Official: Takumi Minamino Completes £7.25M Move To Liverpool From RB Salzburg

If one is looking for an answer to the question, “What is the opposite of a ‘Transfer Saga?’” the quick and painless transfer of Takumi Minamino from RB Salzburg would be a strong candidate.

News broke, all at once, and from all the most reliable Liverpool sources, that the Reds were close to completing a move for Minamino. And yesterday, those same sources were back to report that he was at Melwood for his medical. Barring a significant medical problem, this seemed to be a matter of “when” not “if” from the very beginning.

Well, now it is official. The versatile Japanese attacking player has put pen to paper, becoming a rare winter signing for Jurgen Klopp. The last one was Virgil van Dijk. No pressure.

The 24-year-old had a cut-rate £7.25 million release clause, and the Reds reportedly beat several other top European sides, plus Manchester United, to his signature.

Minamino will wear number 18. The last two players to don that number were Alberto Moreno and Dirk Kuyt. I think I speak for most Liverpool supporters in saying that we hope he takes more after the latter than the former.

The transfer can be officially registered on January 1st, but he will be ineligible to play in England for the first 48 hours. Therefore his first opportunity to appear for Liverpool will be at Anfield against Everton. Just like Van Dijk. Who scored the winner that day. Again, no pressure.

Welcome to Liverpool, Takumi!