Liverpool have confirmed the signing of Japan midfielder Wataru Endo from Stuttgart in a deal worth £16.2m.

The 30-year-old moved from Bundesliga club Stuttgart for £19 million ($24 million or 22 million euros), according to Sky Sports and other British media.

“I’m very happy right now and I’m so excited to join a big club in Liverpool,” Endo told the club’s website.

“It feels amazing and this is my dream. It’s always (been) a dream to play (in the) Premier League and with one of the biggest clubs in the world. It’s a dream come true for me.”

A special moment ❤️ pic.twitter.com/DQ2xuWaLOJ

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 18, 2023

Since captain Jordan Henderson and Fabinho moved to Saudi Arabia during the transfer window, the Reds have been looking for a defensive midfielder.

Liverpool tried to sign Moises Caicedo of Brighton and Romeo Lavia of Southampton, but both players ended up joining rivals Chelsea instead.

Last weekend, Jurgen Klopp’s team opened the new Premier League season with a 1-1 draw at Chelsea. This Saturday, they will host Bournemouth at Anfield.