Liverpool was in search of a midfielder after the departures this summer of Naby Keita, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Fabinho, and Jordan Henderson. After several failed attempts, the Reds have finally secured a talented player. It’s the Japanese player Wataru Endo, whose arrival from Stuttgart was announced this Friday.
“Liverpool have reached an agreement to sign Wataru Endo from VfB Stuttgart on a long-term contract, subject to international clearance and a work permit. The Japanese international will become the Reds’ third signing of the summer after finalizing personal terms and successfully passing a medical examination,” reads a statement on the official Reds’ website.
The 30-year-old midfielder is a reinforcement that will greatly benefit the balance of the Reds’ midfield. Capable of playing as a central defender and in midfield, Endo is best known for being one of the best defensive midfielders in the German league, as he finished last season with the most aerial duels won (219) and the most defensive clearances (175). His new coach, Jürgen Klopp, is excited about his arrival.
“I’m really happy. Wataru is a really good player. I know how it works in this football world and stuff like that, but watch him, watch him because he is a really good player. An experienced player, Stuttgart captain, Japan captain, speaks good English, good guy, family man, a machine on the pitch, good footballer as well, sensational attitude. So I’m really happy. He’s a good footballer, very experienced and loves to work extremely hard,” explained the German manager for the club’s website.
On his side, Wataru Endo didn’t hide his joy in joining such a prestigious club as Liverpool. “I’m very happy at the moment, and I’m so excited to join a big club in Liverpool. It’s amazing, and it’s 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,” he stated.
