Wataru Endo’s time at Liverpool may be nearing its conclusion, according to Andy Jones of *The Athletic*. The report suggests that Endo’s exclusion from the starting lineup under new manager Arne Slot could indicate an impending exit from the club. Despite his initial success at Liverpool, where he made an instant impact after joining from Stuttgart last summer, Endo now finds himself on the fringes of the squad. His diminished role this season signals that he may no longer be part of Liverpool’s long-term vision.
Endo’s move to Liverpool was met with optimism. After arriving from Stuttgart, he was expected to serve as a rotational player, filling in when necessary and offering solid depth to the midfield. However, his performances soon earned him a regular spot in the team. Last season, under the guidance of then-manager Jurgen Klopp, Endo became a key figure in Liverpool’s midfield. He played a pivotal role in a campaign that saw the Reds battle for the Premier League title and secure Champions League qualification. Klopp even went so far as to describe Endo as “world-class,” praising his composure on the ball and tactical intelligence.
However, the landscape at Liverpool has shifted dramatically with the arrival of Arne Slot as manager. Slot has opted for a different tactical approach, one that has seemingly left Endo on the outside looking in. Jones highlights that Slot’s decision to exclude Endo from his starting lineup, coupled with the club’s signing of another defensive midfielder, indicates that Endo is no longer a central part of Liverpool’s plans. His role this season has been significantly reduced, with Endo primarily making late substitute appearances when Liverpool is in control of a match. This limited involvement has raised questions about his future at the club.
Jones elaborated on the situation during *The Athletic’s Walk On* podcast, explaining that there are clear signs that Slot does not view Endo as a long-term asset for Liverpool. “We saw in pre-season, with Slot not using him much, and the fact that Liverpool opted to sign another defensive midfielder, that Endo doesn’t seem to fit into the club’s future strategy,” Jones remarked. He further suggested that Endo’s role might now be limited to coming off the bench in the final stages of games, helping to see out results rather than dictating play from the start. While Endo excels at keeping possession and performing the basics well, Jones noted that he lacks the forward-thinking creativity that Slot appears to prefer in his midfield setup.
This decline in playing time is a stark contrast to Endo’s prominence last season. Under Klopp, he was a regular starter, amassing a total of 29 appearances in the Premier League alone. His consistency in midfield made him a reliable figure for the team, and his stats reflected his importance. Endo ranked highly in several key categories, including pass completion rate (88.4%) and tackles per game (1.7). He was also among the team’s top performers in aerial duels, showcasing his defensive strength. However, this season has seen a drastic reduction in his contributions, with players like Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Curtis Jones being preferred in midfield.
Endo’s reduced role extends beyond the Premier League. Last season, he started nine of Liverpool’s ten Europa League matches and featured in 20 Premier League games, as well as making five starts in domestic cup competitions. His performances were instrumental in Liverpool’s European campaign and domestic success. Yet, this season, Endo has been relegated to the bench, only featuring in the latter stages of matches, such as the Premier League win over Brentford and the Champions League victory against AC Milan at San Siro. These brief appearances highlight his diminished importance in Slot’s plans.
With younger talents like Harvey Elliott returning from injury and Tyler Morton showing promise in his development, Endo’s future at Liverpool looks uncertain. At 31 years old, his chances of reclaiming a starting role seem slim, especially with the competition for places in midfield intensifying. The potential return of Elliott, combined with the emergence of Morton, suggests that Endo may struggle to secure regular minutes moving forward. This situation raises the possibility that his time at Liverpool could soon come to an end.
While Endo’s impact at Liverpool was significant during his first season, the current campaign has taken a different trajectory. His lack of playing time, coupled with Slot’s tactical preferences, indicates that Endo may no longer be seen as a crucial part of Liverpool’s future. As the January transfer window approaches, speculation about Endo’s departure will likely intensify. For now, the Japan international’s tenure at Anfield appears to be hanging in the balance, with his once-promising start in the Premier League potentially drawing to a close.