Jamie Carragher Predicts Liverpool Could Offload Fan Favourite as Early as January

Jamie Carragher believes Liverpool could potentially offload Wataru Endo as early as January due to his reduced role within the team.

The Japanese midfielder, who joined the Reds from Stuttgart last year, has faced uncertainty regarding his future at Anfield. This speculation intensified after the club rejected a summer transfer offer from Marseille.

Endo, once a key player under Jurgen Klopp during the manager’s final year, has seen his game time significantly decrease this season, leading to doubts about his long-term role with the team.

During the summer transfer window, Liverpool pursued Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, signaling new manager Arne Slot’s clear preference for a different type of player in his midfield.

Although Zubimendi turned down the chance to move to Anfield, the pursuit revealed Slot’s vision for the future of Liverpool’s midfield.

Carragher has expressed that Endo does not fit the profile of the player Slot envisions in his midfield plans.

“I’m not sure he’s [Endo] the type of profile that Arne Slot looks for in that position,” said Carragher on Sky Sports, as reported by Express.

“You talk about the No.6 they were looking at, and we all know that guy was Martin Zubimendi. He’s a complete contrast to the type of player that Endo is.

“He’s [Endo] done a great job for Liverpool since he’s come in. If Liverpool would have brought in Zubimendi then there’s a good chance that Endo might have moved on in the last transfer window. That might be something that happens in January.”

The Japan international has featured in only one starting lineup this season, which came during the Carabao Cup encounter against West Ham United.

In contrast, the Dutch manager has favored Ryan Gravenberch, a fellow countryman, in the midfield. Gravenberch has emerged as one of the standout performers at the club this season.

Endo, however, does not align with the type of midfielder that Slot envisions for his squad. It wouldn’t be surprising if he seeks first-team opportunities elsewhere in January.

This situation highlights how a managerial change can dramatically alter the trajectory of a player’s career.

While Gravenberch, who struggled last season, has now become essential for the Reds, Endo, who was impressive last season, appears to be on the fringes of the team.

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