Liverpool move for Wataru Endo

Liverpool are closing in on the signing of VfB Stuttgart defensive midfielder Wataru Endo, according to multiple sources. The 30-year-old has been granted permission to travel to the north-west of England to undergo the medical preceding the move, after the Bundesliga side failed to convince him to sign a new contract. His current deal expires next summer.

Liverpool have been trying to reinforce their midfield ranks for a while now. The arrivals of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai have been overshadowed by unexpected departures of captain Jordan Henderson and Fabinho, and the need for further additions in the department is glaringly obvious. The Merseysiders made strong attempts to sign Moises Caicedo from Brighton and Hove Albion and Romeo Lavia from Southampton, but Chelsea beat them to both players.

Endo captained Stuttgart in their DFB-Pokal thrashing of fourth-tier side TSG Balingen several days ago, netting one of the four goals his team scored in the game. With 50 caps to his name, he is the captain of Japan.

🚨 Liverpool closing in on signing Stuttgart defensive midfielder Wataru Endo. #VfB wanted to renew contract (2024) but Liverpool in advanced talks + 30yo granted permission to travel to Merseyside to complete move @TheAthleticFC after @FabrizioRomano #LFC https://t.co/YbsxA8YOnx

— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) August 16, 2023