Liverpool have witnessed a big Anfield transfer story develop incredibly quickly over the past 24 hours.
On Wednesday evening, speculation started doing the rounds saying the Reds were moving for Stuttgart’s Wataru Endo.
An hour or so later, Fabrizio Romano declared “here we go” on Endo to Liverpool, with discussions proceeding at speed.
Now, the transfer insider has taken to Instagram with probably the last update before the Reds go on to announce Endo’s signing.
“Wataru Endo passed medical tests and he’s set to sign at Liverpool,” Romano wrote on the social media platform.
“€18m plus add-ons to Stuttgart for the Japanese 30 years old midfielder who makes his dream true.”
Our view
There has been some mixed reaction from the Liverpool fanbase over Endo’s arrival.
We think he’ll be a solid signing for Liverpool, considering his qualities, experience and attitude.
The Japan international has earned comparisons to Chelsea legend Claude Makelele (Bundesliga.com). He has been excellent in the Bundesliga despite playing for a struggling Stuttgart side.
Endo, who has captained both Stuttgart and his nation, was also deemed a ‘soldier‘ by his old boss Pellegrino Matarazzo.
Meanwhile, Sven Mislintat has described him as an “incredibly valuable” player and person, and the “focal point” of Stuttgart’s system.
For such a modest fee, Liverpool are getting a really good player. His leadership skills will be invaluable to a Reds side that has lost numerous veterans in this summer’s window.
Club ‘bracing themselves’ for Liverpool to move for ‘incredibly complete’ midfielder
Liverpool have made progress in their latest pursuit of new midfielders this summer.
The Reds have had to delve into the market numerous times to bolster their ranks in the middle of the park.
Liverpool have signed Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, while Wataru Endo is on his way to Anfield.
However, with so many midfielders leaving Anfield this summer, there’s scope to make at least one more signing after Endo.
The Guardian has now provided an update on the state of play involving Liverpool and Cheick Doucoure.
The Reds have been linked with the Crystal Palace star of late, especially since missing out on Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia.
According to The Guardian, the Eagles are “bracing themselves for Liverpool to follow up their interest” in Doucoure.
One prior report from The Athletic suggested that the Mali international is the Reds’ ‘number one’ target in defensive midfield.
Apparently, Liverpool feel they can get him for less than £58million, despite Crystal Palace valuing him at £70million.
Our view
It was crucial for Liverpool to get a player on board after the two double disappointments in midfield.
Jordan Henderson and Fabinho left Anfield, and then Liverpool failed to land Caicedo and Lavia.
Endo is a solid, experienced player with a lot to offer, not least his leadership skills. He has captained both Stuttgart and the Japan national team.
And considering he’s moving for a modest fee, Liverpool certainly have scope to bring in an even more high-profile signing.
Doucure is a top talent who has been deemed an ‘incredibly complete‘ midfielder. Indeed, former colleague Seko Fofana deemed him ‘one of the best‘ teammates he’s had.
Let’s see what happens in the coming weeks. One down, possibly one more to go, and a new-look midfield beckons.