Transfer News

Manchester United are reportedly ready to cash in on both Nemanja Matic and Marcos Rojo in the upcoming January transfer window, with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said to be keen to rebuild the squad. 

The veteran duo have fallen out of favour this season, and the Red Devils do not see a future for either at Old Trafford, according to The Times (h/t Jeorge Bird of the MailOnline).

Matic is out of contract at the end of the campaign and as a result the Serb is free to talk to overseas clubs in the new year with a view to agreeing a pre-contract ahead of a summer transfer.

However, United are said to be ready to sell the 31-year-old in the upcoming window so they can obtain a fee for him.

It's been reported by Gianluca Di Marizo of Sky Sport Italia (h/t Football Espana) that Atletico Madrid are leading the race to sign the midfielder in the mid-season market.

Rojo has consistently suffered with injuries in recent years, and the Argentina international is currently well down the list of preferred centre-backs at United, particularly following the acquisition of Harry Maguire for a world-record fee for a centre-back in the summer.

Both players have found minutes difficult to come by this season, with Solskjaer opting to put his faith in younger players. Even with Paul Pogba out injured for long spells of the campaign, Matic's last start in the Premier League came in the 2-0 loss to West Ham United in September; he's only made two top-flight starts all term.

After Matic was in the XI for the recent UEFA Europa League clash with AZ Alkmaar, Squawka Football noted it had been a long time coming for the midfielder:

Nemanja Matić makes his first appearance across all competitions for Man Utd in 70 days. https://t.co/BUQLaN7FWV

— Squawka (@Squawka) December 12, 2019

Per Simon Stone of BBC Sport, Solskjaer played down some social media activity from Matic earlier in the season that suggested he's open to making a January transfer:

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer asked about Matic liking a social media post linking him with a move to Spurs. "Jose coming back it's gonna be a spectacle and a circus and Nemanja has a sense of humour."

— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) November 22, 2019

Rojo was strongly linked with a transfer in the summer, with Everton reported to have made a late move for him in the summer window; the Toffees are said to have not matched United's valuation, though.

It's no surprise Solskjaer has opted to move on from the former Sporting Lisbon star, as the 29-year-old has developed a reputation for being a rash tackler and is too injury prone to be depended on throughout the course of an entire campaign.

If the players do move on, it'll be intriguing to see if United opt to bring in replacements. The team would benefit from some fresh faces, as they sit down in ninth place in the Premier League table after their 2-0 loss to bottom club Watford on Sunday.

Chelsea will reportedly have the chance to sign Real Madrid midfielder Isco during the January transfer window, which could open space for Los Blancos to sign Tottenham Hotspur star Christian Eriksen. 

Eriksen, 27, is out of contract at the end of this season and has long been rumoured as a target for Real, who are willing to sell Isco for £44 million this winter, per the Mirror's Tony Banks.

Isco, also 27, was previously shunned by Real manager Zinedine Zidane but has fought his way back into the first-team plans this season, starting in three of the club's last five league games.

The Spain international is yet to have a direct involvement in front of goal after 13 appearances across all competitions this season and could be deemed surplus to requirements.

However, Real Madrid blogger Lucas Navarrete illustrated how statistics can often be misleading, touting Isco as a key player after Wednesday's 0-0 stalemate in the first Clasico of the campaign:

All the 13 players involved in this #ElClasico for Madrid deserve credit but I will highlight two.

If Isco keeps playing like this he will be very, very useful this season.

Magisterial effort from Casemiro.

— Lucas Navarrete (@LucasNavarreteM) December 18, 2019

Tom Morgan, Ben Rumsby and Matt Law of the Telegraph reported in early December that Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has £150 million to spend in January after the club had its transfer ban reduced.

The west Londoners were prevented from registering new players over the summer as part of their punishment for signing under-age players.

Real have been linked with Eriksen for several transfer windows and could finally complete the switch in 2020. Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has encouraged clubs to move for the player after he told the Evening Standard's James Olley: "We are honestly not scared to trade with our rivals."

