Impatient To See Takumi Minamino's Action At Anfield
JAKARTA - Liverpool completed the recruitment of Salzburg winger Takumi Minamino with a transfer value of £ 7.25 million. The Japan international will join the Reds in January.
Minamino, 24, passed the medical and finalized a personal agreement on Wednesday. He will become the first signing of the Reds in mid-season following the arrival of Virgil van Dijk from Southampton two years ago.
The Red's interest in Minamino emerged when they beat Salzburg in the Champions League last October. In a thrilling 4-3 home win, this Cerezo Osaka academy product was brilliant with scoring one goal.
"It is a dream, my dream to become a Liverpool player. And I am very excited that this has come true," Minamino told his new club's website.
"Playing in the Premier League is one of my targets. I think this is a top class league in the world. I think if my career as a footballer goes smoothly, one day I will 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 this. I'm looking forward to it."
Minamino was impressed by the "technique and intensity" he saw in the match against Jurgen Klopp's side and wants to step up the club's quest for further titles.
"Their football is at a high level and I can feel they are Champions of the Champions League," said the striker, who scored 42 goals and 20 assists in the Austrian Bundesliga.
"Feeling that, makes me feel happier that I can play in this team. I'm really happy to be part of this team.
"My target is to win the Premier League and Champions League, and to make a good contribution to the team."
Minamino is able to fill several roles in attack. The other good news is, he is eligible to play in the Champions League this year, after UEFA changed the rules.
Minamino will be wearing the No. 18 for the Reds, the number last used by Alberto Moreno before his departure for Villareal in the summer. He will arrive on January 1, with a possible FA Cup debut against Everton four days later.