Liverpool have signed midfielder Wataru Endo from Stuttgart for a fee of about £16.2m (19m euros), subject to a work permit and international clearance.
The 30-year-old Japan international has agreed a four-year contract.
Liverpool have brought in Endo after missing out on Ecuador international Moises Caicedo and Belgian midfielder Romeo Lavia to Chelsea.
Endo can also play at centre-back but has been signed primarily as a central defensive midfielder.
“It feels amazing,” he said. “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.
“I think I can help this club defensively and I will have good organisation in the middle.”
The signing of Japan captain Endo, who was also Stuttgart’s skipper, follows the departures of midfielders Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain from the Reds this summer.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has already secured reinforcements in the middle of the park, with new purchases Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai starting the opening 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
