In a significant move on Friday afternoon, Liverpool, often referred to as “The Reds,” finalized a deal worth approximately £15 million.
This announcement comes after their ongoing struggle to secure a new midfielder throughout the summer.
Jurgen Klopp, the team’s manager, faced disappointment as attempts to acquire Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia were thwarted by Chelsea.
This unexpected setback occurred in the wake of the departures of key players Fabinho and longtime captain Jordan Henderson, both of whom moved to clubs in Saudi Arabia.
The club also bid farewell to Naby Keita, James Milner, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, whose contracts had come to an end. Additionally, loanee Arthur Melo returned to Juventus.
Liverpool acted swiftly early in the summer transfer window, securing signings like Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.
Wataru Endo Joins Liverpool as Third Summer Signing
In response to the failed attempts to secure Caicedo and Lavia, Liverpool took an unexpected turn by acquiring the versatile Japanese midfielder and Stuttgart captain, Wataru Endo.
Notably, Endo is capable of playing in both midfield and defensive positions.
The 30-year-old player signed a long-term contract with the Merseyside club after successfully completing a medical evaluation.
Whether he will make his Premier League debut against Bournemouth remains uncertain at this point.
Expressing his excitement, Endo shared, “I’m very happy right now and I’m so excited to join a big club in Liverpool.
It feels amazing and this is my dream.
It’s always [been] a dream to play [in the] Premier League and with one of the biggest clubs in the world. It’s a dream come true for me.”
Endo, who predominantly plays as a defensive midfielder, added, “I play as a No6 and I’m like a bit more [of a] defensive player.
I think I can help this club defensively and I will have good organization in the middle.
I think that’s my job.”
Klopp’s Praise for Endo’s Arrival
Liverpool’s manager, Jurgen Klopp, expressed his satisfaction with the new signing.
He highlighted Endo’s qualities as a seasoned player, captain of both Stuttgart and the Japanese national team.
Klopp also noted Endo’s proficiency in English, positive attitude, and strong work ethic on the field.
“Wataru is a really good player.
I know in this world of football how it goes and stuff like this, but have a look, have a look, because he’s a really good player.
Experienced player, captain of Stuttgart, captain of Japan, speaks good English, nice fella, family man, machine on the pitch, good footballer on top of that, sensational attitude.
So, I’m really happy.
He’s a good footballer, very experienced and loves to work extremely hard.”
Endo will be wearing the No3 shirt for Liverpool, a number he is familiar with from his time at Stuttgart and in the Japanese leagues.
He enthusiastically shared, “Number three is my number because I played as No3 in Stuttgart and when I was playing in Japan, also.
I love this number! I cannot wait to play with this number here.”
This move is anticipated to strengthen Liverpool’s midfield lineup and contribute to the team’s performance in the upcoming season.
