Easy decision for Endo to join Liverpool to fulfill Premier League dream

Premier League

LIVERPOOL 3 BOURNEMOUTH 1

IN an era when protracted transfer negotiations are the norm, Wataru Endo’s £16.2 million switch to Anfield took place over a matter of hours and Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool may yet be thankful it was hurried through in such a fashion.

The Japan international midfielder assumed his chance of a move to the Premier League side had evaporated when he read of Klopp’s hot pursuit of Moises Caicedo at Brighton.

But Caicedo's eventual decision to join Chelsea paved the way for Klopp to contact Stuttgart, setting in motion a frenetic handful of days in which the transfer was finalised and Endo made his debut just hours after landing in the UK.

Forgive Endo, therefore, if the 30-year-old still seemed in something of a daze, after helping his new side win their first home game of the campaign, and he was asked where he first heard of Liverpool’s interest.

“It was three or four days ago, I heard that Liverpool wanted me, and it was so quick,” he explained.

“I had to decide so quickly, but actually I couldn’t say no, because to play in the Premier League was always my dream.

“I always talk to my agent that I wanted to play Premier League, and play for a top, top team, so here I am!

“My agent called me, and yes, it was a yes straight away that I wanted to come here. I decided immediately.

“To be honest, I followed Liverpool’s news, that they wanted midfielders they wanted a number six, but yeah - I thought Caicedo had gone to Liverpool! So when he went to Chelsea I just thought, maybe, maybe.

“I thought maybe they needed experienced midfielders or something like that, because Henderson had moved, and also Fabinho had moved to another club, so I thought there may be a chance.” 

Endo’s gut