Liverpool Transfer News: Wataru Endo faces MAJOR future twist

Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo became a fan favourite after signing for the club at the start of the 2023-24 season.

The Japan international captain was acquired by Jurgen Klopp in one of his final transfers in charge of the Reds after Moises Caicedo decided to go to Chelsea.

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Despite a lack of expectations on the former Stuttgart man, Endo took to life at Anfield with relish and supporters were impressed with his energy and ability.

After helping Liverpool win the Carabao Cup, Endo was earmarked for a new contract by Klopp but since then his situation has worsened.

Endo earmarked for Anfield exit

It’s clear that new head coach Arne Slot isn’t a massive fan of Endo, opting to only start him TWICE to this point and he instead uses the 31-year-old as an extra body to see the game out.

Last summer he was close to leaving for Marseille only for Liverpool to reject the offer and reports have emerged linking Endo with a January exit.

The likes of Wolves, Ipswich, AC Milan and Celtic have all been mentioned as possible destinations.

However the latest off-field events around Anfield could yet mean that Endo is handed a Liverpool reprieve.

According to the Athletic, Liverpool are in talks about heading to Japan and Hong Kong for their pre-season tour in 2025.

Endo to star in Japan promos

Next year marks the 20th anniversary of the last time Liverpool played in Japan, where they were beaten in the FIFA Club World Championship final by Sao Paulo.

The Merseysiders were last in Hong Kong in summer 2017 when they faced Leicester City and Crystal Palace in the Premier League Asia Trophy.

There are now several connections between Liverpool and Japan with Japan Airlines becoming the club’s official airline partner earlier this year.

Furthermore, with Endo on the books there is added attention on Liverpool from the Far East nation.

Should talks progress any further about bringing Liverpool back to Japan then Endo would be expected to feature heavily in promotional material as well as be in attendance for the tour.

That means the club could opt to retain his services through the January transfer window and beyond and utilise him as a star attraction for Japanese supporters next summer.

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