Liverpool May Sell Wataru Endo in January

Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher believes that Japanese midfielder Wataru Endo might be sold in the January transfer window. Endo has dropped in the hierarchy since Arne Slot took charge at the club.

The Reds had been keen on acquiring Zubimendi over the summer but couldn’t complete the transfer. In the meantime, Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister have taken on deeper midfield roles under Slot, yet Liverpool may still seek to sign a specialized holding midfielder in upcoming transfer windows.

Endo has struggled to secure playing time in the Merseyside jersey, particularly in the Premier League, leading Carragher to suggest a possible January sale.

Jamie Carragher, a Liverpool legend with 737 appearances—second most in the club’s history—believes that Wataru Endo could have been traded for a player like Martín Zubimendi in future transfer windows. On Sky Sports, Carragher expressed his view that Endo may not fit the defensive midfielder profile that Arne Slot desires for his team.

“I’m not sure he’s [Endo] the kind of player that Arne Slot seeks for that position. When you mention the No.6 they were interested in, we all know that was Martín Zubimendi. He’s the complete opposite of the type of player that Endo is.”

Jamie Carragher on Sky Sports

Wataru Endo vs. Martin Zubimendi

After the match, Liverpool Echo journalist Paul Gorst provided his player ratings for Liverpool’s performance against West Ham United. Endo, who started in midfield, did not deliver his best performance in a Liverpool shirt and received a rating of 5/10, which was warranted due to his lackluster showing.

While Endo may not have excelled that night, he fulfilled his responsibilities. The veteran has proven he can rise to the occasion, as he did in the Carabao Cup final last season, where he gave his all to help the Reds secure the trophy. It’s fitting to refer to Endo as a cult hero.

Gorst indicated that Endo seemed anxious during Jarell Quansah’s own goal. Critics also noted his deficiency in progressive passing, with Carragher’s post-match remarks further emphasizing the disappointment in his performance. It will be fascinating to see whether Slot and his recruitment team opt to sell Endo when the transfer window opens again.