Liverpool has officially reached an agreement with Red Bull Salzburg over the transfer of Japanese national Takumi Minamino. The transfer fee is expected to be around €8.5 million.
The 24-year old winger will become part of Liverpool’s squad on January 1 after he passes the mandatory medical tests and finalizes his personal terms.
“It has been a dream, my dream to become a Liverpool player. And I’m so excited that the moment has come true,” Minamino told Liverpoolfc.com.
“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 played against Liverpool twice this season
The Japanese player already played against Liverpool twice this season in the Champions League. He even scored a goal at Anfield during the epic 4-3 between his current and new club.
“From those games, I learned this team has such a high level of technique and intensity,” Minamino said.
“Their football is of such a high level and I did feel that they were the champions of the Champions League. Feeling that, it makes me feel even happier that I can play in this team. I’m really happy to be part of that team. My target is to win the Premier League and the Champions League, and to make good contributions to the team.”
Takumi Minamino played for RB Salzburg since 2015 when he was transferred from Japanese side Cerezo Osaka. He recorded 199 games with 64 goals and 44 assists for the Austrian team. Minamino is also a Japanese national, having represented his country in 22 games, in which he scored 11 goals.
