European giant could sign Wataru Endo as number of suitors for Liverpool midfielder grows

Liverpool opted not to make any additions at the base of midfield this summer following the failure of a move for Martin Zubimendi. Perhaps that contributed to Wataru Endo staying put, but his list of suitors has only got bigger since the window closed .

With the greatest of respect to Endo , that's not because of any sparkling performances this campaign (albeit with an honorable mention to his delightfully snide handball as Liverpool saw out the win against Crystal Palace). He has barely had the chance to feature, with Ryan Gravenberch proving a revelation under compatriot Arne Slot .

It remains to be seen whether or not Liverpool rekindles its transfer interest in a number six. But either way, 31-year-old Endo looks unlikely to have a significant role at Anfield moving forward — which means that a very good player could be on the market.

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Not a natural fit for Slot's style of play, Endo nonetheless showcased his value at the highest level of the game under Jurgen Klopp . The budget buy from Stuttgart obviously has his limitations, but he performs his specific role with distinction.

Marseille showed an interest in the summer . It was Liverpool who chose to turn that down, but it might work in Endo's favor too, with a Champions League club now reportedly arriving on the scene.

Inter Milan is keen on signing Endo, according to InterLive . While the ownership group is typically reluctant to sanction deals for those over 30, the midfielder's popularity in Japan could prompt an exception as it looks to grow the club brand worldwide (and it can't hurt that he's also a good footballer....).

And per Ekrem Konur on X , Liverpool is now open to listening to offers. The transfer journalist also claims that there is further interest from clubs in the Premier League and the Bundesliga.

Whether that could pave the way for a January departure without any further additions at Liverpool remains to be seen. The risks would be much the same as they were in the summer, with the one difference being that Slot is now better acquainted with his squad (and knows he can rely on Gravenberch).

Other options within the existing side include Tyler Morton, who has also found minutes extremely hard to come by so far this campaign. Meanwhile, Dominik Szoboszlai has previously played in a deeper role, and might be less essential further forward once Harvey Elliott returns from injury.

Liverpool.com says: The beauty of the Endo deal in the summer of 2023 was that the risk was very low. He had more than justified his fee by the end of his single campaign under Klopp, playing a surprisingly prominent role and arguably enjoying a better individual campaign than Moises Caicedo.

The arrival of Slot has not worked in his favor, but his departure would not represent a failure of the deal, not least because Liverpool could likely recoup much of what it paid. If he does leave the club, he will leave with the gratitude of supporters, and with well-wishes for whichever club comes next.