Wataru Endo is one of many Liverpool players in the final year of their contract - but would it be wise of the Reds to attempt to cash in this summer?
Wataru Endo of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre
Wataru Endo of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre(Image: Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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There were plenty of reasons for concern prompted by Liverpool's performances last season. And chief among them was a midfield that rarely functioned anywhere near as effectively as it had done in the Reds' romp to the Premier League title the previous campaign.
The engine room is likely to be given a tweak or two by new Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola, although as yet there is no suggestion of a new arrival - a situation that could change if one of the current senior midfield options is moved on.
One of many Reds players now into the last 12 months of their current deal, Wataru Endo would seem in a prime position for an exit although, at 33, any fee would only be small.
What, though, should happen to the Japan international? Our ECHO writers take a look...
Ian Doyle
It would be something of an understatement to suggest Endo has had a bit of a frustrating time during the last few years.
The Japan international barely made a Premier League start as the title was won under Arne Slot, and last season saw his minutes limited by two separate injury setbacks.
The second came at a time when he was impressively answering the call at right-back at Sunderland in February, with the ankle injury effectively ending his domestic season and chances of playing at the World Cup.
But with Liverpool having seen vast experience in Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and, to a lesser extent, Ibrahima Konate walk out the door, it should prompt them to think twice before actively looking to sell Endo this summer.
Sure, the Japan international could well find his minutes limited once more. He is, though, a rare commodity in the Liverpool squad at present - a dedicated defensive midfielder.
And if the Reds don't strengthen in that department, it would be foolish for Liverpool to swiftly move him on. Indeed, even if one is brought in, Endo can help with his knowledge and is versatile enough to do a job in a number of other defensive roles.
He isn't the future, and surely won't be offered a new deal. But if Endo wants to stay for another season, the Reds would be wise to keep him around for his nous. After all, just look at how the old timers have been faring in North America over the last month.
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Richard Garnett
The case of Wataru Endo is an intriguing one. At 33, he is in the twilight of his career and will be fully aware that any move away from Anfield will be to a lesser club.
With only a year left to run on his contract, there is little merit to the Reds trying to get a transfer fee for him either, given that the type of figure his is likely to attract will be nominal compared to the bids they are likely to put in for new players across the summer transfer window.
The midfielder's stock in his homeland is enormous just by representing a club of the size of Liverpool. And all things considered, Endo would perhaps be content to continue to play a squad role within Andoni Iraola's new-look squad.
He is not likely to be offered a new deal, so why not see out your final 12 months with Liverpool and who knows, if he can stay clear of injury, he might have an increased role to play under the Spaniard this season.
Iraola needs a bigger squad, not a smaller one, so having a player of his experience around the place won't do any harm whatsoever. He could also be a somewhat unlikely vice-captain candidate, depending how Iraola decides to go with things.
Liverpool have a lot of young players who could benefit from the discipline of Endo. The only reason to let him go is if the player himself is happy to sacrifice playing for one of Europe's biggest clubs in pursuit of more regular game time elsewhere.