Who’s Wataru Endo? The Japanese ‘bodyguard’ Liverpool have submitted a bid for

Liverpool have reportedly made a proper bid for VfB Stuttgart midfielder Wataru Endo, however who’s the Japanese midfielder and why does Jorg Schmadtke wish to signal him?

Endo is the newest title rumoured with a transfer to Anfield as Jurgen Klopp makes an attempt so as to add a defensive-minded midfielder to his ranks.

And right here is all it’s worthwhile to know in regards to the 30-year-old, nicknamed the ‘bodyguard’.

Endo was born in February 1993 and has established himself as a key member of each Stuttgart and the Japanese nationwide workforce’s midfield set-up.

He started his skilled profession with Shonan Bellmare, earlier than becoming a member of Belgian facet Sint-Truiden till 2019. He was then loaned out to Stuttgart the place he loved a powerful spell earlier than signing for the Bundesliga facet completely.

The midfielder, who has additionally been deployed as a centre-back for supervisor Sebastian Hoeneß, was handed the captain’s armband quickly after his arrival and has not appeared again since.

How did he play final season?

Endo scored 5 targets and registered 4 assists in 35 appearances for Stuttgart final season and his statistics for the reason that 2020/21 marketing campaign converse for themselves.

What’s been stated about him?

Stuttgart sporting director Sven Mislintat waxed lyrical about Endo in the course of the pandemic-affected 2019/20 marketing campaign, labelling him an ‘anchor’.

“He is one among these anchors, a focus in our system. Whether or not he performs as a centre-back or as a defensive midfielder, it is good that he is there and performs.”

“It is necessary for me that our captain can take everybody with him, that he embodies the values we stand for and is an instance to comply with. “I’ve chosen Wataru Endo as a result of he is additionally somebody who leaves room for different gamers to take accountability.”

Whereas the American tactician additionally referred to him because the “bodyguard” and “heartbeat” of the workforce.

Why would possibly Liverpool have an interest?

Jurgen Klopp is in dire want of midfield reinforcements following quite a lot of departures within the centre of the park.

Midfield duo Fabinho and Jordan Henderson have each made the favored swap to the Saudi Professional League, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, James Milner and Naby Keita all packed their luggage following the expiration of their contracts earlier this summer season.

In flip, the Reds boss has been left with out a recognised, match No. 6 to finish his midfield trio which incorporates new signings Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.

The Merseyside outfit just lately had their pursuit of Moises Caicedo derailed by Chelsea, with the 21-year-old choosing a transfer to Stamford Bridge regardless of having a medical scheduled at Anfield. As well as, Liverpool goal Romeo Lavia seems set to comply with Caicedo to west London.

Endo, in the meantime, would offer useful expertise and would hopefully match into the squad from the get-go, offering a quick-fix to Klopp’s midfield dilemma.

Switch skilled Fabrizio Romano has issued his signature ‘right here we go’ catchphrase to verify that Endo could have a medical at Liverpool.

“Private phrases agreed in few hours as Endō requested as Stuttgart captain to depart & comply with his dream.”