Wataru Endo (30, Stuttgart) is moving to Liverpool.

European transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed the transfer on Sunday (July 17) with the words “HERE WE GO” and added: “Endo is joining Liverpool. He joins the Reds from Stuttgart for a fee of €18 million, with a medical scheduled for Thursday. Endo is the captain of Stuttgart, but asked to be allowed to leave to follow his dreams and personal terms were agreed within hours.”

Earlier, Romano said: “Liverpool have submitted a proposal for the signing of Japanese midfielder Endo. Negotiations with Stuttgart are ongoing and the player wants to move because it is the biggest opportunity of his career. It’s a stunning move by Liverpool director of football Jurgen Klopp.” Shortly afterward, the transfer was confirmed.

The Japan international made his European debut with Sint-Truiden in the summer of 2018 after spells with Shonan Belmare, Urawa and Red Diamonds. A year later, he joined Stuttgart on loan. He impressed enough during his loan spell to earn a full transfer.

Endo played a huge role in the Bundesliga. The defensive midfielder has established himself as an indispensable player thanks to his build-up play and control of the midfield. He’s also an offensive force, racking up quite a few attacking points. In league terms, he produced three goals and four assists in 2020-21, four goals and two assists in 2021-22, and five goals and five assists in 2022-23.

He has been captain since 2021. After serving as captain for two seasons, Endo will captain Stuttgart for the 2023-24 season. He wore the captain’s armband in the first round of the DFB-Pokal last season. 메이저놀이터

However, Liverpool’s offer was too much to resist. The Reds were in need of a defensive midfielder and made a move for Endo, who managed to convince the club to allow him to move on and eventually fulfill his dream.