In a surprising twist, Liverpool has thrown their hat in the ring for the services of Wataru Endo, the captain of the Japanese national team and a player for Stuttgart. This sudden move comes as Liverpool hurries to secure an established defensive midfielder before the transfer window concludes.

The Reds have initiated discussions regarding the availability of the 30-year-old, who garnered recognition as one of the Bundesliga’s finest in his role last season. With Stuttgart’s approval, Endo is now in talks with Liverpool.

Capable of performing as a center-back as well, Endo’s contract is nearing its conclusion, making his transfer fee a modest one—estimated at approximately £16 million. Liverpool’s sporting director, Jorg Schmadtke, has utilized his German connections to facilitate this unexpected approach for the player.

This development is a surprising one for Liverpool, given their prior efforts this summer to secure a number six player, thus strengthening Jurgen Klopp’s squad amidst the departures of James Milner, Fabinho, and Jordan Henderson.

Despite a £110 million offer accepted by Brighton, Moises Caicedo opted for Chelsea’s £115 million deal, leaving Liverpool in the lurch. Chelsea is also set to secure Southampton’s 19-year-old Romeo Lavia, a long-standing Liverpool target.

Merely on Wednesday, Liverpool’s name surfaced in connection with Checik Doucoure from Crystal Palace, Ryan Gravenberch of Bayern Munich, and Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat.

However, a breakthrough is near as Liverpool edges towards securing Wataru Endo’s signature. The player has prior experience with Shonan Bellmare, Urawa Red Diamonds, and Sint-Truiden. Endo boasts over 50 caps for his national team.

Renowned German football magazine Kicker assesses Bundesliga players biannually, placing Endo in the top tier of defensive midfielders throughout the 2022/23 season, labeling him ‘international class’.

Due to 18-year-old Stefan Bajcetic’s recent recovery from injury and summer signing Alexis Mac Allister stepping in, Liverpool’s defensive midfield role was filled by necessity during the 1-1 draw against Chelsea in the Premier League opener. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Curtis Jones had also taken on the position during pre-season.

With the quest for a left-sided centre-back ongoing, Liverpool might decide to further strengthen their midfield depth ahead of the transfer deadline on September 1.