In a recent post on X, Ekrem Konur updated readers on the growing interest in Wataru Endo. Celtic are in the mix for the Japanese ace alongside Premier League outfits Fulham, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Ipswich Town, and Serie A giants AC Milan, who also keep close tabs on the Liverpool midfield veteran.
The 32-year-old Samurai Blue skipper spent his youth years at Minamitotsuka FC and Shonan Bellmare before breaking into the latter’s first-team squad. Having impressed for them in the centre of the pitch, Endo was roped in by Urawa Red Diamonds in 2016. He enjoyed enormous success both in Japan and Asia while representing the Saitama side, and his influence in midfield earned him a move to Europe with Belgian top-tier team Sint-Truiden.
Endo was loaned in by then-2. Bundesliga outfit VfB Stuttgart a year later and his contribution to their top-flight promotion led to a permanent switch in April 2020. He made 133 appearances for them before completing a high-profile transfer to Liverpool a couple of summers ago. His presence was imminent throughout the 2023-24 campaign across competitions, but a below-par pre-season under new boss Arne Slot saw him losing his starting status to Ryan Gravenberch.
With just 742 minutes of football in 26 outings, the Japanese international has settled for a bit-part role in Merseyside. But his attitude has been top-notch as the Dutch chief often deployed him to defend a narrow lead in the closing stages of their league encounters. Endo has done his job with sheer expertise and commitment, yet he could part ways in the summer for regular gametime.
Why Endo Will Be An Astounding Addition In Celtic Midfield
The Hoops have ample options in the middle of the park but are highly reliant on their ‘captain fantastic’ Callum McGregor deep down the midfield. His injury absence against Rangers was one of many reasons behind their dreadful Old Firm derby defeat. Arne Engels, Reo Hatate, Luke McCowan and Paulo Bernardo are suited for box-to-box roles, and the Celts were caught losing their shape repeatedly with Engels struggling to fit in as a ‘number six’ at Celtic Park.
Brendan Rodgers loaned in Jeffrey Schlupp from Crystal Palace earlier this year and the versatile Ghanaian has emerged as the first-choice left fullback ahead of Greg Taylor. The former Liverpool manager could use his contacts and connections once again to snap up Endo. Although he is older than 31-year-old McGregor, the impact and mastery of the “Silent Samurai” for both his club and the country would make him a notable signing. It remains to be seen though whether the Bhoys outbid the player’s fellow suitors in the transfer race.
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