Liverpool reportedly surprises by finalizing a deal to acquire Wataru Endo , the midfielder from Stuttgart and Japan. The Reds have been actively seeking a new number six following Fabinho’s departure to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad for £40 million.
The Anfield board had their sights on Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, agreeing on a £110 million deal for the former before Chelsea swooped in with a higher £115 million offer. Efforts then turned to Southampton’s £50 million-rated teenager Lavia, with Liverpool eventually having an accepted fee. However, Chelsea intervened again, this time securing Lavia’s choice.
In response, Liverpool hastily compiled a list of alternative options, with Crystal Palace’s Cheick Doucoure and Fulham’s Joao Palhinha in the mix. Despite the speculation, Fabrizio Romano reports that Liverpool is set to bring Endo to the club.
With less than a year left on his Bundesliga contract, the 30-year-old midfielder has gained permission from Stuttgart to travel to Merseyside after unsuccessful contract extension attempts.
They expect the fee for Wataru Endo to be around €18 million (£15.4 million). He and the Reds have reached a personal agreement, and he will get a checkup on Thursday. Endo has a strong desire to join Liverpool as he concludes a five-year stint with Stuttgart, originally joining from Belgian side Sint-Truiden in 2019.
Throughout his career, Wataru Endo , who has also played as a centre-back, contributed significantly. He recorded six goals and five assists in 40 games for the club last season, including a goal in Stuttgart’s 4-0 DFB-Pokal first-round victory over TSG Balingen.
As a 50-cap Japan international, Endo has participated in two World Cups, aiding his country’s advancement to the last 16 in the 2022 Qatar tournament.