Liverpool have made a shock move to sign Stuttgart midfielder Wataru Endo with Jorg Schmadtke pushing for a deal.
Stuttgart midfielder Wataru Endo could be a new Liverpool midfield addition with a ‘formal bid’ now submitted.
That is according to Fabrizio Romano, who claims that Liverpool have now submitted an official offer to sign Endo permanently.
It’s stated that talks with Stuttgart are ongoing and that Endo wants the move to Anfield.
The Japanese international understands that this is simply ‘the biggest opportunity’ of his career so far.
Romano describes the move as ‘surprising’ but it’s Liverpool sporting director Jorg Schmadtke making the move.
Schmadtke recently became Liverpool’s interim sporting director after many years with Wolfsburg, so he will certainly know about Endo from his Bundesliga days.
Liverpool have been desperate for midfield additions and Endo could now come in as an option in front of the back four.
Who is Liverpool target Wataru Endo?
Endo came up in the ranks of Japanese side Shonan Bellmare, racking up more than 150 appearances for the club before joining Urawa Red Diamonds in 2016.
Two years there but Endo on the radar of European clubs and he ended up joining Belgian side Sint-Truiden, who have a long history of welcoming Japanese players such as Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu.
Stuttgart were impressed and took him on loan for the 2019-20 season before turning the move permanent.
Endo is the absolute heartbeat of the Stuttgart side, making 133 appearances for the club and currently serves as the club captain.
The 30-year-old is known for his tireless displays in the middle of the pitch, leading to former Stuttgart boss Pellegrino Matarazzo calling him a ‘soldier’.
Endo is a combative force and is adept in a holding role, which is just what Liverpool need.
Endo may not be a superstar but he is a solid performer and with Liverpool desperate needing options, the Japan International could prove to be a valuable squad addition.
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