Red Bull Salzburg’s sporting director has confirmed that Liverpool are in talks to sign attacking midfielder Takumi Minamino.
According to the Times, Liverpool have accelerated their interest in the 24-year-old who has a release clause of just £7.2 million.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 02: Takumi Minamino of Salzburg celebrates after scoring their 2nd goal during the UEFA Champions League group E match between Liverpool FC and RB Salzburg at Anfield on October 2, 2019 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
The European champions are reportedly set to beat Manchester United to the Japan international who could move to Anfield during the January transfer window.
RB Salzburg’s sporting director Christoph Freund has added further fuel to the rumours linking Minamino to Merseyside after he revealed that the Austrian champions are in talks with Liverpool over the potential sale of their prized midfielder.
🗣️ Christoph #Freund zum aktuellen Gerücht um Takumi #Minamino: Ich kann bestätigen, dass es aktuell Gespräche mit Liverpool gibt. Es ist eine Ehre, welche Vereine sich für unsere Spieler interessieren.
— FC Red Bull Salzburg (@RedBullSalzburg) December 12, 2019
The comments were released on the club’s official social media channel which includes Freund stating: “I can confirm that there are currently discussions with Liverpool. It is an honour [such] clubs are interested in our players.”
GENK, BELGIUM – NOVEMBER 27: Takumi Minamino of RB Salzburg celebrates scoring his teams second goal of the game with team mate Andreas Ulmer during the UEFA Champions League group E match between KRC Genk and RB Salzburg at Luminus Arena on November 27, 2019 in Genk, Belgium. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
What RTK has to say
The news regarding Minamino could represent another shrewd piece of business orchestrated by FSG, and in particular, Liverpool’s sporting director Michael Edwards.
Not only would the Reds be getting a Champions League proven player for a cut-price, but Jurgen Klopp would have added a player he has personally scouted during their two bouts with RB Salzburg in the Champions League group stages.
Minamino has seven goals – including an Anfield strike in October – and nine assists for Salzburg this season. He has also made 22 appearances for his national side Japan – scoring 11 times during that period.
Rousing the Kop recently reported that the Reds should be monitoring the progress of the former Cerezo Osaka playmaker after netting at the home of the European champions.
With the absence of a creative spark since the £142 million departure of Philippe Coutinho back in January 2018. With a FIFA Club World Cup on the horizon and a Champions League last-16 position finally secured, Liverpool would certainly benefit from adding further ammunition to their already well-oiled armoury.