Liverpool have announce the signing of Japanese international Takumi Minamino from Red Bull Salzburg.
The 24-year-old player will officially join the team on January 1 after he finalised personal terms and passed a medical on Wednesday.
According to LFC.com, Minamino is delighted to join a Premier League club like Liverpool.
“It has been a dream, my dream to become a Liverpool player and I’m so excited that the moment has come true.
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
“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 has faced Liverpool twice for Salzburg and scored once at Anfield in the Champions League group-stage encounters.
“From those games I learned this team has such a high level of technique and intensity,” he added.
Boss, @takumina0116 💫⚽ pic.twitter.com/DfLCCD3tC1
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 19, 2019
“Their football is of such a high level and I did feel that they were the champions of the Champions League. Feeling that, it makes me feel even happier that I can play in this team. I’m really happy to be part of that team.
“My target is to win the Premier League and the Champions League, and to make good contributions to the team.”
Overall, Minamino has played 199 games for Salzburg and scored 64 goals and earned 22 caps for Japan and scored 11 goals since making debut in 2015.
Minamino could line up for his first Liverpool appearance against Everton on Jan 6 for the FA Cup third round.