Jamie Carragher believes that Liverpool might offload Wataru Endo as early as the January transfer window due to his reduced role in the squad. Endo, who joined the club from Stuttgart last year, has seen his future at Anfield come into question, especially after the club turned down a summer offer from Marseille.
Endo, who was once a key figure under Jurgen Klopp, has found playing time hard to come by this season. His lack of game time has led to growing speculation about whether he has a long-term future at the club. In the summer transfer window, Liverpool actively pursued Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, indicating new manager Arne Slot’s preference for a different type of player in the central midfield role. Although Zubimendi declined a move to Liverpool, the pursuit made it clear that Slot is looking for a different style of midfielder.
Carragher has openly suggested that Endo doesn’t fit the profile of the kind of player Slot wants in his midfield setup. Speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher said, “I’m not sure he’s [Endo] the type of profile that Arne Slot looks for in that position. You talk about the No.6 they were looking at, and we all know that guy was Martin Zubimendi. He’s a complete contrast to the type of player that Endo is.”
Carragher also praised Endo’s contributions since joining Liverpool but suggested that if Zubimendi had signed in the summer, Endo might have been sold during that window. “He’s [Endo] done a great job for Liverpool since he’s come in. If Liverpool would have brought in Zubimendi then there’s a good chance that Endo might have moved on in the last transfer window. That might be something that happens in January.”
It has become increasingly clear that Arne Slot does not favor Endo, as the Japanese midfielder has started only once this season, and that was during a Carabao Cup match against West Ham United. Instead, Slot has placed more trust in Dutch midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, who has been one of Liverpool’s standout players this season. Gravenberch, who struggled for form last year, has become an essential part of the Reds’ midfield under Slot’s guidance.
Endo, on the other hand, appears not to fit Slot’s vision for the team, and it would not be surprising to see him leave Liverpool in January to seek regular first-team opportunities elsewhere. The situation highlights how quickly a player’s fortunes can change when a new manager comes in with a different tactical approach. Gravenberch, who once looked like he might be on the fringes, is now a key player, while Endo, who had been an important figure last season, now looks surplus to requirements.
Endo’s future remains uncertain, but with Slot shaping Liverpool’s midfield according to his preferences, the Japanese international may soon be looking for a new club to get consistent game time. January could be the moment where both the player and the club decide to part ways, especially if Liverpool continues to explore options for midfield reinforcements.
