Journalist James Pearce has shared what people he has spoken to have told him about the Liverpool future of Wataru Endo following his first season at Anfield.
Wataru Endo was a bit of a surprise signing for the Reds last summer, with Liverpool previously showing a willingness to smash the British transfer record to sign Moises Caicedo.
The Reds did overhaul their options in the middle of the park, with Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai arriving earlier in the window, while Ryan Gravenberch also joined as the deadline loomed.
Endo was arguably the least well-known name of the quartet to join, with the Japan international signing from Stuttgart for £16 million.
Liverpool set to hold onto Wataru Endo
The 31-year-old was obviously not a marquee signing, and, unlike many of the players Liverpool have brought over the recent years, he was not someone with his peak in front of him.
So some may have wondered whether he may be one player Arne Slot looks to replace this summer, and, if he is, what the future holds for Endo.
Speaking on The Redmen TV however, James Pearce has suggested that he has been informed that the midfielder is set to be a part of the plans on Merseyside next year.
“I was asked recently about Wataru Endo and people I’ve spoken to have said there’s no chance that Endo goes anywhere; absolutely brilliant to have around the place, more than repaid the faith shown in him last season,” he said.
Japan international became a surprise package this past season
Endo is unlikely to ever be a player who receives plaudits from far and wide, but Liverpool fans will be well aware of just how important he became last season, particularly with Jurgen Klopp not having many options in that position.
There were times when he did struggle. Endo was replaced at half-time after a really poor showing against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. But he managed to silence his critics and doubters.
Steve Nicol claimed Endo had turned out to be incredible, and it seems that the Liverpool hierarchy largely agree, with the club determined to keep him next season.