Liverpool’s move for Stuttgart midfielder Wataru Endo hailed as ‘SMART’ by expert

• Liverpool are set to finalize the signing of Stuttgart midfielder Wataru Endo
• One pundit praised the move, describing the 30-year-old’s key qualities.
• WATCH: ‘It’s All Kicking Off’ – Episode 1 – Mail Sport’s new football show

Liverpool have been applauded by an expert for their surprising move for Stuttgart midfielder Wataru Endo, although not all supporters are convinced of the goal.

As Mail Sport reported last night, Jurgen Klopp’s team launched a surprise £16m buyout for the 30-year-old, who is due to undergo a medical imminently.

The versatile Endo, captain of the Japanese team, is acquainted with the Reds’ sports director, Jorge Schmadtke, and can also play center back.

Klopp is desperate to strengthen his midfield after missing out on Brighton’s Moisés Caicedo and Southampton’s Romeo Lavia, who are set to join Chelsea.

And Endo has become a target, with the combative announcer interested in a change.

On social media, pundit and broadcaster Jan Aage Fjortoft praised the move, outlining several of Endo’s key strengths.

“Smart move by Liverpool,” Fjortoft wrote. ‘Assault. He can keep the ball very well. Leader/captain for Stuttgart. Stuttgart loves it.

However, several supporters have raised concerns about the move.

‘Wataru Endo,’ said one user, using a play on words. ‘Rather, what are we doing?’

Another cast a bleak outlook on the upcoming season, adding: “We’ll all cry when we’re not in the top four because of signings like this.”

A host of other accounts also noted the similarity between the names of Endo and former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, resulting in various jokes.

‘Hendo regen’, one laughed, while another said: ‘Liverpool are replacing Hendo with Endo…’

Endo, who has less than a year left on his contract with Stuttgart, has made 133 appearances for the club since joining, initially on loan, from Belgian side Sint Truiden.

Meanwhile, Liverpool have revived interest in Bayern Munich’s Ryan Gravenberch.

Gravenberch, also linked to Manchester United, is open to leaving in search of more playing time, although Bayern have so far been reluctant to let him go.

The Reds have also inquired about Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat and Crystal Palace’s Cheick Doucoure as they weigh several names on their favorites list.

Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai are his two summer signings to date.