August 18, (THEWILL) – Liverpool have completed the signing of defensive midfielder Wataru Endo from Stuttgart for around €19 million.
The 29-year-old Japan international has signed a four-year contract at Anfield after emerging as a top target for the club this week. Endo will provide steel and leadership to Liverpool’s midfield after the departures of veterans like James Milner and Jordan Henderson over the past year.
Manager Jurgen Klopp was delighted at capturing Endo, praising his experience, leadership qualities and tireless work rate. “He’s a really good 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,” said Klopp. The German believes Endo can make an immediate impact at the base of Liverpool’s midfield.
Endo told Liverpool’s website he was thrilled to join “one of the biggest clubs in the world.” The Japanese stalwart said his primary role will be to provide defensive cover and organisation in midfield. Endo’s availability for Saturday’s English Premier League clash with Bournemouth depends on receiving his work permit and clearance in time. The 50-cap international starred for Japan at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Regarded as one of the Bundesliga’s top ball-winners, Endo is expected to complement Liverpool’s crop of captains like Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah. His leadership was crucial in helping Stuttgart avoid relegation last season. While not an elite passer, Endo’s technique and distribution should see him slot into Liverpool’s style comfortably. The Reds moved for the 29-year-old after missing out on Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia earlier in the window. Securing the signature of the Japan skipper represents an excellent piece of business by the Reds as they refresh their ageing squad.
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Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
