Liverpool’s rebuild is taking shape, but the process is far from finished.
The summer arrivals have already changed the profile of the squad, with Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitiké adding another level of technical quality and attacking potential. But there are still areas of the squad that need to evolve if Liverpool are going to compete at the very highest level under Iraola.
One of those areas could be defensive midfield.
Endo has been an important squad player for Liverpool, offering experience, discipline and a willingness to do the less glamorous work. However, there is an argument that Liverpool can improve on his position as the squad continues to evolve.
If Endo eventually leaves, it would open up a valuable squad place, and potentially provide Liverpool with the opportunity to bring in the next generation of midfield talent. But what does Liverpool want their midfield to become?
Mac Allister's game intelligence makes him particularly valuable. His ability to understand space, control the tempo and make the players around him better could be central to Iraola's plans.
Gravenberch also remains an important part of the midfield, while Szoboszlai provides the athleticism, intensity and ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch.
Those three can form the core of the midfield, but Liverpool are likely to add to that group. And that is where the next phase of the rebuild becomes particularly interesting.
There are already many potential options: Alex Scott, Adam Wharton, Angelo Stiller, Lamine Kamara and Manu Koné have all been suggested as potential midfield targets, while Liverpool also have Trey Nyoni developing within their own ranks.
Nyoni could be particularly important because Liverpool don't necessarily need to buy a replacement for every player who leaves. Developing their own young talent can be just as important to completing the rebuild.
The ideal scenario would be to combine established quality with emerging talent.
Liverpool have the financial strength to make another major midfield signing, but the objective should be building a squad capable of competing for years rather than simply solving one position for one season.
Endo isn't the only player whose future could influence the next stage of Liverpool's squad.
Federico Chiesa could eventually depart, potentially creating space for another winger. Kostas Tsimikas could also move on, putting further pressure on Milos Kerkez to establish himself at left-back when the next left back gets signed.
At centre-back, Araújo adds another option, while the eventual return of Bradley will give Iraola another decision to make on the right.
Liverpool also have major decisions to make regarding the futures of Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker. This is why the rebuild shouldn't be viewed as simply buying replacements.
The biggest indication that this is a long-term project is the combination of established stars and younger players.
Wirtz, Ekitiké and the existing midfield core give Liverpool a strong foundation now. Players such as Nyoni provide a glimpse of what the squad could look like in the future.
And if Endo eventually receives a proper farewell from Liverpool, his departure could represent more than the end of one player's time at the club. He would leave as the Samurai Scouse, a true hard nut cult hero.