Hendo out, Endo IN! Japan star closes on Liverpool transfer

FT Desk
FT Desk
  • Updated: 17 Aug 2023 09:11 CDT
  • 3 min read
Endo Liverpool
© ProShots

Liverpool are closing on a replacement for midfield favourite Jordan Henderson.

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Henderson left Anfield this summer in favour of a move to Saudi Arabia, signing a three-year deal reportedly worth £700,000 a week.

His departure brings to a close 12 years as a Red, a spell which included triumphs in both the Premier League and Champions League.

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Replacing a club legend is no easy task, but the club have now moved for a successor following their abortive pursuit of Moises Caicedo.

Stuttgart confirmed on Thursday that Wataru Endo has been cleared to travel to Merseyside ahead of an expected £15.4m transfer.

Japan star heading to Anfield

Endo stretches for the ball while playing for Japan
© ProShots - Endo stretches for the ball while playing for Japan

"Wataru Endo has been authorised by the club to hold talks," coach Sebastian Hoeness affirmed.

"He flew to England for a medical and was not present at training today.

"At 30 years old, he now has the opportunity to join Liverpool in the Premier League. It is a dream of his."

Endo has been at Stuttgart since 2019, after beginning his career in his native Japan with spells at Shonan Bellmare and Urawa Red Diamonds.

He made 111 appearances for the Bundesliga club over four years, scoring 14 goals from midfield, while he has also picked up 50 caps for Japan and represented the Blue Samurai at two World Cup finals.

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