Liverpool confirm signing of RB Salzburg star for £7.25m
Liverpool have confirmed the signing of Red Bull Salzburg star Takumi Minamino for just £7.25million.
The Premier League leaders beat rivals Manchester United to the Japanese forward, who impressed during two Champions League meetings with the Reds this season.
‘It has been a dream, my dream to become a Liverpool player. And I’m so excited that the moment has come true,’ he told the club’s official website.
‘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, who will wear No 18 at Anfield, will officially join Liverpool when the transfer window opens on January 1.
He underwent a medical and signed his contract on Wednesday, and could make his debut for the club against Merseyside rivals in the third round of the FA Cup on January 5.
Speaking about his experiences playing against Jurgen Klopp’s side in Europe this term, Minamino added: ‘From those games I learned this team has such a high level of technique and intensity,’ he added.
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‘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.’