Liverpool have announced the signing of Red Bull Salzburg playmaker Takumi Minamino.
The Japan international arrives for a bargain £7.25million after his release fee was activated last week, and he will officially become a Liverpool player on January 1.
Here, the PA news agency takes a look at the latest new face at Anfield.
Early signs
We can confirm an agreement has been reached with @redbullsalzburg for the transfer of Takumi Minamino 🙌 リヴァプールフットボールクラブは南野拓実選手の移籍についてレッドブル・ザルツブルクと合意に達したことを発表する pic.twitter.com/2yH2N0v3Y1 — Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 19, 2019
Minamino was the top scorer in the Asian Football Confederation under-16 Championship in 2010. He was named J.League Rookie of the Year in 2013 following an outstanding debut season.
Esteemed company
Minamino began his pro career in Japan with Cerezo Osaka, where he played alongside former Manchester United and Atletico Madrid forward Diego Forlan. He scored a screamer in a friendly against Manchester United aged 18. However, he left for Salzburg in 2015, shortly before his 20th birthday, after Cerezo were relegated.
Numbers game
The 24-year-old has scored nine goals and provided an impressive 11 assists in 22 appearances for the Austrian side this season. He played in both Champions League group games against Liverpool and found the net in the 4-3 defeat at Anfield in October. Minamino won the title four times with Salzburg.
National service
Minamino has scored 11 goals in 22 appearances for Japan. He started six of their seven games at the 2019 Asian Cup, and netted in the final as they finished runners-up. He also represented his country at the 2016 Olympics, playing three games and scoring against Nigeria.
Talking the talk
Boss, @takumina0116 💫⚽ pic.twitter.com/DfLCCD3tC1 — Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 19, 2019
Minamino will have no problem understanding Reds boss Jurgen Klopp's instructions as he can speak German. His new team-mates will take to him too if his description on the Salzburg website, "reliable, hardworking, immaculately disciplined, modest, shy and likeable," is anything to go by.
