Liverpool Midfield Conundrum: Wataru Endo’s Future in Doubt as January Window Approaches
As the January transfer window inches closer, Liverpool fans are casting a concerned eye towards their squad’s composition. While much of the attention is focused on the contract situations of star players Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, and Mohamed Salah, another story is quietly unfolding. Wataru Endo, the experienced Japan international, is the subject of increasing transfer speculation as Liverpool are reportedly willing to entertain offers for the midfielder.
Endo on the Transfer Radar
According to Caught Offside, Liverpool’s hierarchy is open to the idea of selling Endo, setting an asking price between €15-20 million. With interest from Premier League clubs Ipswich Town, Fulham, and Wolves, it appears Endo’s departure could soon become a reality. The versatile midfielder, who joined Liverpool from Stuttgart in the summer, has found himself on the fringes of the squad under manager Arne Slot.
Slot’s tactical preference for Ryan Gravenberch as a holding midfielder has left Endo struggling for game time, despite his vast experience and leadership as the captain of Japan’s national team. Liverpool’s interest in Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi last summer underscored their intention to secure a long-term option for the No. 6 role. But after missing out on Zubimendi, Slot has opted to trust Gravenberch to anchor Liverpool’s midfield.
Slot’s Praise Amidst Limited Minutes
Despite Endo’s lack of minutes, Slot hasn’t shied away from lauding the midfielder’s professionalism and attitude. Following a recent cameo appearance against Crystal Palace, Slot noted, “Sometimes at certain clubs or certain other teams, I see a player coming in a bit like, ‘You only use me for five or seven minutes?’” He went on to praise Endo’s impact, saying, “If you look at how Wata came in – how good he was on the ball but also the second balls he won – he had only in these seven minutes a very good impact.”
This sort of compliment might seem like a consolation prize, but it is a testament to Endo’s commitment and mentality. Slot’s words suggest a strong character who contributes positively to team dynamics, even if his involvement on the pitch is minimal.
A Tactical Decision or a Missed Opportunity?
Liverpool’s decision to use Endo sparingly raises questions about the club’s strategy. Although Gravenberch has shown promise, there remains an argument for deploying Endo more frequently, especially in games where his defensive acumen could add stability. Liverpool’s midfield is currently undergoing a transition phase, with Alexander-Arnold frequently taking on a more central role. This shift places increased emphasis on holding players who can retain possession and break up opposition plays.
Yet, it appears that Slot’s preference for a more versatile, attack-minded holding midfielder has placed Endo in a tough spot. The club’s reported openness to offloading Endo suggests that Liverpool might not view him as part of their long-term plans. This decision is notable, considering the club’s previous rejection of a €14 million offer from Marseille last summer. Fulham, Wolves, and Ipswich Town now find themselves in a potentially advantageous position, ready to offer Endo the regular playing time he has struggled to secure at Anfield.
What January Could Bring
As we approach the January transfer window, Liverpool’s willingness to negotiate a transfer for Endo signals a shift in the club’s priorities. Should a move materialise, Endo would likely relish the opportunity to play a more prominent role elsewhere. For Liverpool, this could open up resources to invest in midfield reinforcements that better align with Slot’s tactical blueprint.
Caught Offside has painted a picture of a player eager to prove himself in a new setting. As interest from clubs within and outside the Premier League grows, Liverpool fans are left to wonder whether the club might have missed an opportunity to better utilise Endo’s strengths in a season of change and adaptation.
Our View – Anfield Index Analysis
As Liverpool supporters, the thought of losing a player like Wataru Endo raises mixed feelings. On the one hand, his appearances have been limited under Arne Slot, who seems more invested in building a dynamic, younger midfield core. On the other hand, there’s a sense that Endo’s experience and steadying presence are exactly what the Reds need in certain matches. Slot has praised his character and professionalism, but this only underlines the irony of a man who has the right mindset but is rarely given a chance to show it on the pitch.
We can’t ignore that in a season where depth is crucial, offloading someone like Endo could leave Liverpool exposed, especially if we face injuries or tough fixture congestion later in the campaign. If Liverpool are serious about competing on all fronts, keeping someone as reliable as Endo feels like a smart move. But with interest from Wolves, Ipswich Town, and Fulham, perhaps Endo’s chapter with Liverpool will be shorter than anticipated. For now, fans can only hope that whatever decision is made serves the club’s best interests and strengthens our pursuit of glory.
