Liverpool's surprise move for Stuttgart midfielder Wataru Endo has shown the desperation of Jurgen Klopp's side - but the £16m signing could prove to be more than just a consolation prize

Liverpool are closing in on the surprise signing of 30-year-old Japanese midfielder Wataru Endo from Bundesliga outfit Stuttgart. 

The Japan captain has seen his profile explode in the last 24 hours, such is the reality of being linked with an elite club like Liverpool. 

And as Reds fans and supporters of rivals teams clamour to get their head around the talent set to walk through the doors at Anfield, a few questions remain: Can he fill the gaping hole at defensive midfield? Will his arrival vault Liverpool into title contention? 

Signing a player for a reported £16million fee in 2023 normally doesn't suggest that will be the case. 

But when you combine his impressive statistical profile in the Bundesliga with the reaction of Stuttgart fans to news of his departure and his intangible qualities - highlighted best in his role as captain for both club and country - Jurgen Klopp's perceived consolation prize may prove to be so much more.  

Liverpool are closing in on a shock move for Stuttgart's 30-year-old captain Wataru Endo

Unlike many of his compatriots, Endo didn't leave his native Japan until the age of 25, by which point he had turned out for J-League sides Urawa Red Diamonds and Shonan Bellmare. 

A relatively fruitless two-year spell in Belgian followed before he made his mark, initially on-loan, at then-Bundesliga 2 side Stuttgart. 

The midfielder didn't make his debut until matchday 12, but by the end of the season he had helped them earn an immediate return to the top-flight and established himself as one of the most important players at the club. 

The next campaign saw Endo take the captain's armband on five occasions in the league as he started all but one game, while failing to play the full 90 minutes just once. 

Indeed, since forcing his way into the starting XI at the MHPArena in 2019 Endo has missed just four league games, twice through suspension and twice on account of injury or illness. 

That staggering level of dependability will be a major source of excitement for Klopp, who was unable to call upon the likes of Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and even Jordan Henderson for large stretches due to various ailments. 

Additionally, Endo's ability to play both as a defensive midfielder and a central defender will give Klopp even more options for his squad management. In the last two campaigns, he has played the two positions relatively regularly while managing to maintain a presence in the attacking phase of play. 

By now most Liverpool fans would have seen his eye-catching stats since arriving in the Bundesliga that paint a picture of a player desperately needed at Anfield. 

In that time period Endo has won the most duals of any midfielder and has the second-highest number of possession and tackles won. According to Fbref, he is in the 94th percentile - only six per cent of players bettered him - for clearances per 90 - though that statistic is probably skewed by his outings at the back. 

And he has the peculiar distinction of ranking in the 95th percentile for aerial duals won per 90, despite standing a 5ft 10in. Having lost the height of Fabinho in the position, this will ease concerns Endo can impose himself on opposition attackers. 

Along with his surprising heading prowess, the 30-year-old has a good goal and assist record for a player in his position. 133 Stuttgart games have yielded 15 goals and 12 assists. For context, Rodri has played nearly 100 more times for Manchester City and racked up three additional strikes and five more assists.   

For balance, it's not all sunshine and roses. In spite of Youtube compilation videos that would have you believe Endo's dribbling ability is on par with Neymar, or even Moises Caicedo for that matter, the numbers don't back it up. 

Endo's passing stats could also lead to some concern as he ranks in the 40th percentile for passes attempted per 90 and 36th percentile for pass completion percentage per 90. 

Stuttgart were one of the worst sides in the Bundesliga last season, finishing 16th and surviving a relegation play-off with Hamburg, so expect to see his passing volume significantly increase in a Liverpool shirt. 

A change of role at Anfield that only requires him to make tackles and recycle possession to more distinguished distributors could also see him shoot up the charts for passing accuracy. 

On the whole, his signing looks to be an incredibly astute one. Borne out of desperation yes. But shrewd nonetheless. 

While some have suggested that Endo arrives as a Fabinho replacement, the midfielder stepping into the role left by James Milner may be more apt. 

Now a resident in Brighton, the 37-year-old made 31 appearances in the Premier League and, by many accounts, led the dressing room with his discipline and professionalism.  

If the signing is completed Endo will become the second national team skipper recruited by the Reds this season following the arrival of Hungary captain Dominik Szoboszlai. 

The leadership drain is clearly something Klopp and his staff have been looking to address and they look set to add another hard-working pro. 

Finally, Endo's capture represents a much-needed win for Liverpool sporting director Jorg Schmadtke. The 59-year-old arrived at the club at the end of May on a short-term contract having spent the entirety of his playing, coaching and executive career in Germany. 

A lot of the leg work in the signing of Alexis Mac Allister was reportedly already done before he came on board, but he may now be able to add the acquisition of Endo to the brilliant signing of Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig. 

Yet, there is still plenty of work to do. If this is the totality of Liverpool's business this summer then they'll certainly be renewed calls for change and the ousting of owners FSG. 

But if Endo's arrival comes ahead of another, younger, more highly-rated defensive midfielder then, irrespective of the Caicedo-Romeo Lavia mess, Liverpool's summer business would have to be looked upon positively.