Liverpool already have their sights set on the 2025/26 season, with Arne Slot determined to build on a remarkable debut campaign that saw the club secure their 20th league title.
Slot made an instant impact, becoming just the fifth manager in Premier League history to win the title in his first season.
With the focus now shifting to sustaining that success, the Dutchman will be looking to build a squad capable of challenging both domestically and in Europe.
As such, there are several changes expected in the squad, with Liverpool linked to several potential signings, while decisions loom over a number of possible departures.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot wants to keep Wataru Endo
One player expected to remain at the club is Japanese midfielder Wataru Endo.
According to The Athletic, Arne Slot views the 32-year-old as a ‘valuable’ member of the squad.
The Dutchman has turned to Endo on numerous occasions this season, often introducing him in the closing stages to help see out victories.
While Endo has largely served as a backup to Ryan Gravenberch in Slot’s system—making 17 league appearances without a start and playing just 157 minutes—his leadership, professionalism, and dependability in high-pressure moments haven’t gone unnoticed, earning him fan-favourite status.
Wataru Endo’s quiet impact since joining Liverpool
The Japanese international, signed from Stuttgart in August 2023, has proven to be a calm and dependable presence in the Liverpool midfield.
Though not Liverpool’s first-choice target—brought in after the club missed out on Moises Caicedo—Endo quickly made a strong impression with composed performances under Jurgen Klopp.
He has since continued to shine under Arne Slot, who has described him as a ‘special’ player.
Despite not being a regular starter, Endo has consistently impressed with his ability to break up play, retain possession, and draw key fouls, making him a vital asset in closing out matches.
One of the craziest stats to highlight his importance to the side: Endo has averaged eight fouls per 90 minutes, yet remarkably has not received a single yellow card.
And these performances have forced Arne to change his mind about Endo, having initially been seen as one of the players the manager will look to move on.
While Slot was tipped to sell Endo at first, it appears that the player has won over him and will continue to play a vital role for the club in the coming seasons.
