Jurgen Klopp was coy on the prospect of Takumi Minamino becoming a Liverpool player, despite widespread reports that a deal has been agreed to sign the Red Bull Salzburg midfielder ahead of the January transfer window.
The Japanese international is reported to have agreed a deal to sign with the Premier League leaders in the winter window, having starred for the Austrian champions in both fixtures against the Reds in this season’s Champions League group stage.
Speculation surfaced this week that the European champions have activated a £7.25m release clause in the 24-year-old’s contract, with the club’s strong relationship with Salzburg allowing them to beat off competition from the likes of Manchester United and AC Milan for the playmaker’s signature.
Despite the reports, Klopp remained tight lipped on whether Minamino would be arriving in the coming weeks, though he said the Salzburg star as a “very good player” following his performance against his side in the club’s midweek Champions League win at the Red Bull Arena.
“There’s nothing else to say about it actually. We speak about it like we do with all transfers, potential transfers, when it’s sorted and not earlier.
“Very good player, I can say that, but I saw a few very good players in the Salzburg team, to be honest, much more than I wanted – especially in the first half! So that’s it.”
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