Takumi Minamino ready to agree Liverpool move – Report
If reports in the media are anything to go by then Liverpool are going to secure the signing of Takumi Minamino from RB Salzburg in the January transfer window.
According to Mirror Sport and The Telegraph, the Merseysiders have activated the player’s release clause of £7.25million and the Japanese international will be completing the transfer in the coming weeks pending a medical and agreement of personal terms.
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Mirror Sport claim that the Reds have beaten off competition from Manchester United, AC Milan and Borussia Monchengladbach to lure the 24-year-old winger. The British source claim the Asian star is honored that the Champions League winners want him and he is ready to sign for the Anfield club.
Minamino was impressive against us in both the CL fixtures. At Anfield, he was menacing, scored a stunning volley goal and provided a crucial assist to help his team bounce back from a three goal deficit. In the midweek contest, the former Osaka player troubled our back-line and created chances for Salzburg but we were able to keep a clean sheet.
This season, so far, the Austrian Bundesliga attacker, who can play on either flank, has started 20 games in all competitions and directly contributed in as many goals (9 goals and 11 assists). As far as his international career is concerned, he made his debut for Japan in 2015 and so far, in 17 starts, he has netted 11 goals and provided 3 assists (Transfermarkt).
Minamino took part in the Asia Cup earlier in the year and provided two assists in the semi final vs Iran. He found the net in the final but Qatar won the match 3-1 to lift the trophy. In the WC qualification fixtures, so far, the attacker has netted 5 goals in 4 appearances.
Recently, sporting director of RB Salzburg, Freund, heavily praised the winger and said (The Independent):
“He is an outstanding player with an outstanding personality. The big clubs have been watching him and if I was them, I’d have no hesitation to sign him. Takumi is ready to make the next step in January.”
We do have world class wingers to in the form of Salah and Mane in the offense. Moreover, the likes of Shaqiri and Origi (a natural forward mostly used as a winger this term) have recently shown that they can step up if needed.
Have your say – is Takumi Minamino good enough to improve the quality and depth of the Liverpool attack?