Minamino excited in his performances against the Champions League winners.
Few weeks later, he has become their first January signing.
Liverpool restricted themselves from spending big in the summer transfer window of 2019 and instead signed young players with potential. Adrian joined as the only new first-team player, to act as back-up to Alisson. The Reds, however, have moved quickly in the winter window to seal a new signing. The current Premier League leaders have confirmed the signing of Japan international Takumi Minamino from RB Salzburg. The attacking midfielder agreed on personal terms and passed his medical after the Reds had reportedly agreed to pay his release clause.
“Liverpool Football Club can confirm an agreement has been reached with Red Bull Salzburg for the transfer of Takumi Minamino”, a club statement said. “The Japan international forward will officially become a Reds player on January 1 after he finalised personal terms and passed a medical on Merseyside on Wednesday.”
We can confirm an agreement has been reached with @redbullsalzburg for the transfer of Takumi Minamino ?
リヴァプールフットボールクラブは南野拓実選手の移籍についてレッドブル・ザルツブルクと合意に達したことを発表する pic.twitter.com/2yH2N0v3Y1
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 19, 2019
The Independent‘s earlier report suggested this signing was close to being finalized, with Minamino passing his Liverpool medical. There’s been lengthy speculation that the 24-year-old’s move to LFC was very much on the cards, with the Daily Mirror recently claiming he was likely to join on January 1st and make his debut against Everton in the FA Cup clash on January 5th.
“It has been a dream, my dream to become a Liverpool player. And I am 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 am really happy about it. I am looking forward to it”, said Minamino, who will wear the number eighteen for the Reds.
SEE ALSO:
- Why Virgil van Dijk missed Liverpool’s Club World Cup semifinal
- Milner wants trophy heaven at Liverpool
- Klopp relieved by Club World Cup win
