Liverpool seal deal to sign Wataru Endo from Stuttgart for their third signing of the transfer window

Liverpool have wrapped up a deal to sign Wataru Endo from Stuttgart.

The Reds had been frustrated in their pursuit of defensive-midfield options, and turned to Endo after failing to get deals over the line for Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia.

Japan international Endo emerged as an option for Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, and a deal was confirmed on Friday.

"Liverpool have agreed a deal to sign Wataru Endo from VfB Stuttgart on a long-term contract, subject to international clearance and work permit application," said the Premier League club in a statement.

"The Japan international will become the Reds' third signing of the summer after finalising personal terms and successfully completing a medical.

"Endo will take the No.3 jersey for the club – and he's looking forward to starting the new chapter of his career at Anfield."

The move for Endo came as a surprise, but he has been described as “clever, hard-working, strong in direct duels and can score if he has to” by Eurosport Germany’s Tom Mueller.

Liverpool’s need for a defensive presence in midfield was heightened by the departures of Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and James Milner in the summer.

Discussing the surprise deal at his press conference on Friday, Klopp said: "I'm really happy we can announce the agreement.

"I am from Germany, I watch a lot of Bundesliga, I've known him since he was at Stuttgart and liked him from the start. Last week was a tricky one. You can either stick with the problem or find a solution."

While a deal for Endo lacks the stardust of Chelsea’s £115 million capture of Caicedo, the 30-year-old was seventh in the Bundesliga last term in terms of distance covered.

He joined the German club from Belgian club Sint-Truiden - initially on loan - in 2019 and emerged as a key presence for a side who struggled in the lower reaches of the Bundesliga.

His move to Liverpool hands him the chance to challenge for honours and compete in the UEFA Champions League.

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