Liverpool expect Chiesa and Endo to leave in 2027 as Iraola turns to youth
Liverpool are bracing for a double departure in 2027, with Federico Chiesa and Wataru Endo increasingly likely to leave Anfield. According to the Liverpool Echo, both have become peripheral under new head coach Andoni Iraola, who is prioritising the development of younger players.
- Players involved: Federico Chiesa and Wataru Endo
- Expected exit: 2027
- Combined minutes this season: 2
- Chiesa contract: Expires 2028
- Endo contract: Expires summer 2027
- Key reason: Iraola's preference for youth and academy graduates
The numbers
- 2 minutes: Combined competitive football played by Chiesa and Endo this season
- 1 appearance: Chiesa's only outing, as an 88th-minute substitute in the 3-0 defeat to Manchester City
- 9: Times Endo has been named among the substitutes without playing
- 5 goals, 4 assists: Chiesa's record in 51 Liverpool appearances
- 9 starts: Chiesa's total starts for Liverpool, only 2 in the Premier League
- £185.5million: Raised through academy departures over the past two years
What was said
"Wata lost quite a lot of the pre-season. He is still not at his best but he is training very well."
"The problem is in front of him in his position I have a lot of players. He is competing against a lot of players."
"We are giving minutes to Trey, Ryan, Alexis and Dom, players that I am selecting right now. But Wata is definitely a player that I like and for sure he will have his moments."
"He made a mistake in joining Liverpool. A player who knows how to play football always knows how to do it."
"He needs to recover, but I'd take him since he can play on both flanks. With Gasperini, Chiesa would return to the national team."
Iraola's comments in September suggested Endo would eventually get a chance, but with November approaching he has still not featured. The Liverpool boss has instead handed minutes to Trey Nyoni, Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai. Di Livio, a former Italy international, has been far more critical of Chiesa's move, arguing a return to Serie A under Gian Piero Gasperini at Roma could revive his international career.
Injury and availability
- Federico Chiesa: Recovered from injury but unused in recent matches against Brighton and Chelsea
- Wataru Endo: Not at his best after losing much of pre-season, but training well
- Hugo Ekitike: Injured but selected in Champions League squad ahead of both players; expected to return from injury
Deal details
Both players are under contract, so any exit would require a sale or loan. Chiesa's deal runs until 2028, while Endo's expires in summer 2027. A January transfer could allow Liverpool to recoup part of their investment, particularly for Chiesa, who has attracted interest from Italy. Roma, managed by Gian Piero Gasperini, have been linked by Di Livio. No formal bids or negotiations are reported.
Why Iraola is choosing youth over experience
Iraola has made clear that minutes are being allocated to players who fit his tactical identity. Nyoni and Lewis Koumas have both featured in the Carabao Cup wins over Tottenham and Chelsea, while Endo and Chiesa did not. Ekitike's inclusion in the Champions League squad despite injury underlines how far down the pecking order the pair have fallen.
The financial logic is equally compelling. Liverpool have raised £185.5million from academy departures over two years, including Curtis Jones, Jarell Quansah, Ben Gannon-Doak, Caoimhin Kelleher, Tyler Morton, Sepp van den Berg, Fabio Carvalho and Bobby Clark. Retaining experienced players who barely feature ties up wages and blocks pathways for prospects.
For Chiesa, a January exit could be the cleanest solution, with Roma a plausible destination. Endo's contract situation makes a summer 2027 departure more likely, though a January move cannot be ruled out. Neither player is expected to force his way into Iraola's plans.
Talking points
- Is two minutes between them evidence enough to force Chiesa and Endo out, or should Liverpool keep experienced cover for a demanding schedule?
- Di Livio says Chiesa made a mistake joining Liverpool. Is his criticism fair given injuries and limited starts?
- Should Liverpool sell Endo in January or let his contract expire in 2027 and lose him for free?
- Does Iraola's faith in Nyoni and Koumas represent a sustainable model or a gamble on unproven talent?
What happens next
Liverpool face a decision in the January transfer window. Chiesa has interest from Italy, and a suitable offer could allow the club to recoup part of their investment. Endo's future may be deferred until his contract expires in 2027, but his continued absence could force the issue sooner. Both players will be hoping for minutes in the coming weeks to prove their worth before any decision is finalised.
Frequently asked questions
Why are Chiesa and Endo expected to leave Liverpool in 2027?
Both have become peripheral under Andoni Iraola, who prefers to develop younger players. Their combined minutes this season total just two, and Endo's contract expires in 2027.
How many minutes have Chiesa and Endo played this season?
Just two minutes between them. Chiesa played 88 minutes as a substitute against Manchester City, while Endo has not played at all.
Is Federico Chiesa returning to Italy?
A move to Roma has been suggested by former Italy international Angelo Di Livio, who believes Chiesa could revive his international career under Gian Piero Gasperini. No formal offer is reported.
Related Articles
Filed under: Transfer News | LA Premier League Home
