Liverpool’s recent transfer troubles ended with the signing of Japanese midfielder Wataru Endo from Bundesliga club Stuttgart for 18 million euros.
Klopp has been engaged in his pursuit of midfielders, as Liverpool has been rebuilding the position of midfielder after the departures of seasoned midfielders such as Jordan Henderson and Fabinho, as well as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Wataru Endō, currently undergoing first part of medical tests as new Liverpool player after surprising move revealed yesterday night 🚨🔴🇯🇵 #LFC
Endō travelled to Merseyside on Thursday night with his camp after Stuttgart green light to complete his dream move. pic.twitter.com/FCa9zyNcNU
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 17, 2023
And, to his credit, Klopp has been quite successful in doing so, as he asked Liverpool to sign midfield specialists like Dominik Szoboslai from RB Leipzig and World Cup winner Mac Allister from Brighton earlier this transfer season.
However, their biggest summer signing fell through when Chelsea eventually persuaded Ecuadorian Moises Caicedo to join them for a record 115 million euros, leaving Liverpool in the dust yearning for more strength in their weak midfield.
Klopp quickly recovered, signing 30-year-old Wataru Endo from the current manager’s home town side.
The decision has been praised, although there is some concern over the Japanese’s age. However, a closer look reveals that Endo is an answer to the club’s present midfield struggles.
Both of their new signings bring much-needed stability and passing through the centre of the field, but neither is capable of controlling the defensive side or providing leadership to the back lines.
Endo, on the other hand, has shown to be one of the most reliable defensive midfielders in the Bundesliga since his arrival in 2019. He is a balanced defensive presence for any club because of his positioning and ability to analyze the opposition’s attack.