Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has suggested that the arrival of Takumi Minamino at Anfield is imminent and admitted he would have liked the Japan international in the squad for the Club World Cup semi-final against Monterrey on Wednesday.
The 24-year-old midfielder was reportedly due to undergo a medical with the Reds on Wednesday ahead of a move in the January transfer market from Salzburg for a transfer fee of £7.25million.
During the FIFA Club World Cup semifinal, Klopp was forced to field Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino as substitutes on as the Premier League leaders searched for a winner against the Mexican side Monterrey, who were level at 1-1 in Doha heading into injury time in an intense game.
Brazilian forward Roberto Firmino then turned a cross from right back Trent Alexander-Arnold into the back of the net in the 91st minute to seal a 2-1 victory and confirmed a meet up with the Copa Liberatadores champions Flamengo in the final of the competition. But the German head coach has conceded having the Japanese international Minamino on a bench that included two goalkeepers would have been a big boost for the English side in a congestive festive period.
However, the 52-year-old Klopp was unwilling to say more with the transfer which could be moments away from being confirmed. In a conversation with reporters ahead of the final, the Liverpool boss hinted at the possible arrival of Minamino at Anfield, “I cannot speak about it, sorry. You are too early!”, he said
He further explained with a smile, “If he would come – it would have been good if we could bring him on. But he’s not yet our player so we have to wait for that, sorry.”
