Liverpool has decided to put a player up for sale after just six games this season, as Andoni Iraola takes a tough approach.
Andoni Iraola is reportedly ready to let a Liverpool player leave, three years after he joined during Jürgen Klopp’s time.
This summer, Liverpool and Iraola saw many changes, with big names like Mohamed Salah, Andrew Robertson, and Ibrahima Konaté leaving after their contracts ended. Curtis Jones, Stefan Bajčetić, and Luca Stephenson also moved on in permanent deals.
On the other hand, Iraola welcomed new players Bradley Barcola, Jeremy Jacquet, Victor Muñoz, Lucca Brughmans, Ifeanyi Ndukwe, and Ronald Araújo (on loan).
Even though Iraola has only been at Anfield for six games, he’s reportedly about to let a first-team player go in January.
It’s been widely reported that Japan’s Wataru Endo may leave after missing out on Liverpool’s 25-man Champions League squad and not playing a single minute in the Premier League this season.
Endo joined Liverpool in 2023 for £16 million from VfB Stuttgart. He played 43 times in his first season, scoring twice. The 33-year-old played 32 games in Arne Slot’s first season when Liverpool won the Premier League, but injuries limited him to just eight league appearances this season.
Under Iraola, Endo seems to be behind younger players James McConnell and Trey Nyoni. The coach gave the youngsters a chance in Liverpool’s 3-1 Carabao Cup win over Spurs.
Journalist Ben Jacobs shared that Endo will be put up for transfer in January so Liverpool can get some money before his contract ends in 2027.
“Endo’s contract ends this season, and Liverpool will likely try to sell him in January since many players are ahead of him,” Jacobs told GiveMeSport. “Iraola doesn’t seem to favor him, so the best option looks like him leaving soon.”
After Liverpool’s 0-0 draw with Fulham last weekend, Iraola said Endo has a lot of competition in midfield.
“I think Wata missed a lot of pre-season and isn’t at his best yet, but he’s working hard,” Iraola said. “There are many players ahead of him, like Trey Nyoni, Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, and Dom Szoboszlai. But Wata is a player I like, and he will get his chances.”
Liverpool will next play away at Bournemouth on Sunday, September 20.