Liverpool is edging closer to finalizing the acquisition of VfB Stuttgart’s captain, Wataru Endo, and there are also reports of their interest in Ryan Gravenberch from Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.
Sebastian Hoeneß, the coach of Stuttgart, has confirmed that Endo has been granted permission to travel to England for discussions and a medical evaluation with Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool. This follows reports indicating that only the last details need to be ironed out between the two clubs.
Endo, aged 30, is reportedly valued at up to €25 million ($27.3 million) by Liverpool, which includes potential additional payments.
Hoeneß acknowledged the unusual timing of a captain’s departure just days before the start of the Bundesliga season, which commences with a match against Bochum on Saturday. Expressing his sentiments, he admitted that losing Endo right before the season was a “significant blow from a sporting perspective.” Despite his disappointment, Hoeneß recognized the rationale behind the move, citing the attractive economic package from the club’s perspective. He also acknowledged that the Premier League could help fulfill Endo’s aspiration.
Addressing the void left by Endo, the coach stated that they are actively seeking replacements from within the squad for the upcoming matches. Furthermore, they are intensifying efforts to secure a new player within the final two weeks of the transfer window.
In parallel, sources such as the Daily Mail and Bild have reported that Liverpool is making a strong push to secure the services of 21-year-old Dutch midfielder Ryan Gravenberch from Bayern Munich.
Gravenberch’s arrival in Munich occurred just last year after his transfer from Ajax. However, reports suggest that he is dissatisfied with the limited playing time he has experienced at Bayern.