Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo’s move from Liverpool has been hailed as ‘SMART’ by pundits – but disgruntled fans ask ‘what are we doing?’ with the Japanese captain ready for medical treatment
- Liverpool are ready to finalize the signing of Stuttgart midfielder Wataru Endo
- An expert has praised the move and outlined the key qualities of the 30-year-old
- WATCH: ‘It All Begins’ – Episode 1 – The brand new football show from Mail Sport
Liverpool have been praised by one pundit for their shocking move for Stuttgart midfielder Wataru Endo – although not all supporters are sold on goal.
As reported by Mail Sport last night, Jurgen Klopp’s side have launched a surprise £16 million nosedive for the 30-year-old, who will soon undergo a medical.
The versatile Endo, the Japan national team captain, is well known to Reds sporting director Jorge Schmadtke and can also play as a central defender.
Klopp is desperate to strengthen his midfield after missing out on Brighton’s Moises Caicedo and Southampton’s Romeo Lavia, who are both going to Chelsea.
And Endo has emerged as a target, with the combative anchor excited about the switch.
Liverpool have been praised for their shock move for Stuttgart midfielder Wataru Endo
Jurgen Klopp is desperate to strengthen his squad after missing several of his goals
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On social media, pundit and broadcaster Jan Aage Fjortoft praised the move and outlined some of Endo’s key strengths.
“Smart move by Liverpool,” wrote Fjortoft. ‘Aggression. Can hold the ball very well. Leader/captain by Stuttgart. Stuttgart loves him.’
However, several supporters have expressed concern about the move.
“Wataru Endo,” said one user with a pun. “More like What are we doing?”
Another took a gloomy view of the upcoming season, adding: “We will all cry if we don’t get into the top four because of signings like this.”
A host of other accounts also noted the similarity between Endo’s names and former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, resulting in several jokes.
‘Hendo rain,’ one laughed, while another said, ‘Liverpool replace Hendo with Endo…’
Expert and broadcaster Jan Aage Fjortoft praised Endo and identified several of his strengths
Not all supporters are thrilled about the move, with several expressions of concern on Twitter
Endo, who has less than a year left on his contract with Stuttgart, has made 133 appearances for the club since joining Sint Truiden, Belgium, initially on loan.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have rekindled interest in Bayern Munich’s Ryan Gravenberch.
Gravenberch, also linked to Manchester United, is open to a departure in search of more playing time, although Bayern have so far refused to allow him to continue.
The Reds have also asked for Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat and Crystal Palace’s Cheick Doucoure as they weigh up several names on their shortlist.
Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai are their two summer signings to date.