Wataru Endo faces uncertain future at Liverpool amid lack of playing time

Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo faces an uncertain future at the club following a lack of playing time under manager Andoni Iraola. Despite having been a key defensive presence under Jurgen Klopp, the 33-year-old Japanese international has not yet appeared in official matches this season, including recent Premier League and domestic cup fixtures.

Reports suggest Endo has been excluded from the Champions League squad, limiting his availability to domestic competitions. While manager Andoni Iraola has cited injury recovery and intense competition in midfield—noting players like Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai—as reasons for the lack of minutes, local media and journalists have noted his absence even during cup matches where younger players were utilized.

With Endo’s contract set to expire at the end of the season, some analysts suggest Liverpool may look to sell him during the January transfer window to recoup a transfer fee, as he currently sits lower in the squad hierarchy.