Liverpool have reportedly opened the door to a summer departure for Wataru Endo, with clubs being made aware that the Japan international is available before the transfer window closes.

The claim comes from Football Insider, via Pete O’Rourke, who says the Reds are prepared to listen to offers for the experienced midfielder. 

It is a decision that could divide Liverpool supporters. Endo may no longer be a guaranteed starter, but his value to a squad is difficult to measure purely through minutes on the pitch. Signed from Stuttgart in 2023, the 33-year-old has become one of Liverpool’s most dependable defensive midfield options, bringing aggression, discipline and an experienced head to the middle of the pitch.

His importance was particularly clear during his first season on Merseyside, when he made 43 appearances in all competitions and played every minute of Liverpool’s Carabao Cup final victory over Chelsea. He subsequently made another 32 appearances during the 2024/25 campaign as Liverpool lifted the Premier League title. 

However, the numbers from 2025/26 tell a different story. Endo made 13 Premier League appearances, scoring no goals and registering one assist, with around 497 minutes played.  His campaign was also interrupted by a foot injury, which eventually ruled him out of Japan’s 2026 World Cup squad and contributed to his international retirement.

There are obvious positives to Liverpool potentially selling. At 33, Endo’s resale value is unlikely to increase, while Andoni Iraola is reshaping the squad and appears to have several younger midfield options available. If Liverpool can receive a respectable fee, moving Endo on could free up wages and a squad place for a player capable of contributing over a longer period.

But there is a major downside. Liverpool would be losing a specialist defensive midfielder who understands the demands of Premier League football and has already proved he can handle pressure at Anfield. His ability to drop into defence, break up attacks and protect a lead makes him particularly useful late in matches. Liverpool’s recent defensive vulnerabilities under Iraola make that experience even more valuable. 

Endo may not be the first name on Liverpool’s teamsheet, but that does not mean he is unimportant.

Sometimes, squad players become the safety net that allows the stars to shine. 

Liverpool must decide whether Endo’s declining minutes outweigh the security, experience and mentality he still brings.

For Iraola, that could prove a surprisingly difficult call.

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