Liverpool are reportedly closing in on signing of VfB Stuttgart midfielder Wataru Endo in a deal worth €18 million.
According to a report from Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool have reached a full agreement to sign Wataru Endo this summer. Apparently, the Reds will pay a fee of around €18 million for the services of the VfB Stuttgart midfielder.
Endo has been a key player for club and country in recent seasons, and he should prove to be a quality acquisition for Liverpool. The 30-year-old currently serves VfB Stuttgart as their captain, and his departure will certainly come as a blow for the Bundesliga club.
The midfielder has just one year left on his current contract with the Bundesliga club, and Liverpool have taken advantage of his contract situation and agreed on a deal worth €18 million for his services.
Although the Japanese international is 30, he is still good enough to perform at a high level for a few seasons and could be a useful player for Liverpool. It is fair to assume that Liverpool wanted to add some experience and versatility to their squad after the departures of James Miller, Jordan Henderson, and Fabinho. And the Japanese international could be a utility player for them.
Wataru Endō to Liverpool, here we go! Medical tests booked on Thursday for Japanese midfielder who’s joining from Stuttgard for €18m fee 🚨🔴🇯🇵 #LFC
Personal terms agreed in few hours as Endō asked as Stuttgart captain to leave & follow his dream.
Exclusive story, confirmed. pic.twitter.com/AYZ2bKuauP
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 16, 2023
Endo can operate as a central midfielder, a defensive midfielder, a central defender as well as a full-back. His versatility potentially makes him an asset for Liverpool. In addition to that, the Japanese international has an exceptional fitness record and is rarely injured.
Given that Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Thiago Alcantara missed plenty of games in recent seasons, the arrival of a durable midfielder will certainly be a welcome addition. A move to Liverpool would be a major step up for the 30-year-old midfielder as well, and he will look to hit the ground running and make an immediate impact in the Premier League.
Endo certainly has the physical and technical attributes to thrive in English football, and playing under a world-class coach like Jurgen Klopp could help him settle quickly. The reported €18 million fee seems quite reasonable as well, and Endo could prove to be a bargain for Liverpool in the coming months.
Also Read: Three potential Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia alternatives for Liverpool
Liverpool initially wanted to sign Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia. But they have missed out on both players. While Caicedo has already joined Chelsea, Lavia is also on his way to Stamford Bridge. And it seems that the Japanese midfielder has been identified as an alternative. It will be interesting to see if Liverpool decide to bring in another midfielder before the summer transfer window closes.
