Instead of Moisés Caicedo & Roméo Lavia - Who is Liverpool surprise signing Wataru Endo?

Not Moisés Caicedo, not Roméo Lavia; Liverpool have instead completed the signing of VfB Stuttgart defensive midfielder Wataru Endo. On Friday the club announced that the Japan international had made the move to Anfield on a long-term contract, subject to international clearance and a work permit. The initial fee is €19 million plus bonuses, which could see the package grow to €25m. Once bonuses are hit, Endo could become the third most expensive outgoing transfer in Stuttgart's history (overview).

It is indeed a surprising decision by manager Jürgen Klopp and sporting director Jörg Schmadtke to go after the relatively under-the-radar Bundesliga star. Indeed, signing a 30-year-old from Stuttgart, a side that was on the brink of relegation last season, is somewhat unorthodox. But with Liverpool struggling to secure much-needed enforcement in midfield, Endo could be a great short-term fix. 

After all, the Japanese midfielder was one of the main reasons for Stuttgart’s late run under head coach Sebastian Hoeneß over the last eight matchdays. It was that run that allowed Stuttgart to secure a spot in the promotion-relegation playoffs in which they smashed Hamburger SV over two legs (3-0 and 3-1).  During that run, Endo managed two goals and three assists, and Stuttgart was fifth in the form table in the period after Hoeneß took over on matchday 27.

More than a backup? Why Liverpool are desperate to sign Wataru Endo

“He is so calm,” Mario Gómez recently said ahead of the DFL Supercup when asked about his former Stuttgart teammate by a Japanese journalist. “You just have the feeling that nothing faces Endo and that he can deal with any situation. He is a great player, and I admire him.” Gómez, who is now director of sport for Red Bull, where he oversees the clubs in New York and Bragantino, has, of course, kept a close eye on Endo’s development since he retired in 2020. 

Since Gómez has left the club, Endo’s role has only grown, and the 30-year-old was until his transfer Stuttgart's club captain. A true leader, Endo isn’t a loud player on the pitch but, at the same time, can still dominate the center of the park. One good example is his performances at the World Cup against Germany and Croatia, where he was perhaps the best player on the field. 

Finally, the numbers since Hoeneß has taken over suggest that Endo could fill the void left by Fabinho. The Japanese midfielder has a similar rate of defensive duels per 90 (7.12 vs 7.33) and defensive duels won (59.85% vs 58.78%). Where Endo lacks behind is pass completion, but Stuttgart aren’t as dominant as a team as Liverpool and, therefore, a higher loss rate is expected. Whether Endo can make the step at 30 to a top club is another question. There is no doubt he has the character, and the bosses at Liverpool also believe he has the ability.