Japanese midfielder Wataru Endo (32, Liverpool) is increasingly likely to leave the team during the summer transfer window.
British media outlet TeamTalk reported on the 1st (Korean time) that "Liverpool is expected to allow Endo's transfer. Eintracht Frankfurt has shown the first interest in him."
German media outlet Bild also noted that "Liverpool has completed preparations to part ways with Endo this summer," adding weight to the transfer rumors.
Frankfurt has reportedly made contact with Endo's side.
However, Florian Plettenberg, a reporter from Sky Germany, stated that "he is not a priority for signing, and the transfer fee may be a stumbling block."
Endo transferred to Liverpool from Stuttgart in the summer of 2023. At that time, Liverpool invested about £16 million (approximately 30.4 billion won). Given that Liverpool previously rejected an offer of £11.8 million (approximately 22.4 billion won) from Marseille that same year, it is likely Liverpool will maintain a high transfer fee.
Endo is currently under contract with Liverpool until June 2027.
Liverpool has begun restructuring its midfield under new manager Arne Slot. Manager Slot is reorganizing the team around a 4-2-3-1 formation and is utilizing Dominik Szoboszlai as a key resource in a three-man midfield.
Manager Slot tends to prioritize technical proficiency. Players like Jordan Henderson, James Milner, and Georginio Wijnaldum, who are strong in physicality and work rate, have drifted away from his plans.
Endo has been pushed down the pecking order for Liverpool's bench amid these changes. He is a dedicated defensive midfielder, but it seems he has failed to catch manager Slot's attention in terms of technical skills. In fact, his playing time has significantly decreased this season.
He has appeared in 26 matches across all competitions this season but recorded 0 goals and 0 assists, leaving a disappointing record.
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