Latest developments
- Fulham are interested in signing Liverpool's Wataru Endo.
- The Japanese international has struggled for minutes at Anfield.
- The 31-year-old still has two-and-a-half years left on his contract.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (2.5/5): Story lacking sources
Fulham have emerged as a likely destination for Wataru Endo to continue his career in England as his opportunities at Liverpool have become more limited under Arne Slot.
This story broke in the Daily Mail and was picked up by teamtalk.com, neither of whom provide source information linking Endo to the Cottagers, but a move from Anfield for Endo is highly likely.
Value (3/5): Reds might hold out for right price
With Endo under contract until summer 2027, Liverpool have time to squeeze out the right price.
They signed him for around £16.5 million, but with him turning 32 in February and only starting EFL Cup matches this season, this could be the last chance they get to sell him for something close to his market value of £9.95 million.
Suitability (3.5/5): Still got the form?
Whether they go with their usual two holding midfielders, or play five across the middle as in their two matches last week, Endo will be able to play to his strengths in Marco Silva's side.
But after 20 starts in 29 total Premier League matches last season, compared to just 56 minutes of league football this, there will be questions about whether he has still got it at this level.
Upgrade? (3/5): Can we see his best?
The West London side are having a great season, and it will be difficult for anyone to force their way into what is a settled side.
Endo will face competition from Sasa Lukic, Sander Berge and Tom Cairney for those defensive midfield spots – still a challenge, but one that could bring out the best in him.
Logic (4/5): Needs more football
Entering the autumn of his career, Endo will want more minutes than what he is being offered at Anfield and he has a better chance of getting that, while staying in a top league, at Fulham.
The Cottagers are at risk of losing one or two key players in January, and though the Japanese won't be expensive, they might be better served by getting proper replacements in place for the likes of Antonee Robinson.
Whisper+ verdict: 16/25
Almost any move will do for frozen-out Endo, and Fulham would provide the right level of competition, all we need now is a solid source linking the Cottagers.
