here: https://reachsportshop.com/special_edition/liverpool-fc-champ20ns-premier-league-winners-24-25/

Liverpool FC CHAMP20NS magazine

Meanwhile, the Dutchman went on to become one of the Reds’ stars of the season this year under Slot - starting every Premier League in their title-winning campaign.

Gravenberch could of course lose such status on Sunday, when Liverpool travel to Stamford Bridge, with Slot confirming he intends to rotate in the final month of the campaign now that the Reds have clinched the title.

If so, Endo is best-placed to be rewarded with a rare start at number six.

Regardless, it is somewhat ironic that Liverpool will receive their first guard of honour as Premier League champions from a Chelsea side including both Caicedo and Lavia.

If either player had had different thoughts in August 2023, they could perhaps now call themselves Premier League champions.

Instead, they will be left just watching on and applauding as Slot’s Liverpool walk out, be it with Gravenberch or Endo who start at number six.

They were essential for Liverpool this season.

“The furore around Liverpool and Bellingham, whether he would go there or not, and then choosing Real Madrid – it's all worked in their favour.”

Liverpool's Premier League champions range

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it.
For more news relating to Chelsea, visit our sister site Chelsea Latest Live.