The Dane hasn't started for Spurs in the Premier League since they drew 1-1 with Everton on November 3, and the Standard's Dan Kilpatrick bemoaned his drop in standards during that outing:

.@Dan_KP 🗣️"Christian Eriksen is not alone in being below par but, for a player who wants to join Real Madrid, his performance has been particularly abject. The Dane's passing accuracy is a dismal 73% (Alli and Son are both on 83%)."#EVETOT LIVE 👇https://t.co/HUD3wnYEnu pic.twitter.com/CqWYZr39D4

— Standard Sport (@standardsport) November 3, 2019

Jose Mourinho has started Eriksen on the bench in each of his six Premier League games since taking charge, though Banks added the manager wants the player to stay at the club.

The playmaker's expiring contract leaves Tottenham at risk of losing their asset for nothing in the summer, but Chelsea could help their London rivals secure a fee if they sign Isco.

Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho is also mentioned as one of those targets attracting Chelsea's gaze ahead of January, though the Germans are against selling their England international, per Goal's Ronan Murphy:

Borussia Dortmund will not sell Jadon Sancho in January, despite rumours in English media he could move to Chelsea, according to Bild. #BVB #CFC

— Ronan Murphy (@swearimnotpaul) December 23, 2019

The Blues could face competition from Manchester City in their bid to land Isco, with the Citizens having also been closely linked with the player in past transfer windows.

Tottenham lost 2-0 at home to Chelsea on Sunday and will open the Boxing Day schedule at home to Brighton & Hove Albion, while the Blues will host Southampton at Stamford Bridge.

Paris Saint-Germain striker Edinson Cavani has reportedly agreed to join Atletico Madrid on a three-year contract in 2020, with the Spanish club eager to land their target during the January transfer window. 

Cavani, 32, is poised to leave PSG on a free transfer when his contract expires in June, and Los Rojiblancos have succeeded in convincing the player to join their cause, per GianlucaDiMarzio.com:

Edinson Cavani, whose PSG contract is up at the end of the season, has agreed a three-year deal at Atletico Madrid, reports @DiMarzio pic.twitter.com/xlpXImpvCk

— B/R Football (@brfootball) December 23, 2019

The Uruguay international has had to contend with several injuries and illness this season, but the added competition from loanee Mauro Icardi has further restricted his playing time in Thomas Tuchel's plans.

Cavani has made just 10 appearances in all competitions this season and started in only four of those. He's scored three times but hasn't netted from open play since PSG lost 2-1 to Rennes on August 18.

French football writer Jeremy Smith noted's Cavani's preferred moving date in the negotiations, although Atleti are understood to be working for a January transfer:

Reports from @DiMarzio that Edinson Cavani and Atletico have reached an agreement on a three- year deal, starting next summer.
Atletico would like to sign him as soon as this January, but neither PSG nor Cavani are keen. https://t.co/mIFom7AMb3

— Jeremy Smith (@jeremysmith98) December 23, 2019

Diego Costa—who will soon enter the final 18 months of his deal at the Wanda Metropolitano—was sidelined for three months after he suffered a slipped disc in mid-November.

It was confirmed in July that Los Rojiblancos will sign striker Alvaro Morata on permanent terms from Chelsea next summer, but the former Real target man isn't regarded as a lethal finisher of Cavani's standard.

The frontman joined Les Parisiens from Napoli in 2013 and has established his place as the club's all-time top scorer (his tally has since risen to 196 goals):

Kylian Mbappe enters PSG’s top 10 scorers of all time.

He’s only 20 🤯 pic.twitter.com/t7YNuy05dy

— B/R Football (@brfootball) December 5, 2019

Moises Llorens and Julien Laurens of ESPN FC wrote in early December that Atletico wanted their man this winter, adding he'd be expected to take a wage cut in order to join the club.

Cavani is due to turn 33 in February, but the forward's characteristics mean his output may not suffer as some might expect, not to mention he seems like a smart fit to eventually succeed Costa.

Manager Diego Simeone is said to be a particularly big fan of his fellow South American, who could finally move to La Liga for the first time in his career despite longstanding links with the division.

Atletico could offer Cavani the opportunity to launch a midseason comeback following his stint out of favour at PSG, and it now seems only a matter of time until he joins Simeone's ranks.

Nemanja Matic has praised Antonio Conte after the Manchester United midfielder was reportedly linked with a move to Inter Milan. 

Speaking to Italian outlet Tuttosport (h/t Dominic Booth of the Manchester Evening News), Matic said his former Chelsea boss is one of the greatest managers on the planet and he expects him to be a huge success at the San Siro.

"He is crazy about football. He works 24 hours a day, analyses their players and opponents to the fullest. Tactically he is certainly one of the best in the world.

