Liverpool’s New Signing Wataru Endo Receives Work Permit and Joins Squad to Face Bournemouth
Liverpool have confirmed that new signing Wataru Endo has received clearance and will be part of the matchday squad to face Bournemouth at Anfield this afternoon. The Japan international completed his move to Merseyside on Friday, but despite being registered in time with the Premier League, Liverpool faced a wait on whether Wataru’s work permit would arrive in time.
Endo joins the Reds after a successful spell at Stuttgart, where he made over 100 appearances in the Bundesliga. Liverpool paid around £16 million to sign Endo, following the arrivals of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai earlier in the summer.
It remains to be seen whether the 30-year-old will start against Bournemouth, with team news to be confirmed at 2pm, but he is expected to be named on the bench. Mac Allister is more likely to continue in the deep midfield role, though Jurgen Klopp will be keen to hand his new No. 3 a debut.
Endo’s Physical Condition
Speaking on Endo’s switch from Stuttgart on Friday, Klopp insisted there would “not be a physical problem” with throwing him straight in. “He’s in a good shape,” the manager said. Klopp went on to explain that Endo should play the same position he played for Stuttgart and that it wouldn’t take him long to get up to speed.
Liverpool’s Summer Transfers
Liverpool have been busy in the transfer market this summer, with Endo joining Mac Allister and Szoboszlai as new additions to the squad. Mac Allister has already made an impact, scoring his first goal for the club in a pre-season friendly against Blackpool. Szoboszlai is yet to make his debut for the Reds, but is expected to feature prominently this season.
The Reds have also been linked with a move for Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara, who is reportedly keen on a move to Anfield. However, no deal has been agreed as of yet and it remains to be seen whether Liverpool will make any further signings before the transfer window closes.
Conclusion
Wataru Endo is set to make his Liverpool debut today against Bournemouth and could be the first of many new faces at Anfield this season. The Reds have already made three signings this summer and are reportedly still in the market for more players. It remains to be seen what other additions Klopp will make before the transfer window closes, but one thing is for sure – Liverpool fans will be excited to see their new signing in action today.