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Takumi Minamino could be the first Japanese to sign for Liverpool

Reports circulating worldwide that Premier League leaders Liverpool will be signing Salzburg forward Takumi Minamino in January.

According to long-time Liverpool correspondent Melissa Reddy, Reds have agreed in principle with the Austrian champions to sign the Japanese who has only £7.25million release clause.

Christoph Freund, Salzburg sporting director, told that the 24-year-old is ready to accelerate his development at one of Europe’s elite clubs after five years of service.

“He is an outstanding player with an outstanding personality.

“The big clubs have been watching him and if I was them, I’d have no hesitation to sign him. Takumi is ready to make the next step in January.”

It was an incredible news, right after Liverpool beat Salzburg to progress to the knock out stages.

The 24-year-old as Paul Joyce of The Times reports, manager Jurgen Klopp has been a long-standing admirer of Minamino even before this season, and that Liverpool feel he could offer a major boost to their quest for silverware this campaign.

Minamimo predominantly playing on the right side for Salzburg this season, with nine goals and 11 assists in 22 appearances in all competitions.

He could be the perfect man to fill in for Sadio Mane or Mohamed Salah.

He will also be the third player from Salzburg to join Liverpool, after Sadio Mane and Naby Keita.