After a series of rejections, Liverpool complete the transfer of the hidden star of last season’s Bundesliga. Who is Japanese midfielder Endo?

Liverpool desperately need to strengthen the midfield, but for various reasons they have failed to bring in anyone they have targeted so far. So the management had to look further and the new reinforcement of the Reds should be Wataru Endo from Stuttgart.

Endo has played most of his career in Japan, after which he left for an adventure in Belgium in the summer of 2018. Good performances were noticed by Stuttgart and after a year at Sint-Truiden, the German outfit decided to give Endo a try.

It is now clear that it was a great choice as the 30-year-old midfielder made it all the way to team captain. Moreover, the stats from last league season are breathtaking and that is also why Liverpool are apparently reaching for Endo in their time of need.

He played 33 games in the Bundesliga last season, scoring 5 goals and adding 5 assists. Yet his role on the pitch is predominantly defensive.

His stats are amazing:

The above stats accurately describe the Yokohama native’s game and strengths. He’s a high level rebounder, and he’s especially great in the air. He can also play very well with his weaker left foot.

Given his nationality, it is clear to all that he is a very honest and hard working player, for which he has earned his captain’s armband. We may be talking about a 30 year old footballer, but he could be a perfect addition to the rotation. Who knows, maybe his diligence will even earn him a spot in the starting lineup.

Liverpool should then send, if he passes the medical, 18 million euros to Stuttgart.

The player himself has asked the German club, which finished 16th last season and had to save its Bundesliga affiliation only in the barrage against Hamburg, against whom he scored six goals in a double-duel, for a transfer so that he could fulfil his dream.

Hopefully it will be the one he paints for himself. That’s what Reds fans, including Jurgen Klopp, are hoping for.

Source: Fabrizio Romano, Transfermarkt