Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo has reportedly attracted interest from Eintracht Frankfurt over a potential summer move.
The 32-year-old has seen his playing time greatly reduced this season, and that could drop even further with no more domestic cup action on Liverpool's calendar this season.
Endo featured prominently in Liverpool's run to the EFL Cup final, starting in the wins over West Ham United, Brighton & Hove Albion and Southampton.
However, he was only a substitute in both legs of the semi-final against Tottenham Hotspur, and he was not used at all in the defeat to Newcastle United in the final last week.
The Japanese international has been used sparingly ever since being part of the starting XI that were knocked out of the FA Cup by Plymouth Argyle at the start of February, not getting a single start in any competition.
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Endo growing frustrated with lack of game time?
As a matter of fact, Endo played more minutes (90) in Japan's 2-0 win over Bahrain last week than he has across Liverpool's last nine matches (84).
While being 32, Endo is still a full international, featuring again in the draw with Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, and he will feel he still has much to offer.
However, under Arne Slot, that may have to be away from Anfield, with Endo now seemingly out of favour with the new Liverpool manager.
All 14 of Endo's Premier League appearances this season have come from the bench, and that has put clubs in the Bundesliga on high alert over a potential move this summer.
Endo arrived from Stuttgart in the summer of 2023 as one of the replacements for Saudi-bound pair Fabinho and Jordan Henderson, and he featured regularly under Jurgen Klopp, but opportunities have been few and far between since Slot arrived.
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Where could Endo move this summer?
German outlet BILD claim that a swift return to the Bundesliga could be on the cards for Endo, just two years after moving to Merseyside.
Frankfurt are said to be considering a move for the Japan international, as they seek to add experience to their midfield.
After missing out on signing Pascal Gross last summer, Frankfurt remain in the market for a leader who can accompany promising youngster Oscar Hojlund in the engine room, especially if Hugo Larsson earns a big move away from the club.
The Liverpool Echo have stated that Endo was keen to stay and fight for his place in the Liverpool team in January, but after seeing no improvement in his situation, he now looks set to depart.
Ryan Gravenberch's emergence in the side has been the catalyst behind Endo's limited game time, and that does not look set to change between now and the end of the season.
Andrew Delaney
