Liverpool in negotiations to sign veteran midfielder from Bundesliga

Liverpool is in dire search of a defensive midfielder after missing out on signing Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, who have decided to join Chelsea. As The Top Flight has reported, players recently linked to Liverpool for the midfield position are PSV’s Ibrahim Sangare and Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat. Time is starting to become limited in bringing in a defensive midfielder. Now, the Reds look set to sign an absolute out-of-the-blue signing from the Bundesliga.

Fabrizio Romano is exclusively reporting that Liverpool has submitted a bid for Wataru Endo from Bundesliga side VfB Stuttgart. Negotiations are continuing between the club and Stuttgart, with it being believed that Endo is keen on a move to Anfield. Described as a surprising move by Romano, that might be an understatement. Sporting director Jorg Schmadtke is surely throwing a curveball at everyone with this midfield target. Schmadtke has been a long-time sporting director in German football and will already have an extensive scouting report on Endo.

Japan international Wataru Endo has been in Germany for his last four seasons after joining from Belgian side Sint-Truiden. Endo, at 30 years old, would be a veteran signing for Liverpool and likely not the only defensive midfielder they decide to sign. While Endo may be a solid player in his own right at Stuttgart, it’s not exactly exciting news for Liverpool’s fans. The midfielder started three matches for Japan in the Qatar World Cup, including their Round of 16 exit against Croatia.

Endo has played long stretches of his career as a centre-back but, more recently, has shifted to a full-time midfielder. He is the current captain of Stuttgart and is heavily involved in the German club’s offence despite also holding much responsibility on the defensive end. With just a year left on his contract and given his age, it is very unlikely Endo will command a huge fee.