Liverpool’s search for a new number six did not go to plan last summer.
The Merseyside club identified the area as a position that needed strengthening and Arne Slot was in agreement.
Liverpool made a move for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, however, the Spanish star rejected the Premier League giants to remain in La Liga for another season.
Ryan Gravenberch has stepped up at Liverpool as a result and heading into the summer transfer window, the Reds’ plans are likely to have changed as the Dutch star has made it unnecessary to sign a starting number six.
Liverpool may still look to bring in a deputy for the 22-year-old as Wataru Endo has admitted that it has been tough for him at Anfield this season.
Wataru Endo has found it ‘tough’ at Liverpool
Having been brought to Liverpool from Stuttgart in 2023 as part of a £16m deal, Endo has proven to be a bargain signing for the Reds.
The Japanese star stepped up last season with Jurgen Klopp heaping praise on Endo for his work rate and the attitude he showed on the pitch.
Arne Slot has continued praising Endo throughout the current season, but the Dutch coach has not offered the midfielder a lot of minutes.
Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League clash with PSG, Endo has admitted that he has found it tough not playing a lot and has already had conversations with Slot about his minutes.
“Yes, I have conversations with the manager,” Endo revealed. “A few times in the season. But he always told me that my attitude and what I have done to help the team is always unbelievable.
“I feel like he trusts me a lot at the moment. I’m happy to be here. I will keep working hard in training and working hard on the pitch as well.
“Yeah, it’s a little bit tough for me because I don’t play that much. But the thing I can do is to help the team. My idea is very simple – I always try to help the team.
“If I have a chance to play, I just go all in. That’s what I’m thinking always and I’ll keep doing that.”
This attitude is very rare in football and Slot has even told Darwin Nunez to learn from Endo in this regard.
Given the rise of Gravenberch, Liverpool should consider keeping Endo ahead of the 2025/26 campaign as the Japanese international deserves this at the very least.
The reasons why Liverpool should keep Wataru Endo
Liverpool are set for a busy summer as several areas need to be addressed and keeping Endo for another season would save the Reds from having to go out and spend money to replace the 32-year-old.
The midfielder has shown an exemplary attitude towards the minutes he has been given by Slot this season and when called upon has given it 100 per cent every time.
| Games | Goals | Assists | Minutes played | Cards |
| 23 | 0 | 0 | 712 | 1 |
The veteran star is a role model in the dressing room and does not cause any issues for his manager, which is always a risk when bringing in a new player.
Although he is not playing often, Endo is also rarely injured and is always available for selection when Liverpool need to give Gravenberch a rest.
On the other hand, Endo may not want to stay at Liverpool due to his playing time. That is fair enough, but from the club’s point of view, the Merseyside outfit should consider keeping the 32-year-old if he is open to remaining at Anfield.
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