Endo and Doucoure are up for Liverpool resucue

Liverpool have reached an agreement with Stuttgart to sign Japanese midfielder Wataru Endo for a fee of £16 million, according to reports. The 28-year-old has been a standout performer for the Bundesliga club since joining them in 2019, scoring six goals and providing seven assists in 64 appearances. Endo, who can also play as a defender, is known for his versatility, work rate, and passing ability.

He has been capped 32 times by Japan and was part of the squad that won the 2019 Asian Cup. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is a fan of Endo and sees him as a valuable addition to his squad, especially after losing Georginio Wijnaldum to Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer. Endo is expected to compete with Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago Alcantara, and Naby Keita for a place in Liverpool’s midfield.

Meanwhile, Liverpool are also interested in signing Crystal Palace midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure, who has impressed under Patrick Vieira last season. The Frenchman has scored three goals and assisted two more in 11 games, helping Palace climb to eighth in the Premier League table. Doucoure, 28, joined Palace from Watford in 2020 for £25 million and has established himself as one of the best box-to-box midfielders in the league. He has also attracted interest from Arsenal and Tottenham, but Liverpool are hoping to lure him to Anfield with the promise of Europa League football.

Liverpool are reportedly willing to offer £30 million for Doucoure, who has three years left on his contract at Selhurst Park. Palace are reluctant to sell one of their key players but may be tempted by a lucrative offer from the Reds. Liverpool are looking to strengthen their midfield options in January as they aim to challenge for the Premier League title and the Europa League trophy. The signings of Endo and Doucoure would add depth and quality to Klopp’s squad and boost their chances of success this season.