Eredivisie giants Ajax may look to sign 72-cap Japanese international Wataru Endo from Liverpool in a last-ditch move in the winter transfer window.

According to a report by Caught Offside, Wataru Endo is the subject of interest from Ajax. The Eredivisie giants are keen on reinforcing their first-team squad by signing a versatile midfielder in the final week of the winter transfer window. So, the 32-year-old Liverpool utility man has emerged as a target for de Godenzonen.

While Ajax will attempt to sign Christian Norgaard in the final week of the winter transfer window after opening talks with Arsenal, the North London club’s asking price of €15-17 million has compelled them also to consider alternatives. So, Endo is one of three other options on the Dutch club’s wishlist.

How has Wataru Endo fared at Liverpool?

Wataru Endo has endured a topsy-turvy ride since joining Liverpool from VfB Stuttgart in a deal worth €19 million in August 2023. While the 32-year-old has primarily been a backup option for the Merseyside club, he has been a utility man due to his ability to play as a holding midfielder, a box-to-box midfielder, a centre-back, and a right-back.

The 72-cap Japanese international has made nearly 100 appearances for Liverpool thus far while chipping in with two goals and two assists. Meanwhile, Endo’s stock is high, with several well-known clubs setting their sights on him. Ajax will be among the prospective suitors vying for the former VfB Stuttgart captain’s signature in the final week of the winter transfer window.

Eredivisie move on the horizon?

Ajax’s interest in Wataru Endo makes sense. The Dutch giants have been scouring the market for a versatile midfielder heading into the winter transfer window, as they want to add quality players to their squad for an Eredivisie title push in the second half of the 2025/26 season.

Several candidates, including Manuel Ugarte, have thus emerged on Ajax’s wishlist, with Endo also a viable target. Christian Norgaard is seemingly the top target for de Godenzonen, and they have opened talks for a last-ditch move. However, a deal may not be straightforward, as Arsenal will demand around €15-17 million to part ways with the 31-year-old Dane in the final week of the winter transfer window.

So, Endo is one of three alternatives to Norgaard, and it will not be surprising to see them turn to the 32-year-old Liverpool utility man in the coming days. However, it is unclear if the Premier League champions are open to letting the 72-cap Japanese international leave in the final week of the winter transfer window.