Liverpool are one of the biggest clubs in the world, having won so many trophies in the past few years. Much of it is due to manager Jurgen Klopp, who is now confirmed to be leaving at the end of the season. His exit is also expected to cause the departures of many current players, and they may need to reinforce their ranks this summer.
However, it seems that despite their huge success and history, the club is failing to attract world-class signings to Anfield. But Klopp does not seem to think it has been bad for the club so far.
Jurgen Klopp discusses unsuccessful transfers before Wataru Endo deal
Liverpool faced a challenging season last year, concluding with a fifth-place finish in the Premier League table. The team failed to secure any major trophies and also missed out on qualifying for the Champions League. In response to these setbacks, the club made significant efforts to strengthen its squad.
Jurgen Klopp had identified the need for midfielders to bolster the club. They managed to sign Argentine sensation Alexis Mac Allister, along with Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai. While these were good for the club, Klopp wanted more world-class ones, Jude Bellingham being one of them.
The Englishman was their dream signing, and many fans believed it would happen. But Real Madrid managed to convince the player to join them, and he has been hugely successful there. They were also interested in Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia all summer, but the two left for Chelsea, despite bigger offers from Liverpool.
Jurgen Klopp described their unsuccessful transfer strategy, “We wanted Bellingham and realised it would not happen. We thought we could maybe do Caicedo. So we went in, but he had an emotional agreement already with Chelsea and Pochettino. Lavia had his own reasons. So we were there.”
But he did see the positive side of it as he managed to sign Japanese sensation Wataru Endo instead, “We were lucky… we found Wataru!” And he is correct in that assessment as well.
Wataru Endo’s performances for Liverpool in stats
Wataru Endo was signed by Jurgen Klopp after his other targets did not agree to come for a fee of £16.2 million from VFB Stuttgart. The captain of the Japanese national team is currently on AFCON duty, and the club is already feeling his absence.
He comfortably managed to replace the previous defensive midfielder, Fabinho, with no extra effort. He helps the defense hugely with his interceptions and tackles, and he also helps to maintain possession.
While he is not hugely creative on the ball, his work rate and defensive contributions mean that he has been invaluable to the team’s success so far. Endo has three goals already as well.
Jurgen Klopp will definitely miss Wataru Endo in tonight’s Premier League game against Chelsea, as they will hope to continue their great season.
