Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly leading the race to sign Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo, with the Japanese international’s future at Anfield increasingly uncertain.
Wolves are said to be closely monitoring Endo’s situation ahead of the January transfer window, and according to multiple reports, they are now in pole position to secure a deal for the 31-year-old. However, the race for Endo’s signature is far from over, with clubs like AC Milan, Fulham, and even Celtic all expressing interest in bringing the defensive midfielder into their ranks.
Endo’s potential departure from Liverpool seems imminent after a season in which he has struggled for regular first-team minutes. Having been signed by Jurgen Klopp in August 2023 as a contingency following failed attempts to land Moisés Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, Endo initially arrived as a key defensive option for the Reds. However, despite making 44 appearances for Liverpool last season, his role has diminished considerably this term. New manager Arne Slot, who has taken over from Klopp, has shifted Liverpool’s midfield dynamics, with Ryan Gravenberch thriving in the holding role traditionally occupied by Endo.
Wolves’ interest in Endo is well-documented, and it seems that they are now leading the charge to secure his signature. According to Football Insider, Wolves have already registered their interest in the Japan international and are in active discussions about a potential move. The club’s midfield has been an area of focus in recent transfer windows, and with Endo’s experience and versatility, he presents a solid option to bolster their ranks. Wolves are reportedly keen to make the move in January, when they will have a clearer understanding of the situation regarding their current midfield setup.
While Wolves appear to be in a strong position, the competition for Endo’s services is fierce. AC Milan have also been linked with a move for the Japanese midfielder, looking to strengthen their squad ahead of the second half of the Serie A season. The Rossoneri are no strangers to adding experienced players to their squad, and Endo could provide valuable depth to their midfield. Likewise, Fulham and Celtic have been named as potential suitors, both of whom are looking to improve their squads for the second half of the season.
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The situation has been further complicated by Liverpool’s willingness to let Endo leave in January. While key players like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Federico Chiesa are expected to remain at Anfield, Endo’s future looks increasingly bleak. The Japanese midfielder has failed to cement a place in Slot’s plans, with the manager preferring Gravenberch as a defensive midfielder. As a result, Endo has been relegated to a more peripheral role, making a January move all the more likely.
Liverpool, however, are unlikely to let Endo go without recouping a portion of the £16 million they paid Stuttgart for his services just 15 months ago. Reports suggest that the Reds have set an asking price of between €15-18 million (£12.5-15 million) for the 31-year-old. This represents a slight loss on their initial investment but is still a reasonable figure given Endo’s experience in Europe and his solid performances during his debut season at Liverpool. Despite the slight depreciation in his value, this price tag is expected to attract considerable interest from the likes of Wolves, Milan, and others.
Endo’s limited game time this season — just eight appearances — has no doubt contributed to his desire for a move away from Liverpool. With Gravenberch’s transition into the defensive midfield role, Endo has found himself sidelined, often warming the bench rather than playing a pivotal role in Liverpool’s midfield. This lack of regular first-team football has left the Japanese international frustrated, with his future at the club now under serious threat.
It seems that Endo’s time at Liverpool may be coming to an end, and with his contract running until 2026, a move in the January window would allow him to secure a fresh start before the end of the season. His situation echoes that of other players who have struggled to find consistent playing time under Slot, as the new manager continues to implement his tactical ideas. With Liverpool expected to strengthen their midfield again in 2025, as demonstrated by their unsuccessful pursuit of Martin Zubimendi over the summer, Endo’s departure could help facilitate this process.
While Endo’s departure would mark the end of his brief stint at Anfield, it’s clear that the player’s future lies elsewhere. He has made no secret of his frustration with his limited role at Liverpool, and a move to a club where he can feature more regularly is likely to be his priority. Wolverhampton Wanderers, with their growing interest and active pursuit, could offer Endo the opportunity to play a central role in a team that will value his experience and defensive qualities.
For Wolves, this could be a significant addition. Endo’s leadership, discipline, and ability to break up opposition attacks would make him a valuable asset in the Premier League. Having already demonstrated his capabilities in Germany’s Bundesliga, the Japanese international would bring a wealth of experience and maturity to the Wolves midfield, helping to provide the stability the team needs for the second half of the season.
With January fast approaching, this transfer saga will no doubt intensify. Wolves, Milan, Fulham, and Celtic will all be keeping a close eye on developments, as Endo’s situation at Liverpool continues to unfold. For now, it seems that the Midlands club are in a prime position to strike, with their reported interest suggesting that they are ready to act quickly to seal a deal.
Liverpool’s stance on Endo’s sale, combined with the relatively low asking price, makes this an opportunity that many clubs will be eager to seize. Wolves, however, appear to have the edge at the moment, and with their need for a defensive midfielder, they could secure a deal for Endo in the coming months. As January draws nearer, expect the race for Wataru Endo to gather pace, with a decision on his future set to be one of the key storylines of the winter transfer window.
Endo’s next move could very well determine the course of his career for the rest of this season, as he looks for a fresh challenge away from Anfield. The coming weeks will reveal whether Wolves, Milan, or one of the other interested clubs will be the ones to benefit from his availability.
