Wataru Endo’s tenure at Liverpool seems to be approaching an end, according to Andy Jones from *The Athletic*. The report indicates that Endo’s absence from the starting XI under new manager Arne Slot may suggest a looming exit.
Despite making a strong impression after his transfer from Stuttgart last summer, Endo has now found himself marginally included in the squad. His reduced involvement this season hints that he may not be part of Liverpool’s long-term plans. Endo’s arrival at Liverpool was initially met with positive expectations. He was anticipated to be a backup option in midfield, but his early performances earned him a regular position.
Last season, under Jurgen Klopp, Endo became integral to the midfield, contributing significantly to Liverpool’s Premier League title chase and Champions League qualification. Klopp praised him as “world-class,” highlighting his composure and tactical awareness. However, the dynamics have shifted with Slot’s arrival, as his tactical strategy has left Endo sidelined.
Jones notes that Slot’s choice to omit Endo from his starting team, along with the acquisition of another defensive midfielder, suggests that Endo is no longer a key component of Liverpool’s strategy. His participation this season has been greatly minimized, primarily limited to late-game substitutions.
This reduced role has raised concerns about his future with the team. In a discussion on *The Athletic’s Walk On* podcast, Jones pointed out clear indications that Slot does not consider Endo a long-term asset. He observed that Endo’s limited use during pre-season and the club’s decision to sign another defensive midfielder indicate that Endo may not fit into the club’s future plans.
Jones speculated that Endo’s role could be confined to coming off the bench in the closing moments of matches, focusing on maintaining results rather than initiating plays.
While Endo is proficient at ball retention and fundamental tasks, Jones mentioned that he lacks the creative forward-thinking that Slot seems to favor in his midfield setup. This decline in playing time starkly contrasts with Endo’s role last season, where he was a consistent starter with 29 appearances in the Premier League.
His reliable performances were evident in his impressive statistics, including an 88.4% pass completion rate and 1.7 tackles per game, making him a strong presence in aerial duels. This season, however, he has seen a significant drop in involvement, with players like Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Curtis Jones taking precedence in midfield.
Endo’s diminished role is evident not only in the Premier League but also in Europe; he played a crucial part in last season’s Europa League and domestic competitions but is now mostly on the bench, appearing only in the final moments of matches like the recent Premier League victory against Brentford and the Champions League win over AC Milan.
With younger players like Harvey Elliott returning from injury and Tyler Morton showing promise, Endo’s future at Liverpool appears uncertain. At 31, his chances of regaining a starting position seem slim, especially given the increasing competition in midfield.
Elliott’s return, alongside Morton’s development, indicates that Endo may struggle to find consistent playing time going forward, raising the possibility of his departure from the club. While Endo’s first season at Liverpool was impactful, this current season has taken a different path. His lack of playing time, combined with Slot’s tactical preferences, suggests that he is no longer viewed as a vital part of Liverpool’s future.
As the January transfer window nears, speculation about Endo’s exit is likely to grow. For now, his position at Anfield appears precarious, with his promising start in the Premier League potentially nearing its end
