Not many Liverpool fans would have heard of Takumi Minamino as he talked up a dream move to the Premier League exactly one year ago today.
Minamino, 24, had just helped Salzburg to a memorable 2-1 victory away to Celtic in the Europa League and was asked about the possibility of playing on British soil in the future.
The skillful Japanese winger, who clearly thrives on the biggest stage, posed a constant threat at Celtic Park and also found the net when the two sides met in Austria two months earlier.
Minamino made no secret of his ‘love’ for football on these shores and his unforgettable experience in Glasgow that night appeared to strengthen these ambitions.
Fast-forward 12 whirlwind months and Minamino is reportedly on the verge of becoming a Liverpool player.
‘I’d love to play there,’ he said when pressed on a potential switch to the Premier League after his impressive display at Celtic Park.
‘It’s one of the leagues that I’ve watched ever since I was a child and it’s the league where all the top players play.
‘The way Celtic played, the supporters, the stadium and the atmosphere was pretty similar to the Premier League.
‘It was such a good experience for me.’
Minamino’s meteoric rise has continued this season and shows no signs of slowing after two outstanding performances against Liverpool in the Champions League.
Widespread reports this week claim that Liverpool have been so impressed that they are ready to trigger the 24-year-old’s £7.25million release clause in January.
Manchester United have also registered a strong interest but it looks increasingly likely that Minamino will be plying his trade on Merseyside in the not-too-distant future.
After Salzburg’s thrilling 4-3 defeat at Anfield, he tweeted: ‘Almost five years since transferring overseas, I am glad that this is the best stage to test if I am growing up but I want to grow more.’
Jurgen Klopp refused to rule out a move for ‘very good player’ Minamino when directly asked about the Japan international at his Friday press conference.
Pressed for an update on the deal, Klopp responded: ‘There is nothing else to say about it actually.
‘We speak about it really in the moment like we do about all transfers, potential transfers and whatever, you know when it’s sorted. Not earlier. So there’s nothing really to say about it.
‘He’s a 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! Yeah, that’s it.’
Earlier this week, Salzburg sporting director Christoph Freund confirmed that Liverpool had held talks to sign Minamino.
‘I won’t comment on contract details. But it’s true there are talks with Liverpool,’ Freund said.
‘It’s an honour for our club that the current Champions League winners and other big clubs are looking at our players.’
Asked whether a move could happen this winter, Freund replied: ‘That could be possible.’
MORE: Christian Pulisic must score more goals to reach the next level, says Chelsea manager Frank Lampard
