Liverpool officially confirms signing of Wataru Endo

From letting go of Hendo, missing out on the signing of Enzo and Caicedo, Liverpool football club has officially confirmed and unveiled their new signing, Wataru Endo from VfB Stuttgart.

Following a transfer saga that culminated in 2 players rejecting the Reds for Chelsea, Liverpool are in with a new signing in Japanese star and Captain, Wataru Endo on a 4-year contract.

The 30-year-old midfielder joins the Reds on a fee worth €18m plus add-ons after helping Bundesliga side, VfB Stuttgart stay up last season, with a vital goal that kept the club in the German first division.

Speaking on the move, the Japan international told the club’s website, Liverpoolfc.com:

“I’m very happy right now and I’m so excited to join a big club in Liverpool.

“It feels amazing and this is 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.”

Endo added: “It’s going to be the first time for me that I play at Anfield. I can’t wait to play at Anfield in front of Liverpool fans.

On his style of play, the midfielder stated;

“I play as a No.6 and I’m like a bit more [of a] defensive player. I think I can help this club defensively and I will have good organisation in the middle. I think that’s my job.

“I am very excited to join this club and I am looking forward to seeing you at Anfield!”

A special moment ❤️ pic.twitter.com/DQ2xuWaLOJ

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 18, 2023

At international level, Endo has 50 caps for Japan and two goals. He made four appearances at the 2022 FIFA World Cup as his country reached the last-16 stage.

Reacting to Wataru Endo’s signing, club manager, Jurgen Klopp said;

“I’m really happy. Wataru is a really good player. I know in this world of football how it goes and stuff like this, but have a look, have a look, because he’s a really good player.”

“Experienced player, captain of Stuttgart, captain of Japan, speaks good English, nice fella, family man, machine on the pitch, good footballer on top of that, sensational attitude.”

“So, I’m really happy. He’s a good footballer, very experienced and loves to work extremely hard.” the manager was quoted saying.

"Machine on the pitch, good footballer on top of that, a sensational attitude"

The boss on what @wataru0209 can bring to the Reds:

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 18, 2023

Wataru Endo takes on the no. 3 jersey that was previously won by Fabinho prior to his exit this summer for Al-Ittihad.

The Japanese international has been described as a utility player of sorts that can fit in anywhere in midfield and defence, almost like a James Milner replacement.

With Liverpool in need of a cover in the Defensive Midfield, and Centre Back, Endo can become a player that fits into the position for the Reds.

Welcome, @wataru0209 🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/sAXa6P2ju1

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 18, 2023