Liverpool Football Club has officially welcomed Japanese midfielder Wataru Endo from Stuttgart, with the transfer pending a work permit and international clearance. The 30-year-old international has inked a four-year contract, tying him to Anfield until 2027 in a £16.2 million agreement.
Endo’s arrival on Merseyside follows an impressive four-season stint at Stuttgart, amassing 133 appearances and netting 15 goals. In a statement to the club’s website, Endo expressed his elation, stating, “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.”
The Japanese midfielder, known for his defensive prowess, 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. 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 a good organization in the middle. I think that’s my job.”
Endo’s signing marks Liverpool’s response to failed attempts to secure Moises Caiceido and Romeo Lavia, both of whom have joined Chelsea. He joins the ranks alongside Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai as part of Liverpool’s midfield overhaul, following the departures of captain Jordan Henderson and Fabinho to Saudi Arabia.