Wataru Endo, a midfielder for VfB Stuttgart, has received a call from Liverpool.
Supporters of the Reds could not have predicted seven days ago that they would be associated with a 30-year-old Japanese international. Liverpool accepted a British-record deal for Moises Caicedo last week, but the Ecuadorian rejected the offer as he signed a contract with Chelsea.
Romeo Lavia, a midfielder for Southampton, was once a target, but Liverpool’s pursuit was difficult after three bids for the 19-year-old Belgian were turned down. After he, too, turned down a move to Anfield, it has now been stated that the London club is in the driver’s seat to get his services.
Jorg Schmadtke is knowledgeable about the Bundesliga as a result of his tenure in Wolfsburg’s management, among other places.
But who is the latest midfielder to be linked with Liverpool?
Who is Wataru Endo?
Wataru Endo is a 30-year-old professional footballer, born in Yokohama Japan.
The 5 ft 10 in outfielder is a versatile option with the capability of playing at centre-back and also defensive midfield.
He has made 133 appearances for VfB Stuttgart since making the move to the MHPArena in 2020. The majority of his time in Baden-Wurrtemberg has been spent in defensive or central midfield. Just two of his appearances have come in the middle of a defensive line.
Strikingly, he has scored 15 goals for Stuttgart, 10 of which came from the base of midfield with as many assists.
What has been reported?
Liverpool have made a shock move for Japan international captain Wataru Endo of Stuttgart as they race to bring in a proven defensive midfielder before the transfer window closes, the ECHO understands
The Reds have made contact over the availability of the 30-year-old, who was regarded among the best in his position in the Bundesliga last season.
Endo – who can also play centre-back – is in the final year of his contract and is unlikely to command a significant fee, with Liverpool sporting director Jorg Schmadtke having used his contacts in Germany to help make a move for the player.
What has been said?
Former VfB Stuttgart manager Pellegrino Matarazzo, who handed Endo the captaincy at Stuttgart, previously described him as a solider.
He expressed Endo’s importance, saying: “It’s important for me that our captain can take everyone with him, that he embodies the values we stand for and is an example to follow.
“I have chosen Wataru Endo because he’s also someone who leaves room for other players to take responsibility.”
Sven Mislintat, former Stuttgart Sporting Director, described him as “incredible valuable”. He said: “As a player and as a person, he’s simply incredibly valuable. He’s one of these anchors, a focal point in our system. Whether he plays as a centre-back or as a defensive midfielder, it’s good that he’s there and performs.”
