The end of another football season means the focus now shifts to transfers, and for [Liverpool](https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/) there are as many stories now discussing potential departures as there are discussing potential new signings for Arne Slot’s Reds.
While much of the focus has been on Darwin Nuñez and Harvey Elliott, both of whom could depart in search of playing time, or on Luis Diaz, who is said to be attracting interest from Barcelona and the Saudi Pro League, they aren’t the only ones.
Notably, there’s also veteran defensive midfielder Wataru Endo, a favourite of manager Jürgen Klopp in 2023-24 who saw his chances grow more limited when Slot took over the team heading into the 2024-25 season.
“I’ve heard the speculation,” Endo admitted in an interview with [Abema](https://times.abema.tv/articles/-/10180707). “My friends contact me and ask what my family is going to do. Sometimes I talk to other players and they ask, ‘Are you going to be here next year?’ Especially during the middle of the season.
“But I just say that as far as I’m concerned I’m staying. I think Liverpool is a club that is worth that much. If you ask me if I want to throw away the chance to play for Liverpool and move to another team, then the answer is no.”
Nothing, of course, is certain in football. An offer that tempts the player could arrive. It could be made clear to Endo that Arne Slot doesn’t see a role for him moving forward—though it certainly seemed Slot’s fondness for him grew as the season went along.
For the player, though, it seems clear that a key but smaller role at one of the best club sides in world football and the chance at further silverware is the preference over potentially getting more playing time at a side without those prospects.
“I believe that focusing on how many titles I can win with Liverpool will be the best thing in my career,” the 32-year-old Japanese national team captain added. “So yes, for now now at least you can expect me to stay, I think.”