Liverpool bid around £16m for Stuttgart midfielder Wataru Endo; Reds also in talks with Fiorentina about Sofyan Amrabat deal

Liverpool have made a surprise bid for Japan international Wataru Endo as they look to strengthen their midfield. They are also reportedly in talks with Fiorentina over Sofyan Amrabat. Liverpool have missed out on Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia to Chelsea.

Liverpool have shocked the football world with their bid for 30-year-old Japanese midfielder Wataru Endo. The Reds have offered Stuttgart around £16m for the player as Jurgen Klopp seeks to bolster his midfield options with an experienced holding midfielder. Endo, who can also play at centre-back, is set to travel to Merseyside to finalize the transfer. In addition to their move for Endo, Liverpool have reportedly held talks with Fiorentina about the potential signing of Sofyan Amrabat. The club has been looking to strengthen their midfield this summer after letting go of several key players and only bringing in Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister. However, Liverpool missed out on their targets Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, both of whom chose to join Chelsea instead.

Wataru Endo, who has 50 caps for Japan, has been a consistent presence in Stuttgart's midfield in the Bundesliga for the past three seasons. Despite turning 30 in February, he has shown no signs of slowing down. Last season, he ranked among the top three Bundesliga midfielders for ball recoveries and performed well in passing and tackling metrics. Endo's versatility and experience make him an attractive option for Liverpool as they look to strengthen their squad.

Sofyan Amrabat, on the other hand, made a name for himself during Morocco's historic run to the semi-finals of the World Cup in Qatar. His performances caught the attention of football fans worldwide, including the writers at Sky Sports who named him in their team of the tournament. Amrabat's physicality and technical ability on the ball were on full display throughout the competition, as he provided Morocco with control in possession and defensive security. The 26-year-old midfielder has spent four seasons in Serie A with Fiorentina and is now approaching his peak years. A move to the Premier League seems like the logical next step for a player with his attributes.

Initially, it seemed that Manchester United was the likely destination for Amrabat, but the club's financial situation has made further signings difficult. This has opened the door for Liverpool to make their move and secure the much-needed ball-winner in midfield. The Reds have been left in a difficult position after missing out on their primary targets, Caicedo and Lavia, and their desperation is evident. Liverpool's summer transfer dealings have been heavily criticized, with Jamie Carragher describing them as "an absolute mess, a joke, and embarrassing." The club has been aware of their need for midfield reinforcements for over a year but has failed to get deals over the line, leading to frustration among fans and pundits alike.

Despite the setbacks, Liverpool remains determined to strengthen their squad before the transfer window closes. The club's interest in Endo and Amrabat showcases their commitment to finding suitable replacements for their departed midfielders. Time will tell whether these surprise moves will prove successful, but one thing is certain – Liverpool is not giving up in their pursuit of success.

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