Liverpool sign Manchester United target

 

Liverpool have announced the signing of Salzburg midfielder Takumi Minamino on a four-and-a-half-year deal running until the summer of 2023.

 

Jurgen Klopp's side have agreed a £7.5m deal for Minamino after triggering the 24-year-old's release clause.

 

Minamino, who was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United, will officially join Liverpool when the transfer window opens on January 1.

 

"It has been a dream, my dream to become Liverpool player. And I'm so excited that the moment has come true," he told the club's official website.

 

"To play in the Premier League was one of my targets. I think this is the top-class league in the world; I was thinking if my career as a footballer progressed smoothly, someday I would be able to play in the Premier League.

 

"But I never thought I would be able to play in this team and I'm really happy about it. I'm looking forward to it."

 

 

Minamino joins Naby Keita and Sadio Mane in joining Liverpool having previously played for Salzburg.

 

The Japan international has spent the last three years at Salzburg but will now bolster Liverpool's hopes of a European and Premier League double this season.

 

Minamino impressed during the Champions League group stage, in which he faced Liverpool twice. Of the five goals and assists he registered, two came against the Reds.