Midfielder Wataru Endo seeking Liverpool exit in 2025 January window: Reports

In a shocking development, Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo, who former manager Jurgen Klopp described as being 'a machine', may choose to leave the club in the 2025 January transfer window, according to Caught Offside. Liverpool are also reportedly open to the idea of selling him if they receive offers in the range of EUR 15m - 20m.

Endo arrived at the club in 2023 when he signed a four-year deal but has struggled to find game time under new head coach Arne Slot this season. He has only come off the bench twice in the Premier League, and that too for a mere one minute in each encounter against Crystal Palace and Brentford.

Although the Reds were linked with Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi in the summer, the latter rejected them and chose to remain in La Liga. This might have signalled bright days for the Japanese international, but instead, he has been relegated to the bench by Slot.

His only key contributions came in a Carabao Cup game against West Ham United this season (which Liverpool won 5-1) in which he played for 82 minutes before being taken off.

Endo, who was seen as a crucial cog in the Liverpool wheel by Klopp, has seen his place being taken up in the side by the troika of Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones.

Given the circumstances, it might be best for Endo — who is among the very few Japanese players in the Premier League's history — to move away from Anfield and seek a resurrection in his career with more game time elsewhere.

Wolves, Fulham and Ipswich Town are interested in Wataru Endo

Liverpool have gone into the international break by maintaining their almost-perfect start to the Premier League season. They sit on top of the table with 18 points but Manchester City linger in their shadows with 17. Slot's Reds have won all but one of their matches so far this season.

In their most recent encounter on Saturday, October 5, they edged out Crystal Palace 1-0 at Selhurst Park in a dogged performance that won them plaudits back home in the north of England. Diogo Jota's goal in the ninth minute of the game after picking up a low pass from compatriot Cody Gakpo was the only one scored.

New manager Slot's decision to play a fluid midfield that revolves around Jones, Mac Allister, Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai has meant more time off the pitch for Endo. The 31-year-old, known for his vision, defensive technique as well as passing, might see his future elsewhere.

TBR Football has mentioned that the likes of Ipswich Town, Fulham and Wolverhampton Wanderers are all keeping an ear on the ground for any news regarding Endo. They will be keen on picking him up if he chooses to move in the January transfer window.