Liverpool are reportedly close to signing Takumi Minamino from RB Salzburg in a deal covered by Ryan Kent.
The BBC, along with various other outlets, report that Liverpool will meet Minamino’s £7.25m release clause. The player, who we saw as a potential signing for the Reds back in October, would join in January once the window opens.
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And Minamino really looks like a quality player. He’s versatile, has a brilliant touch, can get about the pitch – in all, he seems perfect for Liverpool.
He even fits into the tactics and could make Liverpool more flexible. Considering all that, £7.25m seems like an absolute steal.
Making things look even better is the fact that, as the Telegraph points out, it’s the same amount Ryan Kent left to Rangers for.
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That’s quite spectacular, honestly. Minamino would undoubtedly fit into the first-team in a way Kent never did, meaning the Reds are effectively swapping a youth-prospect for a first-team player.
That’s something absolutely everyone would have been on board with in the summer. Even those championing Kent.
No one ever doubts that Liverpool are doing good business these days. This one, however, would really be top class. It also shows the advantage of patience.
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Liverpool could easily have looked for an immediate replacement or something to do with the money. Instead, it appears they’ve waited until the perfect moment to sign the right player.
That decision deserves heaps of praise – praise that will only grow if Minamino proves to be a success.