Klopp makes incredible Endo contract admission after Carabao Cup star role

Jurgen Klopp says he is “pretty sure” that Wataru Endo will sign a new long-term Liverpool contract and has hailed the Japan international for his impact in the Carabao Cup final. 

Liverpool were prepared to bid over £100 million to bring in Moises Caicedo from Brighton last summer but ultimately lost out on the Ecuadorian to Chelsea. 

As a back-up option, the Reds went back to the Bundesliga for Endo, who they signed from Stuttgart for £16m. 

With Caicedo and Declan Rice going for £100m each last summer, it represented a bargain signing for an experienced international. 

Reds fans might have known little about the 31-year-old when he signed, but they have quickly taken Endo to their hearts, with the 2017 AFC Asian Champions League winner picking up the club’s December player of the month award. 

He has played 29 games in all competitions for the Merseysiders so far with his most significant contribution coming on Sunday at Wembley where he came face to face with Caicedo and Chelsea. 

Endo immense as Liverpool clinch Carabao Cup glory

Liverpool captured their 10th League Cup title, extending their record thanks to Virgil van Dijk’s goal at the end of extra time, and Endo was immense in defensive midfield.

He gave his all for 120 minutes, putting his body on the line, and was even spotted wearing a protective boot and using crutches leaving Wembley having been hit hard by Caicedo. 

After the game, the manager praised Endo, stating the Japan captain is currently defying father time. 

While the former Urawa Red Diamonds midfielder’s current contract will expire when he’s 34, in 2027, the 56-year-old German believes he might well have already earned an extension. 

“We were lucky, we bring him in and I am pretty sure in three or four years Wataru will sign another long-term contract at Liverpool,” Klopp beamed. “He might be 30 or 31 in the passport, but he is not, he is a machine.

“Football wise, he’s just exceptional. His defensive brain is outstanding; gives us a lot of freedom for a lot of things. Top development, I have to say. Very helpful, very helpful.”

Endo was pictured on Monday without his protective boot in his training gear at  the AXA Training Centre at Kirkby but it remains to be seen whether he will be fit enough for the Reds’ FA Cup fifth round match against Southampton on Wednesday.