Jamie Carragher thinks Liverpool star could be sold in January after Arne Slot snub

Jamie Carragher has cast doubt on Wataru Endo’s future at Liverpool, suggesting his time at the club could be drawing to a close. The Japanese midfielder, who joined from Stuttgart last year, faced speculation over his Anfield career after just one season when the Reds turned down an offer from Marseille in the summer.

Despite the interest, Endo stayed put as Liverpool’s search for a new defensive midfielder continued. They had their sights set on Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, but he chose to stay with his current team, leading Liverpool to forego signing an alternative No. 6 during the transfer window.

Carragher, while commentating on Liverpool’s Carabao Cup victory over West Ham, hinted that Endo might not fit the mould of player that Arne Slot prefers, especially in the defensive midfield role. “I’m not sure he’s [Endo] the type of profile that Arne Slot looks for in that position,” said Carragher on Sky Sports.

He further noted the contrast between Endo and Zubimendi, saying: “You talk about the No.6 they were looking at, and we all know that guy was Martin Zubimendi. He’s a complete contrast to the type of player that Endo is.

“He’s [Endo] done a great job for Liverpool since he’s come in. If Liverpool would have brought in Zubimendi then there’s a good chance that Endo might have moved on in the last transfer window. That might be something that happens in January.”

Endo, who had gathered just a mere two minutes of playtime under Slot previously, was given a maiden start in Wednesday night’s match against West Ham.

Slot had previously praised Endo for his performances in training, but admitted that his gametime could be limited this season.

“It is not always about the player himself, it’s also about the competition he faces,” Slot said on Endo in August. “We have many good midfielders like we have many good players.

“We are really pleased with the way Wata is training for us, but he has some good competition and I think you saw [vs. Brentford] a good performance from all three midfielders. So it is not always about him it is also about the others.

“He will be important for us during the season because we need all of them; we all know how long a season can be over here and how many players you need. And he is one of them that we are going to need in the upcoming season.”