Andoni Iraola set to hand opportunity to veteran Liverpool star | OneFootball

Liverpool Reset Gives Midfielder Fresh Chance Under Andoni Iraola

Liverpool’s midfield picture is one of the more intriguing areas of Andoni Iraola’s early work at Anfield.

After Arne Slot’s first season delivered a Premier League title in 2024/25, the drop-off that followed in 2025/26 forced serious reflection inside the club. Slot departed on May 30, 2026, and Iraola now arrives with the task of reshaping a squad that still contains considerable quality, but also some obvious uncertainty.

That uncertainty may benefit Wataru Endo.

The Japan midfielder, now 33, missed the end of last season because of a serious ankle injury and was then left out of Japan’s World Cup squad. That was a painful personal setback, especially after he had returned for a pre-tournament friendly against Iceland, only for head coach Hajime Moriyasu to decide he was not ready for the demands of the competition.

Iraola faces early midfield shortage

Liverpool will begin pre-season without several key midfielders, with Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch away at the FIFA World Cup. That leaves Iraola with a reduced group to assess when work starts next month.

According to the Liverpool Echo, that situation could open the door for Endo.

“The prospect of a new head coach in Andoni Iraola opens the door to Endo for more game-time and while it has always been generally accepted that the tenacious, defensive-minded midfielder is a useful squad option at Anfield, the lack of key men this pre-season allows the Japan star the chance to impress,” the report reads.

Photo: IMAGO

That assessment feels logical. Endo has never been the most glamorous name in Liverpool’s squad, but he has often been one of the more reliable. Signed from Stuttgart for £16m in 2023, he initially arrived as a short-term solution, yet went on to play his part in both EFL Cup and Premier League success.

Contract situation adds pressure

There is still a significant question over his future. Endo is under contract until 2027, which means Liverpool are approaching the stage where a decision must be made.

“At the age of 33, fresh off the sort of long-term injury that may have led to some contemplative thinking at times during his recovery period, does Endo feel he can make another fist at becoming a first-team regular under Iraola?

“Heading into the final year of his deal, this summer sees Endo in the Last Chance Saloon for his Liverpool career.”

That phrase may sound stark, but it captures the reality. Liverpool have been linked with midfield additions, including Lamine Camara and Alex Scott, while Mac Allister and Curtis Jones have also been connected with possible exits.

Endo, therefore, sits in a delicate position. He could be retained as a dependable squad option, especially given his attitude, experience and tactical discipline. Equally, Richard Hughes may decide this is the right window to extract value before the final year of his deal.

Liverpool decision rests on balance

For Iraola, pre-season will be valuable. Endo offers defensive instinct, professionalism and tactical obedience, all qualities a new head coach can use when trying to establish standards quickly.

He may not be central to Liverpool’s long-term rebuild, but he can still have a practical role. In a squad chasing consistency again, players like Endo matter.

This summer will decide whether he remains part of the plan or becomes part of the turnover.