Wataru Endo to Wolves: O’Rourke shares updated verdict
Wolves are not interested in signing Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo in the January transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that the Black Country club are well-stocked in midfield and will prioritise other positions when the window opens.
Gary O’Neil’s squad is in need of strengthening in defence firstly, and Football Insider revealed they are plotting a move to sign a free agent as a short-term option.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are reluctant to see the 31-year-old leave the club despite his lack of first-team football so far under Arne Slot.
The Reds are short of numbers in midfield are are plotting deals to strengthen the position, but Endo remains one of their only options for the number-six role.
As a result, a January move to Molineux is unlikely to happen for the Japan international despite his lack of action at Anfield this season.
Wataru Endo unlikely to leave Liverpool amid Wolves rumours
Endo made the move to Anfield from Stuttgart in 2023, with Jurgen Klopp’s side scrambling to strengthen their options in midfield.
Now under Slot, the Reds are suffering from a similar lack of depth in the deeper midfield role, and are keen to bolster their side without losing their current options.
Ryan Gravenberch has made the role his own since the new manager’s appointment, keeping Endo – who has played just 85 minutes this season – out of the team.
Since his move to England last year, the midfielder has made 47 appearances across all competitions, with those displays reportedly attracting interest.
However, Wolves are not considered to be among those clubs despite conflicting reports and will focus on strengthening other areas of their squad before turning their attention to the midfield.
The midfielder also spoke about his future during an interview with Japanese outlet Synchronous, as he revealed “I have no idea what people are saying about me, but my plan is staying here.”
In other news, two big-name managers are keen to take over from O’Neil.
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