Celtic Rumored to Be Interested in Liverpool’s Wataru Endo
In the ever-changing world of football transfers, the summer of 2025 is shaping up to be a season of speculation and surprises. Among the most intriguing rumors circulating the footballing world is that Celtic, one of Scotland’s most successful clubs, could be in the market for Liverpool’s Japanese midfielder, Wataru Endo. The 31-year-old’s time at Anfield has not been as prolific as many expected, leading to suggestions that Celtic might seize this opportunity to bring the versatile midfielder to Glasgow.
Wataru Endo joined Liverpool in the summer of 2023 from German Bundesliga side VfB Stuttgart. At the time, the move was seen as a shrewd acquisition by Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp. The Japanese international was brought in as a defensive midfielder, tasked with providing cover and competition for the likes of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson. His work rate, discipline, and leadership qualities made him an ideal fit for Klopp’s high-pressing system.
However, since his arrival at Anfield, Endo has struggled to secure a regular starting spot in Liverpool’s star-studded midfield. With the emergence of younger talents like Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Curtis Jones, Endo has found himself in and out of the lineup. While his performances when called upon have been solid, they have not been enough to guarantee him a place in Liverpool’s starting XI week in and week out. This has raised questions about his future at the club, particularly as Liverpool continues to evolve under Klopp’s leadership.
For Celtic, the potential signing of Wataru Endo could be a significant step in strengthening their midfield. Under the guidance of manager Brendan Rodgers, Celtic has enjoyed domestic success but has faced challenges in Europe, especially in the UEFA Champions League. Rodgers has emphasized the importance of building a squad capable of competing at the highest level, and adding an experienced, defensive-minded midfielder like Endo would be an intelligent move to further solidify the team’s core.
Celtic’s midfield options include the likes of Callum McGregor, Matt O’Riley, and Reo Hatate, all of whom are talented and integral to the team’s success. However, there is still room for improvement in terms of experience and depth. Endo, with his vast experience in both the Bundesliga and international football, would add valuable leadership qualities to the Celtic dressing room. His understanding of the game, defensive awareness, and composure under pressure could make him an excellent addition to the squad, both in domestic competitions and on the European stage.
Why Celtic
Celtic’s potential interest in Endo could stem from the player’s preference for more regular first-team football, a factor that could push him to consider a move away from Liverpool. At Celtic, Endo would be a more prominent figure in the team, with the opportunity to play a central role in both the Scottish Premiership and European competitions. The prospect of being a key figure in a club with a rich history, particularly in Europe, might appeal to Endo, who is approaching the latter stages of his career and looking to secure more playing time.
Moreover, Celtic’s financial structure is more aligned with what Liverpool might expect for a player of Endo’s profile. Liverpool could be open to letting him go on a permanent deal or a loan, especially if the move benefits both parties. Endo would provide Celtic with a level of experience that would strengthen their midfield, particularly in high-pressure games where composure and tactical discipline are crucial.
The Financials: Will the Deal Make Sense?
From a financial perspective, the move to Celtic could prove to be a relatively affordable option for the Scottish champions. Endo’s current market value is not astronomical, and with his contract at Liverpool potentially becoming a burden due to limited playing time, Celtic may be able to negotiate a reasonable transfer fee. Liverpool, looking to streamline their squad and potentially recoup some of the money spent on new signings, might be willing to sell Endo if they can secure a deal that benefits them financially.
Celtic, on the other hand, has made several high-profile signings in recent seasons, many of which have paid off handsomely. Their ability to balance their finances while making strategic signings has been a hallmark of their success in recent years, and Endo’s potential move could be another example of their smart recruitment strategy.
Conclusion
While no official negotiations have taken place yet, the rumors linking Wataru Endo to Celtic are compelling and could signal a new chapter in the midfielder’s career. For Celtic, the acquisition of a player with Endo’s experience and leadership qualities could prove to be an astute piece of business, both for the short and long term. As the transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on how this saga unfolds and whether Celtic can secure the signature of the Japanese international from Liverpool. Should the move materialize, Endo could become an integral part of Celtic’s push for continued success in domestic and European football.
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