In a seismic move that has sent ripples through the footballing world, Liverpool has inked a momentous deal to acquire the services of Japanese midfield maestro Wataru Endo from Stuttgart. The agreement, while contingent on international clearance and the customary work permit application, was formally announced by the Premier League powerhouse on Friday.
Aged 30, Endo arrives at Liverpool’s doorstep with a distinguished international portfolio, having logged an impressive 50 appearances for the Japanese national team. Of particular note is his crucial role in Japan’s World Cup sojourn in Qatar, where he was an ever-present force in all four of his nation’s matches. This performance not only showcased his prowess on the grandest stage of them all but also led to his coronation as Japan’s new captain, a mantle he assumed this past June.
Originating from the bustling region of Kanagawa Prefecture, a stone’s throw away from Tokyo, Endo’s journey to prominence began with a leap from the J-League’s Urawa Reds to Belgium’s Sint-Truiden in 2018. Subsequently, he ventured to Stuttgart in 2019, where he not only solidified his position but also ascended to the coveted role of captain within a mere two years.
Speaking to Liverpoolfc.com, an exuberant Endo couldn’t mask his elation, stating, “I’m absolutely thrilled and beyond excited to join the illustrious ranks of Liverpool. This is the realization of a lifelong dream, an aspiration to ply my trade in the Premier League and that too, under the banner of one of the world’s footballing giants. It’s an astonishing moment for me, truly a dream come true.”
From Japan to Liverpool: Wataru Endo’s Odyssey
The impending transfer of Wataru Endo to Liverpool marks a pivotal juncture in the career of the 30-year-old midfield marvel. A true globetrotter, Endo has carved an indelible niche for himself on the international stage, boasting an impressive 50 appearances for the Japanese national team. Notably, his integral role in Japan’s World Cup campaign in Qatar last year underlines his mettle on football’s grandest platform. His ascendancy to the captaincy of the national team in June further attests to his leadership acumen.
In a candid exchange with Liverpoolfc.com, Endo exuded unbridled euphoria as he contemplated his imminent foray into the Liverpool fold. He enthused, “I’m riding a wave of elation right now, and the prospect of joining Liverpool, a true titan of football, is beyond exhilarating. This move crystallizes a lifelong ambition—a desire to grace the Premier League stage, particularly with a club of such global stature. It’s surreal and, in every sense, a dream woven into reality.”
The echoes of another Japanese virtuoso, Takumi Minamino, who previously plied his trade at Liverpool from 2020 to 2022, resonate as Endo’s arrival beckons a fresh era of dynamism in the club’s midfield. With the curtains drawn on the 2022-23 season, which witnessed Liverpool’s commendable fifth-place finish, Endo’s induction portends a surge of vigor and artistry that fans eagerly anticipate.
