Report: £17m player has now decided to leave Liverpool this summer despite Arne Slot thinking he's 'special'

03/30/2025 07:00 AM

Liverpool look likely to have a busy summer this year with plenty of change expected at Anfield.

Despite being on the cusp of winning the Premier League title, there remains a feeling that an overhaul of the Reds’ squad could be in the offing.

One of the areas which is still in need of some attention is in the midfield.

Liverpool revamped their options in the middle of the pitch back in 2023, with four new signings arriving. However, after Arne Slot tried to buy Martin Zubimendi in 2024, the work is clearly not yet done.

Part of Slot’s thinking behind wanting Zubimendi was that he reportedly did not see Wataru Endo as being a good fit in his Liverpool system.

Endo has since won the admiration of Slot, but the Liverpool head coach does still not trust his No.3 to start games in the Premier League. And with Endo relegated to a bit-part role, he is now said to be angling for a summer move.

Wataru Endo ready for Liverpool exit

Endo’s resurgence has been one of the stories of the season at Liverpool. It’s safe to say the 32-year-old has earned himself cult status with the Reds.

But despite his re-emergence as a key part of the Liverpool squad, Caught Offside report that Endo’s story on Merseyside could end this summer.

They claim that after rejecting an offer from Marseille last year, the Reds are now more open to letting Endo leave in 2025.

The player himself is also said to be ready to move on, with a wish for more playing time reportedly driving that decision.

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With two years still to run on his contract it’s claimed that Liverpool will accept offers between £12.5-17m in order to let Endo go.

Fulham, Ipswich, Wolves, AC Milan, and Celtic are all mentioned as being potentially interested in the Japan international.

Liverpool must keep ‘special’ Endo

There is certainly an argument that Liverpool need another option in their midfield next summer. It’s vital that Slot has a player he trusts to give Ryan Gravenberch a break.

However, that should not come at the expense of Endo. The former Stuttgart captain performs his role in the squad to perfection.

If Endo wants more game time and is pushing to leave as a result, then that is of course a different story.

But if he is happy to stick around doing the role he currently is, while adding experience, leadership and know-how to the group, then there really is no need to sell him.

Despite his misgivings at the start of his tenure, Slot has called Endo ‘special‘ on numerous occasions recently. The Dutchman has been won over on Wata, just as the Liverpool fans have been. It would be a shame for him to leave that behind now.