Wataru Endo Opens Up on Liverpool Future Amid Transfer Speculation

Wataru Endo’s Liverpool journey has taken an unexpected turn in recent months. Once a key figure under Jürgen Klopp, the 32-year-old has found opportunities limited during Arne Slot’s title-winning debut season at Anfield.

Slot, who guided Liverpool to their first Premier League title since 2020, made significant tactical adjustments upon arrival. Endo, signed in summer 2023 as part of a major midfield rebuild, was initially seen as a dependable holding midfielder. However, the rise of Ryan Gravenberch has pushed Endo down the pecking order. The Dutchman’s consistent form saw him start all 34 league games, leaving Endo to feature mostly from the bench.

Despite appearing in 20 league matches this campaign, Endo logged just 260 minutes, with 19 of those outings coming as a substitute. A sharp contrast to his first season, when he made 20 league starts and was pivotal during a strong mid-season run, including a Man-of-the-Match performance against Arsenal in December 2023.

Endo’s Importance Beyond the Numbers

While his on-field time has dwindled, Endo’s professionalism and experience have not gone unnoticed. The Japanese international remains highly regarded inside the dressing room for his tactical discipline and leadership qualities, even as game time has decreased.

Still, with Japan already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, Endo faces a personal dilemma. The tournament is likely to be his last major international outing. As such, the need for regular minutes is becoming a pressing concern, particularly with several European clubs monitoring his situation.

Eintracht Frankfurt are reportedly among those interested, according to BILD, offering the prospect of Champions League football and a guaranteed starting role. However, the move would come with a financial compromise, requiring Endo to accept a reduced salary from his current £120,000 per week.

Player and Manager Aligned on Next Steps

Despite the speculation, Endo appears content with his situation for now. Speaking after Liverpool’s title celebrations, he made it clear he is not actively seeking a move away.

“I think I’ll be at Liverpool next season,” he told reporters when questioned about his future.
“If I have the chance to play for Liverpool, would I really want to throw that away and move to another team? I wouldn’t.”

These remarks align with recent reporting from The Athletic, which claims that both Endo and Arne Slot are on the same page regarding the short-term future. The manager values Endo’s presence within the squad and appears keen to keep him involved, even if not as a first-choice starter.

Future Role Still to Be Defined

What remains unclear is how prominent a role Endo will have next season. Slot’s system has shown preference for younger, more dynamic midfield options. With the likes of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai also pushing for central roles, competition will only intensify.

Nevertheless, Endo’s attitude and willingness to contribute in any capacity could yet prove invaluable. Whether as a reliable squad member or mentor to emerging talents, the midfielder’s journey at Anfield may still have meaningful chapters ahead.

As Liverpool prepare for another title defence under Slot, the emphasis will be on depth and adaptability. In that sense, Endo’s future may not lie in minutes alone, but in the influence he brings to a team hungry for sustained success.