Liverpool on verge of completing Takumi Minamino signing

The 24-year-old passed his physical examination on Wednesday, with the European champions expected to confirm his January transfer before the weekend

Melissa Reddy
Senior Football Correspondent
Wednesday 18 December 2019 17:07 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Liverpool are primed to officially announce the £7.25 million signing of Takumi Minamino from Red Bull Salzburg following the successful completion of the Japan international’s medical.

The Independent revealed last week that a deal in principle for the transfer was already agreed between the clubs, with negotiations having formally begun in November.

The 24-year-old was on Merseyside on Wednesday to undergo physical assessments and finalise the formalities of his switch to the European champions, which will be effective from 1 January.

Jurgen Klopp was quizzed about Minamino in the aftermath of Liverpool’s 2-1 Club World Cup semi-final victory over Monterrey in Doha, and his answer hinted that the process was close to completion.

“Is it official yet?” he asked the press officer, who replied in the negative.

“So, I cannot speak about it – sorry! You are too early.

“I would have felt really good today to be honest if we could have brought him on. He’s not yet our player so we have to wait for that.”

Liverpool are expected to confirm the deal before the weekend, with Minamino fitting Klopp’s mould of a technically gifted footballer with an exceptional work rate, a stellar attitude and the desire for further advancement.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in