Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says he was really keen to sign Takumi Minamino because of his Champions League experience.
The Japan international is now a Red after the Premier League giants triggered his release clause as he cost them just £7.25m from Austria outfit Red Bull Salzburg.
Speaking after Minamino put pen to paper, Klopp revealed Minamino’s ability to impress in Europe’s big competition was a big consideration.
“Takumi is a very quick, very clever player, he finds space between the lines,” he said. “He is brave with the ball but also brave without the ball – a proper team player. He makes the best of himself for the benefit of others.
“His Champions League experience is a big bonus and coming from the club and organisation he does, we know he’ll be well coached, used to an elite environment and had all the right experiences.
“It is fantastic work by our football operations team in how they’ve handled this transfer. Michael Edwards and the team deserve a lot of credit.
“It’s not hard to see why Salzburg is a favoured destination for players with real talent and hunger.
“From our experiences dealing with, and facing, Salzburg on and off the pitch in recent months, their reputation as a benchmark modern European club will only grow.
“I’m sure all the Liverpool supporters will go out of their way to make Takumi feel at home in our amazing city and club.
“I am also pretty sure as of now we have added to our numbers of the LFC family in Japan specifically.
“For those who follow us now because we have one of the country’s most exciting talents, I say welcome – it’s a special club to be part of.”
