The captain of Japan's national team is being excluded from Liverpool's plans... Endo's bitter departure: "Since Klopp left, he's been treated as a spare part; forced sale is highly likely"

*This content was translated by AI.

Endo Wataru (33), captain of Japan's national team and a midfielder for Liverpool, appears set to leave Liverpool.

The UK's "Liverpool Echo" reported on the 2nd (Korea time) that "as Liverpool prepares for the new season with a major overhaul of its midfield, the likelihood of releasing Endo is very high."

Liverpool abruptly dismissed head coach Arne Slot on the 30th of last month. Andoni Iraola, the Bournemouth manager, is the leading candidate for the next head coach. Although Liverpool topped the 2024-2025 English Premier League (EPL), they finished fifth last season, trailing the champion Arsenal by 25 points.

The media stated, "Facing poor results, Liverpool has decided to replace its head coach and overhaul its roster. It has already announced a parting with star striker Mohamed Salah," and added that "regardless of the new coach's appointment, the midfield will be completely restructured."

Under coach Slot's system this season, Liverpool's midfield has shown signs of collapse. The media argued, "Since Fabinho's departure, there has been no player to anchor the team," and insisted, "Liverpool must sign Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott and must also retain local-born midfielder Curtis Jones."

Retaining Jones is expected to lead to Endo's release. The media stated, "If Jones stays, Endo will almost certainly leave the team," and noted, "Although Endo has received full support from some fans, he lacks the competitiveness to prove himself as a starter."

Endo's contract with Liverpool runs until June next year. The explanation is that if Liverpool wants to gain transfer fee revenue, this summer is the ideal time for a sale.

Endo, who has been plagued by long-term injuries, started in only three matches across all competitions this season. In fact, Endo's treatment as a non-essential player began immediately after coach Jurgen Klopp left in 2024. Under coach Arne Slot's system last season, he started just one league match, and his situation has not improved at all this season; he has continued to sit on the bench or be excluded from the squad. Ultimately, Endo appears set to seek a new destination.

Endo, selected for Japan's national team's final 26-man roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, returned to the pitch on the 31st of last month in a match against Iceland, ending a break of about two and a half months.

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*This content was translated by AI.