Japanese captain Jurgen Klopp’s third summer signing after Anfield’s moves was snubbed by Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia.
Ataru Endo officially signed for Liverpool and won the number 3 shirt at Anfield.
The Reds showed a deal worth around £15 million on Friday afternoon, after struggling for a new midfielder throughout the summer.
Jurgen Klopp missed Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia at Chelsea after the departures of Fabinho and veteran captain Jordan Henderson to clubs in Saudi Arabia.
Liverpool also said goodbye to Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain at the end of their respective contracts, while loaned Arthur Melo returned to Juventus, temporarily acting in early summer to sign Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.
Agreement reached: Japanese midfielder Wataru Endo becomes Liverpool’s third signing in the summer
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They turned to Endo in a wonderful move after being snubbed by Caicedo and Lavia, and the flexible Japan and Stuttgart captain, who can also function in defence, signed a long-term contract at Merseyside after passing a medical check. At this level he wonders if he will make his Premier League debut against Bournemouth on Saturday.
“I’m very satisfied at the moment and very excited to sign for a big club like Liverpool,” the 30-year-old, Klopp’s third signing this summer, told Liverpool’s official website.
“It’s amazing and it’s my dream. It’s been a dream to play in the Premier League and with one of the biggest clubs in the world. It’s a dream come true for me.
“It will be my first time playing in Anfield. No I can’t wait to play at Anfield in front of Liverpool fans.
“I play as number 6 and I’m a bit more of a defensive player. I think I can defend this club and I will have a smart organisation in the middle. I think that’s my job.
Commenting on his new signing, Liverpool manager Klopp said: “I’m happy. Wataru is a very intelligent player. I know how the football world is going and things like that, but look, look, because he’s a very intelligent player.
“Experienced player, captain of Stuttgart, captain of Japan, speaks intelligent English, a great guy, father, ability on the field, intelligent footballer, sensational attitude. So I’m happy. He is an intelligent footballer, has a lot of experience and likes incredibly hard paints.
Endo has been awarded the well-known number 3 blouse at Liverpool, which has been vacant since Fabinho moved to Al-Ittihad with a £40 million deal last month.
Explaining his choice, he said: “Number 3 is my number because I played as number 3 in Stuttgart and also when I bet in Japan. I love this number! I can’t wait to play with this number here.
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