Officially joined Union Berlin today on a 1-year loan from Yokohama F Marinos: https://www.fc-union-berlin.de/en/u.../Keita-Endo-signs-for-1-FC-Union-Berlin-487j/
If you understand German (or Japanese), Max Kruse hosted a hilarious Q&A with Endo on his IG page: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CEPrc1SIibH/
He had a very good pre-season and some voices in German media started to liken him to Kagawa, in terms of the impact he is expected to has in the Bundesliga. However, he picked an injury in one of the preseason matches which kept him away from his team's first two Bundesliga matches of the new season. Tonight he made his debut in the last 10 minutes in a comprehensive 4-0 win for Union Berlin over Mainz. The first impression: he seems to fit well into the team, contributing to both the attack and the defence, and can deal very well with physical challenges despite being just returned from injury. Looking forward to see more from him in next matches.
Scored today in the 3rd minute in his first start of the season for Union Berlin. The match is still going against Ritsu Doan's Arminia Bielefeld.
Saw it, it was a simple tap in in front of goal but good for the confidence. Not good the injury instead... =\
Endo had a shot on goal just 4 minutes after coming in. He showed competence in both of the defence and offence ends, and he seemed very well integrated into the team. He showed bravery as well to take the shot on goal by himself rather than pass it to one of his teammates against such a solid opposition and against a world class GK like Neuer. Endo was confident, not nervous at all despite the opposition he was facing, to the extent that he went on to protest a referee decision while screaming loudly at the referee (something very unfamiliar among Japanese players in their first sesson in Europe). His cameo performances are very impressive so far.
Union Berlin sign Keita Endo permanently: https://www.fc-union-berlin.de/en/u...Endo-signs-permanently-for-Union-Berlin-661c/
Great news. And surprising, given how much he played. Seems like they were able to see over his injuries.
There were reports that Union was trying to sign him on a full transfer outright last summer, and instead opted for a 1m purchase clause due to COVID-related cash flow issues. In that sense it's not as surprising but still fortunate that the club saw enough ability through his Buli appearances.
They were trying to give him more playing time in the last couple of months, during which he started some matches, such as the ones against Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. Providing this context it seems not surprising they signed him permanently, as they were clearly trying to integrate him into the team and boost his confidence and harmony with his teammates. This is something clubs will not do unless they want to sign the loanee. Remember Usami's situation at Hoffenheim when they did not have an interest In signing him permanently they stopped giving him playing time, despite the fact that Usami had a better impact with the team earlier that season compared to Endo at Union Berlin this season.
Won again. Its pretty amazing this team made it to the EL actually. Hope he gets a bigger part next season.
Haraguchi officially joined Union Berlin. He can provide a valuable company to Keita Endo, and help Keita to settle and adapt more. https://www.fc-union-berlin.de/en/u...nion-sign-Genki-Haraguchi-from-Hannover-676C/
Haraguchi assisted Union Berlin's opener in a crucial 2-0 win against Wolfsburg to see Union Berling climb to the 5th place in the league table.