Latest Liverpool transfer news with an update on Wataru Endo's future
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Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo
Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo (Image: Getty Images)
Eintracht Frankfurt are 'considering' a summer move for Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo, it has been claimed. The 32-year-old, who joined the Reds from Stuttgart for £16.7million in August 2023, has struggled for regular game time under Arne Slot this season.
In fact, Endo hasn't started a single Premier League match this term. He has been more prominent in other competitions, such as the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, but opportunities have been few and far between, with the Japan international playing just 742 minutes in total.
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There was talk that Endo could leave Liverpool in January but the midfielder stayed put at Anfield and vowed to fight for his place in the team. But with Endo's minutes not improving during the second half of the season, he may change his tune this summer and is not expected to be short of offers.
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Now, according to BILD, Frankfurt are among those interested in signing Endo. The Bundesliga club are keen to add someone with experience and leadership to their squad, and 'value' that the former Stuttgart star has them qualities in abundance. Frankfurt feel that they are lacking a leader in the middle of the park right now.
However, it's added that a move to Frankfurt might only be possible if they reach the Champions League. Frankfurt are in a strong position in the Bundesliga at the moment and sit fourth, while they can also qualify for Europe's elite club competition by winning the Europa League. Endo to Frankfurt is 'not out of the question.
While Slot has not used Endo much, he played more under Jurgen Klopp last season. Endo played 2848 minutes in his debut campaign at Anfield, making 44 appearances across all competitions.
And after the Reds beat Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final in February 2024, Klopp lauded the ex-Urawa Reds man. "I'm pretty sure in three [or] four years Wataru will sign another long-term contract at Liverpool just because he might be 30 or 31 on his passport but he's not," Klopp said.
"He's a machine. He is footballing-wise exceptional. His defensive brain is outstanding. He gives us a lot of freedom for a lot of things. Yeah, top development. Very helpful, very helpful."
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