Jurgen Klopp made bold Wataru Endo prediction that could explain Liverpool transfer stance

Liverpool could have a big decision to make on Wataru Endo this summer , but for now they’re sticking firmly by the midfielder.

Various sources have confirmed that the Reds have rejected an offer of around $15.2m (£11.8m/€14m) for the Japan international from Marseille . According to the ECHO , there is no appetite from Liverpool to sell Endo , given he is one of a very few options in the defensive midfield role currently at the club.

Journalist David Lynch though has suggested that a higher offer could tempt the Reds to sell just 12 months on from signing the 31-year-old. Endo still has three years left on his contract at Anfield , having joined from Stuttgart in a deal worth around $20.8m (£16.2m/€19.2m).

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It was a deal that took many by surprise at the time, not least because it came hot off the heels of the failed attempt to hijack Moises Caicedo’s move to Chelsea. Having dispensed of Fabinho earlier that summer, the Reds had been expected to target a younger option to follow in the Brazilian’s footsteps.

Endo though proved to be something of an inspired signing as he became a regular in Jurgen Klopp ’s side and produced plenty of superb performances – not least during the Carabao Cup final win over Chelsea, when he outshone Caicedo.

Klopp was particularly enamored with Endo’s performance that day, and even predicted the midfielder would extend his stay at Liverpool beyond the end of his current contract in 2027.

"I'm pretty sure in three [or] four years Wataru will sign another long-term contract at Liverpool just because he might be 30 or 31 on his passport but he's not. He's a machine,” Klopp said.

“He is footballing-wise exceptional. His defensive brain is outstanding. He gives us a lot of freedom for a lot of things. Yeah, top development. Very helpful, very helpful."

Liverpool.com says: That might be a bit of a stretch from Klopp in all honesty. As good as Endo was last season, he will be 34 by the time his current contract expires, and you certainly can’t imagine the likes of Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes offering him another four-year deal.

The decision this summer will almost certainly come down to how Arne Slot sees his place in the side. Even if the new head coach wants a new No.6, Endo would still be a handy option to keep around.