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Wataru Endo: Unveiling the Japanese ‘Guardian’ Pursued by Liverpool FC

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Reports have emerged that Liverpool FC has put forward an official bid to secure VfB Stuttgart’s talented midfielder, Wataru Endo. However, the intrigue surrounding this move goes beyond the mere transaction. Who exactly is this enigmatic Japanese midfielder, and what prompts Jorg Schmadtke, VfB Stuttgart’s Sporting Director, to seek his signature?

In Liverpool’s quest to bolster their squad, Wataru Endo has emerged as a compelling prospect, particularly as Jurgen Klopp aims to fortify the team’s defensive midfield resources. Amidst this backdrop, let’s delve into the specifics of the 30-year-old dubbed the ‘bodyguard’ and unravel the story that has brought him to the forefront of Liverpool’s transfer pursuits.

Peering into Wataru Endo’s Background

Born in February 1993, Endo has etched his mark as an essential figure in both Stuttgart’s midfield setup and the Japanese national team. His journey began with Shonan Bellmare, where he embarked on his professional career. A pivotal juncture saw him transition to Belgian outfit Sint-Truiden, a chapter that lasted until 2019. It was during this phase that Endo’s affiliation with Stuttgart commenced through a loan spell. His performance during this interim period proved more than noteworthy, culminating in a permanent deal with the Bundesliga club.

An Accomplished Performance Graph

Endo’s impact reverberated significantly in Stuttgart’s ranks, demonstrated by his tally of five goals and four assists in 35 appearances during the previous season. This performance has been consistent, with his statistics from the 2020/21 campaign affirming his influence on the pitch.

Resounding Praise from Sporting Directors and Managers

Sven Mislintat, Stuttgart’s Sporting Director, articulated his admiration for Endo during the pandemic-affected 2019/20 season, depicting him as an ‘anchor’ within the team. Mislintat’s sentiments resonate through his words, “As a player and as a person, he’s simply incredibly valuable.” This sentiment was echoed by the American tactician, referring to Endo as the “bodyguard” and the “heartbeat” of the squad.

Liverpool’s Calculated Interest

Liverpool’s pursuit of Endo underscores a pressing requirement for midfield reinforcements. The departure of key figures like Fabinho and Jordan Henderson to the Saudi Pro League, along with contract-related exits of players like Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, James Milner, and Naby Keita, has left a void in the midfield landscape. With this void in mind, Jurgen Klopp is seeking a robust No. 6 to complement the team’s revamped midfield ensemble, featuring acquisitions like Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.

Latest Developments: Endo’s Impending Medical Examination

In a twist to this unfolding tale, renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has, in his signature style, confirmed that Endo is poised to undergo medical tests at Liverpool. Confirming the imminent move, Romano tweeted, “Wataru Endō to Liverpool, here we go! Medical tests booked on Thursday for Japanese midfielder who’s joining from Stuttgart for €18m fee.” The announcement marks a significant step towards materializing this transfer, with personal terms already agreed upon.

Wataru Endo’s journey from Shonan Bellmare to Liverpool’s radar is laden with promise, setting the stage for a potentially transformative addition to Anfield’s midfield arsenal. As the ‘bodyguard’ prepares to embark on a new chapter, Liverpool fans eagerly anticipate his potential role in the club’s pursuit of glory.