Liverpool have confirmed the signing of Japanese star Takumi Minamino from Red Bull Salzburg on a four and a half year deal worth £7.25m. The winger will join the Reds in the new year and wear the number 18.

The signing comes just nine days after the Reds knocked Salzburg out of the Champions League. It was Minamino, though, that put on the Austrian side’s most memorable display.

He scored the second goal en route to Salzburg’s remarkable but temporary 3-3 comeback at Anfield. Even Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp couldn’t help but smile after Minamino’s impressive finish.

“It was difficult to play against Salzburg full stop, but I thought he was their main man,” said Liverpool fullback on Takumi Minamino.

“He was the one, especially at Anfield, who caused us problems.

“When we went 3-0 up, he started to dictate the game,” added Robertson.

Where will the Japanese line up for Liverpool?

Minamino scored nine and notched 11 assists in just 22 appearances for Salzburg this season. Three of those assists came in Champions League play.

Minamino is a versatile forward that can play several attacking positions.

The 24-year-old’s dynamism makes him ideal for Klopp’s heavy metal football.

Minamino told the club website: “It has been a dream, my dream to become a Liverpool player. And I’m so excited that the moment has come true.

“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’s signature makes Jadon Sancho’s move to Liverpool less likely, especially this January as initially reported. Plus, a £7.25m release clause on Minamino was a massive bargain versus the £100m demanded for Sancho by Dortmund.

Like the RB Salzburg Reds before him — Naby Keita and — the new man Minamino be another gem in Klopp’s system.