Richard Keys and Andy Gray share doubts over Liverpool 'panic buy' Wataru Endo

19 August 2023 , 16:07

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Richard Keys and Andy Gray (Image: Twitter/@beINSPORTS_EN)

Richard Keys and Andy Gray have questioned Liverpool's decision to sign Wataru Endo after missing out on both Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia to Chelsea.

Liverpool have completely revamped their midfield this summer, with Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all departing Anfield on free transfers and Jordan Henderson and Fabinho completing moves to the Saudi Pro League. Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Endo have all been signed as replacements.

However, Liverpool only opened talks with Stuttgart over a move for Endo after Chelsea had beaten them to the signings of Caicedo and Lavia, and Keys and Gray believe the Japan international is a panic buy. "You sell a 33-year-old [Henderson] and buy a 30-year-old," Keys said on beIN Sports.

"The 33-year-old has had a massive impact on your football club and understands it and you replace him with someone who you're hoping [will fill the void]." Gray then added: "They sold Fabinho as well, remember.

"He's not much older than Hendo. Does it smack a little bit of panic with Caicedo and others that they haven't got?" To which Keys simply replied: "Yes." Gray continued: "I know he's the Stuttgart captain, a decent player, very important in the Japan national side and he's the type [of player] they need.

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"He's a six, he's not an attacking midfield player. But he's the type they've been trying to get in all summer, having lost two or three midfield players. I wonder how far up the list he was of the people they had for that position."

"I would say not very," remarked Keys. "I also thought it was fascinating that Lavia, on signing for Chelsea, said he'd chosen Chelsea not because of the geography so much but because of the history of the football club. That's what you're dealing with now."

Wataru Endo has joined Liverpool from Bundesliga side Stuttgart (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

However, Klopp has explained that Endo was "always" on Liverpool's radar, but was not their first choice due to the club's policy of not normally signing players in their thirties. " He's a good footballer, very experienced and loves to work extremely hard," Klopp told club media.

"If he's not 30, firstly, I am not sure we get him. Second, he was always on my list, just usually we don't sign players of this age group. He is obviously a top fit and we will have a lot of fun with him.

"I'm really sure he can help us immediately, which is super-cool because the season already started. So, he will show how good he is on the pitch and I can't wait to have him around."

Matthew Cooper