Liverpool have confirmed the signing of Wataru Endo from Stuttgart for a fee of about €19 million, subject to international clearance and work permit application.
Endo has signed a four-year deal with the Reds, which will see him remain at the club until at least 2027.
Confirming his arrival to the club, Liverpool put out a statement on their official website which reads:
“Liverpool have agreed a deal to sign Wataru Endo from VfB Stuttgart on a long-term contract, subject to international clearance and work permit application.”
Wataru Endo made 40 appearances for VFB Stuttgart last season, scoring 6 goals and providing 5 assists across all competitions.
Endo was an important member of the German side, and he assisted the club in remaining in the top flight.
The Swabians finished 16th in the German Bundesliga last term and they had to face Hamburger SV over two legs to sort out their place in the first division.
Wataru Endo excited at signing for Liverpool
Wataru Endo expressed his delight at joining Liverpool, revealing that playing in the Premier League has been his dream.
He said: “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 30-year-old joined Stuttgart from Sint-Truiden on July 1, 2020, for a transfer fee of €1.7 million.
Wataru Endo made 133 appearances for the Stuttgart-based club, scoring 15 goals and providing 12 assists in all competitions.
He becomes Liverpool’s 3rd signing this summer, with all the players being midfield reinforcements.
Liverpool witnessed the departure of Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, James Milner, Naby Keita, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain this summer and they had to get needed replacements.
Jurgen Klopp’s side had already signed Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai this summer, with Endo being the latest addition.
Why did Liverpool sign Wataru Endo?
The lack of a defensive midfielder was evident in Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea in their opening game of the 2023/24 Premier League season.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side cut through the Reds midfield like hot knife slicing through butter and that was a worrying sign for Jurgen Klopp.
Liverpool have afterward fortified, despite being snubbed by Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, both players who have opted to join Chelsea.
Endo will wear the No.3 jersey at the Anfield club, a number that has previously been worn by several players, including; Fabinho, Jim Beglin, and José Enrique amongst others.
Wataru Endo has made 50 appearances for Japan, since making his debut on August 2, 2015, and he has scored 2 goals and provided 2 assists.
Who is Wataru Endo and when was he born?
Endo is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Liverpool and captains the Japan men’s national football team.
The 30-year-old was born on the 9th of February 1993.
Wataru Endo’s personal information?
Information concerning his parents and siblings is unknown as he hasn’t revealed much to the public.
Wataru Endo’s wife and children?
The name of his wife is unknown, but his marital status is married, and he reportedly has 4 children.
Wataru Endo’s net worth, market value and salary?
The net worth of Wataru Endo is estimated to be within the region of €2 million – €4 million.
According to Transfermkt, Endo’s market value is €6.5 million and he will reportedly earn about €750,000 – €900,000 yearly at Liverpool.
Is Jun Endo Related To Wataru Endo?
It is unknown if the pair are related as there is no information available to the public concerning that.
Wataru Endo at Japan?
Endo was named amongst the squad for Japan at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, but he didn’t feature in the tournament.
However, Wataru Endo played an active role for Japan in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
He assisted Japan to the round of 16 of the tournament, before they crashed out on penalties, following a 1-1 draw with Croatia.
The 30-year-old made 4 appearances for Japan at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, scoring no goal and providing no assist.
