Jurgen Klopp details text messages he had after Liverpool moved for Wataru Endo

18 August 2023 , 21:30

471     0

Wataru Endo with Jurgen Klopp (Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Jurgen Klopp knew he’d signed a stand out star of the Bundesliga, when his phone almost fell off the hook with calls congratulating him.

‌Liverpool completed a £17m deal for Japan international skipper Wataru Endo on Friday, in a deal that will rise beyond £20m with bonus related add-ons. Many Reds fans are bemused by the deal for a 30-year-old who narrowly avoided relegation from the top German league last season with Stuttgart, but not those who watch football there closely.

‌And Klopp explained he’s had plenty of calls from his former players praising the “steal” in summer window with eye-wateringly inflated prices for defensive midfielders: “I got plenty of messages from former players of mine," he said.

Everybody (said), 'If it's true, this is a genius strike. I asked to sign him for years'. It was a very positive thing in Germany – he's super-highly respected.

‌“I think for Stuttgart it's really hard to lose him but on the other side I think it's a good deal as well, one year left [on his] contract. For him, it's good. For the club, it's good. For us, it's really good. He is really happy to join us, which is nice as well.”

Chelsea complete record-breaking Enzo Fernandez transfer after deadline day rush

‌Klopp revealed that while the experienced defensive midfielder, who can also play at centre half, was not on his original list of targets, he has monitored his career since arriving in Germany, and has been massively impressed: “It is a transfer that is not in the public eye. It’s not “Oh my God!” and probably nobody at this moment is texting a new song for him. But wait.

HAVE YOUR SAY! Will Liverpool make the top four this season? Comment below.

Wataru Endo captains Japan at international level (Getty Images)

‌"He has something that Liverpool supporters will love, definitely. When he puts that shirt on he will throw everything on the pitch and the people will love that, I know that.”

‌Endo signed his contract in time to be available for Liverpool’s game against Bournemouth on Saturday, but must await international clearance to play. If it arrives in time he could be on the bench.

The Reds host Andoni Iraola's side at Anfield, with a 3pm kick off. Klopp's men are chasing their first Premier League win of the season after the 1-1 draw at Chelsea last weekend.

David Maddock