This archive report was first published on 12 December 2019.
With Liverpool running away with the Premier League title, the Reds are now focusing on strengthening their squad for the future. According to reports, Jurgen Klopp is eyeing Takumi Minamino, a talented forward from Red Bull Salzburg, who has caught the eye with his impressive performances in the Champions League.
Minamino's transfer interest is a perfect reflection of Klopp's plans for Liverpool, which have shifted from signing big-money players to scouting the market for the next best thing. The Reds' manager has identified Minamino as a potential target, and the Japanese star fits the bill for two reasons.
Firstly, Minamino's signing would help Liverpool expand their appeal in the Far East market, a key area of growth for the club. As revealed in recent court hearings, Liverpool won a case to leave kit sponsor New Balance for Nike, a move that highlights the club's ambition to break into new markets.
Secondly, Minamino is a class player who would bring a new dimension to Liverpool's attack. While Erling Haaland has been getting all the attention, Minamino has flown under the radar, but his skills are comparable to those of Roberto Firmino, a key player in Klopp's Gegenpressing system.
Minamino's ability to read the game differently and his versatility on either flank or as a loan striker make him an attractive option for Liverpool. His impressive assist record, with 11 assists in 22 games this season, is a testament to his skill and work-rate.
It's understood that senior stars at Liverpool have been impressed by Minamino's performances, and his name was on the lips of players following the Reds' 4-3 win over RB Salzburg. With Firmino's eventual decline in career, finding a replacement for him is crucial, and Minamino's signing would be a shrewd move by Klopp to plan for the future.
