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.
