Wataru Endo could be given his dream shirt number if he was to become Liverpool’s third summer signing.
VfB Stuttgart midfielder Wataru Endo could become Liverpool’s third summer signing after the Reds launched a shock move for the Japanese captain.
The 30-year-old was subject to interest from Jurgen Klopp’s side on Wednesday as their toil for midfield additions continues. In the last week, Liverpool have lost out on Moises Caicedo after he opted for a move to Chelsea from Brighton & Hove Albion.
Reports elsewhere suggest that the Reds are likely to lose out on Romeo Lavia of Southampton – despite having three bids rejected by the Championship club – as it has been claimed he, too, has opted for Stamford Bridge.
Outlets in Holland claimed that Liverpool had made contact with the intermediaries of Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat on Wednesday. However, the shock news emerged that the Reds had highlighted the 30-year-old – who has been capped 50 times for Japan – as their next target.
The departure of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho highlighted the need for further midfield reinforcements, following their respective moves to Saudi Arabia. Liverpool earned a point on the opening day after a 1-1 draw with Chelsea, new signing Alexis Mac Allister was instructed to play in the base of the midfield three in his competitive debut.
Although it was an impressive display from the Argentine, the lack of cohesion and stability made it abundantly clear that further additions were needed, in particular an out-and-out defensive midfielder.
Endo, who currently captains Stuttgart, wears the number three shirt for the Baden-Wurttemberg club. He has occupied the squad number since he made his move, firstly on loan to Die Schwaben in 2019 before completing a permanent switch in 2020.
There has been a growing theme throughout the reliable defensive midfielder’s career. If he hasn’t had a three on his back, it has been a product of the number.
After starting his career with Shonan Bellmare, he wore the number 33 before switching to 26 for a season. He would move to his favoured three for four seasons up until his move to Urawa Red Diamonds, where he took over as the occupant of the six.
During his three-year stint in Belgium with Sint-Truidense, he moved between 33 and 30 until he made the switch to the Bundesliga.
