Endo’s Unexpected Move

Well that one came like a bolt out of the blue eh! As 99.9% of the fanbase who don’t claim to be Bundesliga experts spent the night googling and searching for complications of Wataru Endo, the reactions to the move which was confirmed on Wednesday night were very mixed.

Mixed Fan Reactions

Ranging from ‘panic buy’ to ‘smart move’ from those who report on German football, it’s possible we may even see the Japanese captain against Bournemouth this weekend if all the paperwork is complete. Whilst the reactions have been extreme from some, the next two weeks and the rest of Liverpool’s summer transfer business decide how wise a move this looks.

The Deal Details

What we do know is the 30 year old is on his way from Stuttgart to sign for the club in a fee around the €19 million mark. With an overinflated market, that really is a drop in the ocean somewhat right now. Captain of both club and country, it’s worth noting that Bundesliga experts such as Jan-Aage Fjortoft, Chris Williams and Jonathan Harding are all describing this move as smart business and a player ‘that leaves it all on the pitch’.

Endo’s Potential Impact

The German side were only apparently prepared to lose him for a huge fee despite him having a year left on his contract, whilst the various stats sites have been quick to promote his aerial duel success and clearances as real reasons reds should be happy.

Fanbase’s Concerns

Understandably, there is a murmuring of disappointment amongst the surprise of the fanbase and pivoting from Lavia never mind Caicedo to this move hasn’t gone down well with some. When Jurgen Klopp had talked about recruiting experience to help Liverpool see out games, this won’t have been what many if any actually had in mind.

Even talk of him being a squad option or cover for those who might come in like a Doucoure has been criticised due to the fact the Asian cup in Qatar starts in January next year and Endo could potentially be away from then until 10th February if Japan make it all the way in the competition.

Klopp’s Strategy

Truth be told though, Jurgen Klopp however much influenced by Jorg Schmadtke has sanctioned a move that fills one of the two remaining non-homegrown spots in the squad. With the ability to become a cult hero like a Klavan and notorious for wearing a mouthpiece during games, Endo has the potential to rove a shrewd bit of business in the current market and be something this Liverpool squad really needs.

That’s provided it’s followed up with another midfielder as a minimum and ideally a defender, although one of those will have to be homegrown or if a certain age potentially. If that happens, the window looks good. If it’s just this one, hold onto your hats.