Liverpool’s pursuit of a defensive midfielder to replace Fabinho has hit a snag as the transfer deadline approaches with the loss of Ecuadorian midfielder Moises Caicedo and Belgian midfielder Romeo Lavia to Chelsea.
Liverpool is now looking for a surprise reinforcement. According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Reds are serious about signing Japanese midfielder Wataru Endo, who plays for Stuttgart, and have made an offer to complete the move.
Negotiations with his club are ongoing, and the 30-year-old midfielder, who is under contract until 2024, is looking forward to a major career change and wants to move to Liverpool, where fellow Japan international Takumi Minamino also played in the past.
EXCLUSIVE: Liverpool submit formal bid to sign Japanese midfielder Wataru Endō on permanent deal 🚨🔴🇯🇵 #LFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 16, 2023
Negotiations ongoing with Stuttgard — player wants the move as it’s biggest opportunity of his career.
Surprisining move by Liverpool director Schmadtke. pic.twitter.com/sQwtnp67ik
And just a few moments ago, Mr. Romano also announced a follow-up.
A club agreement has been reached with Stuttgart and a medical will be conducted soon. The transfer fee is €18 million and a personal agreement is expected to be reached with the player within a few hours.
Wataru Endō to Liverpool, here we go! Medical tests booked on Thursday for Japanese midfielder who’s joining from Stuttgard for €18m fee 🚨🔴🇯🇵 #LFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 16, 2023
Personal terms agreed in few hours as Endō asked as Stuttgart captain to leave & follow his dream.
Exclusive story, confirmed. pic.twitter.com/AYZ2bKuauP
Even in the Bundesliga, which is filled with strong fighters, he continues to win the ball in duels. He is also starting to learn how to score, with six goals and five assists in 40 games last season, and he is also refining his ascent from the bottom of midfield.
At 30 years of age, he is not likely to be a major contributor, but he would certainly be an appropriate addition.
How will the captain of the Japanese national team, who also possesses leadership qualities, perform in the new season at Anfield in the Premier League?