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Liverpool legend expects Carabao Cup hero to leave Anfield in the January transfer window

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By Arindam Talukdar

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher expects Japanese midfielder Wataru Endo could be sold in the January transfer window. The Japanese skipper has fallen down the pecking order following Arne Slot’s arrival on Merseyside.

The Reds were actively pursuing Zubimendi during the summer but failed to finalize a deal. Since then, Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister have filled deeper roles under Arne Slot, but Liverpool may still look to sign a specialist holding midfielder in future transfer windows.

Wataru Endo has signed a four-year contract with Liverpool. (Pic Credit – Liverpool FC website)

Endo has found it difficult to get minutes for the Merseyside jersey, especially in the Premier League, and Carragher hinted that he could be sold in January.

Wataru Endo Could be Sold by Liverpool in January

Jamie Carragher, the Liverpool legend with an incredible 737 appearances the second most in the club’s history believes that Wataru Endo could’ve been sold for a player like Martín Zubimendi in future transfer windows. Speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher suggested that he doesn’t believe Endo is the type of defensive midfielder Arne Slot prefers for his team.

“I’m not sure he’s [Endo] the type of profile that Arne Slot looks for in that position. 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.”

Jamie Carragher on Skysports
Wataru Endo Compared to Martin Zubimendi courtesy of FBref 

Reporting after the match, Liverpool Echo journalist Paul Gorst shared his player ratings for Liverpool’s performance against West Ham United. Endo started in midfield for the Reds, but it wasn’t his most impressive showing in a Liverpool shirt. He ranked the midfielder with a 5/10 rating, which was justifiable because of his subpar performance against West Ham United.

Endo might not have been perfect on the night, but he did what was needed. The veteran is capable of stepping up when needed, as he did in the Carabao Cup final last season, where he ran himself into the ground as the Reds came away with the trophy. To call Endo a cult hero would be apt.

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Gorst suggested that Endo appeared panicked when involved in Jarell Quansah’s own goal. Critics also pointed out his lack of progressive passing with Carragher’s post-match comments adding to the disappointment around his performance. It will be interesting to see if Slot and his recruitment team decide to move Endo on when the transfer window reopens.

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