Liverpool have completed the £7.25 million signing of RB Salzburg playmaker Takumi Minamino who will officially join the European champions on January 1 after passing a medical on Wednesday.
Minamino, 24, made 199 appearances for the Austrian champions – scoring 64 goals and registering 44 assists since his 2015 move from Cerezo Osaka.
The Japan international has made 22 appearances for his national team scoring 11 goals since making his debut four years ago.
Minamino speaking to Liverpoolfc.com said: “It has been a dream, my dream to become a Liverpool player. And I’m so excited that the moment has come true.
“To play in the Premier League was one of my targets. I think this is the top-class league in the world; I was thinking if my career as a footballer progressed smoothly, someday I would be able to play in the Premier League.
“But I never thought I would be able to play in this team and I’m really happy about it. I’m looking forward to it.”
Minamino gave the Reds a perfect audition after coming up against the European champions on two occasions this season in the Champions League. He scored at Anfield back in September during a 4-3 thriller against Jurgen Klopp’s side.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 18: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Takumi Minamino (left) is greeted by new team mate Fabinho on the day that he signs for Liverpool Football Club on December 18, 2019 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
What RTK has to say
The £7.25 million deal could prove to be one of the great bargains of the Jurgen Klopp era with the Reds finally adding some creative depth to their already-bolstered midfield.
Since the absence of Philippe Coutinho, Liverpool have lacked that extra attacking dimension from the midfield and Minamino can certainly fill that void.
Already with six assists in the Bundesliga this season, Minamino has proven he can showcase his talent on the biggest stage after an impressive inaugural Champions League campaign.
Liverpool’s ability to beat off competition from their European rivals showcases the gargantuan rise during the Klopp era and epitomises just how attractive the proposition of playing at Anfield has become.