Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Nathan Ridley

Takumi Minamino reacts to Liverpool signing Luis Diaz in January transfer window

Takumi Minamino wants to fight for his place at Liverpool following the £50million signing of Luis Diaz.

Diaz's arrival from Porto prompted to speculation that the Reds would look to offload Minamino on deadline day but the 27-year-old is hoping to stay at Anfield past the 11pm deadline.

That is according to the Telegraph, who claim Minamino believes he can contribute to Jurgen Klopp 's team this season, despite the addition of another winger and only six starts to his name this season.

The report adds that the Japan international was the subject of enquiry from Leeds United earlier in the January window.

But Minamino is likely to remain on Merseyside, having signed from Red Bull Salzburg two years ago for just over £7m.

Join the debate! Can Minamino play a role for Liverpool this season? Let us know your thoughts below.

Minamino wants to stay at Liverpool (Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Getty Images)

With Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane away competing at the Africa Cup of Nations, Klopp has handed the ex-Salzburg star increased game-time and backed him to cover his teammates' absence.

After Minamino wrapped up their 3-0 win at home Brentford, the Liverpool manager said: "Scoring this really nice goal [was] absolutely helpful – for him and for us.

"Very important, Taki is in a good moment and that's why it was very helpful."

The Reds confirmed the signing of Diaz on Sunday, shelling out £50m on the Colombian who will directly compete with the Japanese.

After strengthening his squad, Klopp was delighted with the deal and told his club's website : "I could not be happier that we've been able to get this deal done and bring Luis to Liverpool.

"I have always been a believer in only signing players in January if you would want to sign them in the summer, and that's very much the case with Luis.

"He is an outstanding player and someone we've been tracking for a very long time.

"We believe he has everything needed to fit into our way and adapt to the Premier League, both physically and mentally. He is a player who is hungry for success and knows you have to fight to get what you want.

"He is a fighter, no doubt. He’s a skilful team player who has always the goal in mind."

The Reds boss added: "Luis is a player we believe will make us better now and in the future. He is the player we really wanted and they’ve made it happen, so I am very happy.

This team deserved to add quality and when we played against Luis earlier this season, we saw what a danger he is, how fast he is and how his mentality was to help his team.

"We know Porto is an outstanding club who nurture players in the best possible way and provide a brilliant football education. They are a class club and, I have to say, have been tough negotiators."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.