According to
recent sources, Liverpool have signed Wataru Endo from Stuttgart. The Japanese midfielder, whose stunning transfer to Liverpool was announced on August 17, 2023, is presently through the initial stages of his medical screening.
Endo, a combative and hard-working midfielder, has been the subject of negotiations between Liverpool and VfB Stuttgart. He was widely considered one of the best players at his position in the Bundesliga last season.
Endo's many strengths are his work ethic, leadership, adaptability, and passing skills.
Pellegrino Matarazzo, his former coach, likened him to Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard.
“He is a complete player. He can defend, he can attack, he can score goals, he can create chances. He is a leader on and off the pitch. He reminds me of Steven Gerrard.”
Who is Wataru Endo?
Wataru Endo is a Japanese professional footballer who operates mostly as a central defender or defensive midfielder. In addition to leading the Japan national team, he also serves as captain of Bundesliga side VfB Stuttgart.
Endo started his professional career at Shonan Bellmare and later played with Sint-Truiden in 2019. He was loaned to Stuttgart, where he made an impression and was eventually signed permanently by the Bundesliga club.
He is also an important piece for Japan, as he has 71 caps and six goals to his name. He played a key role in helping Japan reach the World Cup quarterfinals in 2018 and the Asian Cup final game in 2019.
Endo is a seasoned midfielder with 439 career appearances across Japan, Belgium, and Germany.
In 34 games last year, he netted two goals and four assists for the German club. As a result of his efforts, they ended up in ninth place, which was good enough to make the Europa League.
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Endo is widely considered one of the best players at his position in the Bundesliga last season. | Credit: Vfb.de | Source: Google[/caption]
Impact on Liverpool
Liverpool has been trying to strengthen its midfield, thus the signing of Endo is a big deal for the team. After potential new players
Moises Caicedo and
Romeo Lavia chose to join Chelsea instead of the Reds, the latter club has been in dire need of reinforcements.
Liverpool began their Premier League season at Stamford Bridge without a designated No. 6, and they have just over two weeks to address the void before the transfer market closes.
As a combative and hard-working midfielder, Endo can help Liverpool replace some of the experience lost with the departures of Jordan Henderson (now with Al Ettifaq) and James Milner (now with Brighton & Hove Albion, where Moises Caicedo formerly played).
Jurgen Klopp, manager of Liverpool, was overjoyed to have signed Endo, whom he called a "dream signing."
What he said was:
“Wataru is a fantastic player and a fantastic person. He has been one of our targets for a long time and we are very happy that he has chosen to join us. He will add quality and depth to our midfield options and he will fit perfectly into our style of play.”
Endo expressed gratitude to Stuttgart for allowing him to pursue his professional soccer career by signing with Liverpool. As he put it:
“Liverpool are one of the biggest clubs in the world and it is a dream come true for me to play for them. I have always admired Jurgen Klopp and his philosophy and I can’t wait to work with him and my new teammates. I want to thank Stuttgart for everything they have done for me. They gave me the chance to play in Germany and develop as a player and a person. I will always have a special place in my heart for them.”
The player is scheduled to have a physical at Liverpool on Thursday, and
he will wear No. 3 for the Reds. After the September international break, he will join his new team.
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