Stuttgart coach Sebastian Hoeness says he’ll find it tough to replace Wataru Endo as the midfielder nears a move to Liverpool.
The Japan international is undergoing a medical on Merseyside ahead of a £15million transfer.
Jurgen Klopp has been keen to bolster his midfield after numerous departures this summer, with a quickfire deal for Endo near to being completed ahead of a potential debut against Bournemouth this weekend.
“Wataru Endo has been cleared by the club for talks [with Liverpool],” Hoeness confirmed on Thursday.
“He flew to England for a medical and wasn't in training today. At the age of 30 he now has the opportunity to join Liverpool in the Premier League. It's a dream of his.
“From the club's point of view, we speak of an economically good package. From a sporting point of view, of course, I'm not thrilled. Wataru is an important player both athletically and personally.
“He’s our captain. He has played in 99 of 102 possible Bundesliga games. He was always there in important moments.”
Stuttgart narrowly avoided relegation from the Bundesliga last season and are unlikely to sign an immediate replacement for Endo, Hoeness confirmed.
“I'm not going to start complaining,” he continued.
“We regret it because we will miss him in a sporting sense. However, we are confident that we will be able to compensate for this in the short-term. We have the possibility to solve it internally with a strong squad. In the long-term, we are looking for a replacement.”
