Liverpool win race for Salzburg’s Japan star
LIVERPOOL are poised to sign Takumi Minamino from RB Salzburg on January 1, beating Manchester United in the race to land the Japan star.
Minamino, 24, is an energetic, attacking midfielder who has a £7.25million release clause in his contract that will be triggered next month. Liverpool opened talks with Salzburg last month for a player who has been on their wanted list for two years.
Michael Edwards, Liverpool’s sporting director, was aware of Minamino’s release clause and took advantage for a player whose market value should be beyond £20m. No problems are expected before finalising a contract for Minamino, who will become the first Japanese player to represent Liverpool.
There had been interest in Minamino from Borussia Monchengladbach and AC Milan, but Christoph Freund, Salzburg’s sporting director, said: ‘There are currently discussions with Liverpool. It is an honour which clubs are interested in our players.’
Minamino caught the eye in Salzburg’s Champions League losses to Liverpool this season, particularly at Anfield in October when he scored in the 4-3 defeat. Some Liverpool players even spoke to Jurgen Klopp after the game to urge him to sign Minamino.
Liverpool were frugal during the summer transfer window, only adding prospects Sepp van den Berg and Harvey Elliott to the squad that won the Champions League. Klopp indicated two weeks ago that he would be prepared to move in January if the right player became available — and Minamino can expect to take a prominent role as Liverpool pursue trophies. Minamino will not be cup-tied for the Champions League after UEFA changed their rules for the knockout stage.