Wataru Endo said that he is "not satisfied" with his lack of game time at Liverpool, but suggested that he would rather stay with the Reds and play fewer minutes than leave and have a bigger role at another club.
Endo moved to Anfield in 2023 and figured frequently during his first season, making 44 appearances under Jurgen Klopp. This season, he made 32 appearances, but most of those came as a substitute. After racking up almost 3,000 minutes of game time under Klopp, Endo figured for fewer than 1,000 minutes under Slot, and that has prompted questions over his long-term future at Anfield.
Ryan Gravenberch has excelled in the deep-lying midfield role that Endo was originally signed to play in, while Liverpool has also been linked with a move for Stuttgart's Angelo Stiller to provide Gravenberch with some competition in that position.
Despite that, Endo believes that his future lies at Anfield. "Yeah, I’ve heard it [the transfer speculation]," Endo told Abema. "People keep bringing it up. I’ve gotten messages from friends. Even my family is like, 'So... what are you going to do?' And yeah, sometimes other players ask too, 'are you going to be here next year?' Especially after the middle of the season. But I just say, 'as far as I’m concerned, I’m staying.'"
Asked whether he would prefer stay at Liverpool and play less frequently over joining another club, Endo replied: “Yeah, I’d say so.
"I really think Liverpool is that kind of club — one that’s worth it. If I have the opportunity to play here, I wouldn’t throw it away just to go somewhere else. I believe that giving it my all here, and helping Liverpool win more titles, is the path to making my career as fulfilling as possible."
When Endo was then asked whether fans could expect Endo to be at Liverpool next season, he said: "Yes, you can. As of now.”
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The 32-year-old midfielder has been the subject of public praise from Slot on several occasions due to his positive attitude in the face of personal disappointment.
Speaking at a press conference in March, Endo revealed how Slot had also praised him in private conversations between the pair.
"It has been a little tough for me because I have not played as much but all I can do is help the team," said Endo. "I always try to help the team and if I have a chance to play, I go all in.
"I usually come on for the last 15-20 minutes when we are winning. It is very difficult to do but I always want to help my teammates. I have been playing well so far and have helped the team. I want to keep doing well when I get the chance.
"I have had a few conversations with the manager this season. He always told me that my attitude and example to the team is unbelievable. I feel that he trusts me a lot at the moment. I will keep working hard in training and on the pitch."