Two players face increasingly uncertain futures as the new year approaches.
Liverpool Manager Andoni Iraola
Liverpool Manager Andoni Iraola
Andoni Iraola has enjoyed an impressive start to life as Liverpool’s head coach, with the Spaniard already showing signs of getting the best out of several players who struggled during the previous campaign.
Alexis Mac Allister in particular looks to have rediscovered his best form in midfield, whilst Alexander Isak is also beginning to remind Liverpool why they spent so much money bringing him to Anfield.
However, it has been a very different story for Federico Chiesa and Wataru Endo.
Both players were largely restricted to rotational roles under Arne Slot, but their involvement has dropped even further since Iraola took charge.
In fact, the pair have managed just two minutes of football between them this season, with Chiesa making a late cameo in Liverpool’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester City last month.
The Italian has endured a frustrating time since arriving from Juventus in 2024.
After making jut 14 appearances in his first season, he featured 36 times last term but only started five games.
Injuries have certainly played their part.
Chiesa struggled with fitness during his first campaign and missed the beginning of the current season afetr picking up a muscle injury during pre-season against Como.
He eventually returned to action against City, but has since remained an unused substitute.
Endo’s situation remains just as frustrating.
The Japanese international made 32 appearances under Slot during Liverpool’s title-winning campaign, but found opportunities harder to come by last season.
A foot injury suffered in February, while filling in at right-back, ruled him out for three months and ultimately prevented him from representing Japan at the 2026 World Cup.
Iraola previously insisted that Endo would get his opportunities, but admitted Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Trey Nyoni were currently more favorable options.
Speaking in September following Liverpool’s 0-0 draw with Fulham, here’s what Andoni Iraola said:
“Wata lost quite a lot of the pre-season. He is still not at his best but he is training very well.”
“The problem is in front of him in his position I have a lot of players. He is competing against a lot of players.”
“We are giving minutes to Trey, Ryan, Alexis and Dom, players that I am selecting right now. But Wata is definitely a player that I like and for sure he will have his moments.”
Neither player was included in Liverpool’s Champions League squad this season, while academy youngsters Lewis Koumas and Trey Nyoni have been given opportunities instead.
According to Theo Squires for the Liverpool Echo, Endo is expected to leave in 2027, with his contract expiring in the summer.
Chiesa’s situation is slightly different, with his deal running until 2028, but a January departure could be considered if the right offer arrives.
For two players who do give their all whenever they are on the pitch and have shown their class at club and international level, their time on Merseyside appears to be approaching an unhappy ending.
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Trent Alexander-Arnold of Real Madrid CF looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Real Madrid CF and FC Internazionale Milano at Berabeu stadium on September 08, 2026, in Madrid, Spain.
Trent Alexander-Arnold of Real Madrid CF looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Real Madrid CF and FC Internazionale Milano at Berabeu stadium on September 08, 2026, in Madrid, Spain.
Gilberto Mora 19 of Mexico during the FIFA World Cup, WM, Weltmeisterschaft, Fussball 2026 Round of 32 match against Ecuador at Mexico City Stadium on Tuesday June 30, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico. Mexico defeats Ecuador, 2-0. ANTONIO NAVA PI Mexico City USA - ZUMAp124 20260630_zaa_p124_030 Copyright: xAntonioxNavax
Gilberto Mora 19 of Mexico during the FIFA World Cup, WM, Weltmeisterschaft, Fussball 2026 Round of 32 match against Ecuador at Mexico City Stadium on Tuesday June 30, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico. Mexico defeats Ecuador, 2-0. ANTONIO NAVA PI Mexico City USA - ZUMAp124 20260630_zaa_p124_030 Copyright: xAntonioxNavax