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Liverpool are reportedly prepared to sell Wataru Endo in January after the midfielder fell down Andoni Iraola’s pecking order.
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The Japan international has yet to play a competitive minute this season and was left out of Liverpool’s Champions League squad.
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With Endo’s contract running until 2027, Liverpool could look to recover a fee in January rather than risk losing him without compensation later.
September 17, (THEWILL) – Liverpool are reportedly ready to listen to offers for Wataru Endo in January after the midfielder’s difficult start under new manager Andoni Iraola.
The 33-year-old has yet to make a competitive appearance for Liverpool this season and was left out of the club’s Champions League squad, highlighting his reduced role under the Spaniard.
Endo remains under contract until 2027, but Liverpool could consider selling him in the January transfer window rather than letting his situation drag on into the final months of his deal.
Endo Falls Down the Pecking Order
Endo joined Liverpool from VfB Stuttgart in 2023 for around £16 million and quickly established himself as an important option in midfield under Jurgen Klopp.
He made 43 appearances during his first season at Anfield and remained involved during Liverpool’s Premier League title-winning campaign under Arne Slot.
However, his role diminished last season after injury problems restricted him to eight Premier League appearances and 12 matches in all competitions.
That decline has continued under Iraola, with the midfielder yet to receive a competitive opportunity this term.
His omission from the Champions League squad was another indication of his position within the current squad. Liverpool registered a full 25-man squad, but Endo was among the senior players left out.
Iraola Explains Endo’s Situation
Iraola has insisted that Endo remains a player he likes, but admitted the midfielder faces significant competition for playing time.
Speaking after Liverpool’s goalless Premier League draw against Fulham, the manager pointed to the number of players competing for places in midfield.
“I think Wata lost quite a lot of the pre-season,” Iraola said. “I think he’s still not at his best, but he’s training very well.”
The Liverpool boss added that Endo was competing with Trey Nyoni, Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai for minutes.
“But Wata is definitely a player that I like, and for sure he will have his moments,” Iraola said.
Those chances have yet to arrive, however, and Tuesday’s Carabao Cup victory over Tottenham provided another indication of the current midfield hierarchy.
Despite making changes to his team, Iraola gave opportunities to younger players including Nyoni and James McConnell, while Endo remained unused.
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January Exit Now Possible
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Liverpool are expected to consider putting Endo on the transfer market in January.
The club’s motivation is partly financial. With the midfielder’s contract entering its final year, January could represent Liverpool’s last realistic opportunity to recover a transfer fee before his deal expires.
Endo’s experience as a Japan international and his previous Premier League contribution could still make him an attractive option for clubs seeking an experienced defensive midfielder.
For Liverpool, however, his lack of opportunities suggests Iraola may already have moved in a different direction.
The manager’s public comments have kept the door open for Endo, but his selections have told a different story so far.
Unless the midfielder can force his way back into the team over the next few months, January could become the point at which Liverpool and Endo finally part ways.
Olumide Atiba is a sports journalist with THEWILL, known for his keen news sense and compelling storytelling. He has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, well-structured reports that resonate with readers, with a strong focus on football coverage