"At the physical level he makes his team run at the same levels for 95 minutes. A professional, one of the best in the world. "I'm sure he'll make it at Inter. He deserves it."

Matic joined United after being lured by former Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho in 2017, but the arrival of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 12 months ago has seen the Red Devils play a more counter-attacking style. The progression of Scott McTominay has contributed towards Matic falling down the pecking order, and the 31-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season.

Mike McGrath of the Telegraph reported United can trigger an additional year as an option in Matic's deal, but a bid from Inter in January could see them sell the player to Conte. The former Juventus manager already has recruited Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez from Old Trafford, and could now add a third Red Devil to his team.

The emerging form of Fred this season has given Solskjaer a fresh central midfield option after a slow start at United for the Brazilian.

Paul Pogba is also close to full fitness, and Matic could struggle to make the bench once everyone is fit.

Matic was perfect for Mourinho's defensive tactics during the Portuguese's United tenure, repeating the screening midfield role he occupied at Stamford Bridge. However, with United now favouring a transitional style, and with McTominay an all-action presence in the centre, Matic is unsuitable for the starting XI.

A move to Italy could suit the player, and the slower pace of Serie A would give Matic additional time on the ball. Inter have struggled with injuries in midfield this season, and Conte is fully aware of the experience and positives the Serb brings with him.

Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde doesn't expect his squad to change during the January transfer window, amid rumours regarding Arturo Vidal and Jean-Clair Todibo. 

Per Goal's Liam Blackburn, both have been linked with a mid-season exit, but Valverde doesn't think it will happen: "I'm really happy with the players I've got. I don't expect any modifications."

Per Sport, Manchester United have joined the queue of clubs interested in Todibo, a list that also includes Bayer Leverkusen, AC Milan, Everton and Southampton:

Man United join list of Todibo suitors https://t.co/D2bIemcjax

— SPORT English (@Sport_EN) December 20, 2019

Speculation regarding Vidal went into overdrive after he failed to make the starting XI for the Clasico match against Real Madrid, something he reportedly did not take well:

Arturo Vidal stormed out of Barcelona training on Tuesday after learning he would not start against Real Madrid, sources have told ESPN.

Several players tried to comfort Vidal, but he could not be calmed down. pic.twitter.com/088khmqwMM

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 18, 2019

Todibo, in particular, seemed likely to be on the move in January. The 19-year-old has barely seen the pitch this season, flashing his tremendous talent in the Champions League win over Inter Milan and appearing in two more La Liga matches.

He's a tremendous prospect stuck behind Clement Lenglet and Gerard Pique in the pecking order, and he needs playing time to develop. A loan move or a transfer with a buyback clause could be a solution, but that would leave the Catalans short on depth at the centre-back position.

Vidal has played a bigger role this season, but the bulk of his appearances have come off the bench. He's made three starts in La Liga so far, as well as two in the Champions League, and was another standout against Inter.

Frenkie de Jong, Sergio Busquets and Arthur have been the preferred midfield starters when healthy, and Ivan Rakitic has also seen more playing time than the Chilean. Vidal appears more expendable than Todibo, with youngsters Carles Alena and Riqui Puig adding depth to the squad.

Valverde also touched on the 0-0 draw against Real and subsequent controversy, which saw Los Blancos complain of injustice in the officiating. The coach opted not to get involved:

"People will always be talking after Clasicos; this was one where we had a two-month build up to it and the post-Clasico debates will always be intense.

"Some people play football on the pitch, some are in the press room, we've all got to eat! That's what our jobs are.

"I really don't like getting involved in these discussions, there's nothing to be gained. Controversies are always going to be part of football."

Per Goal's Matt Dorman, Real released an official statement after the match, complaining about being denied two penalties. Barcelona also expressed their frustration with the VAR after the 2-2 draw against Real Sociedad.

Agent Mino Raiola has said his client Paul Pogba wants to stay at Manchester United amid speculation regarding a possible transfer.

David McDonnell of the Daily Mirror reported that key figures in the club's hierarchy believe the France international has played his last game for the Red Devils. Pogba has been sidelined with injury since September.

Real Madrid were linked with a move for Pogba in the summer. Raiola told Jason Burt of the Daily Telegraph  there was interest from the Spanish giants, but he also noted Pogba is happy to stay at Old Trafford:

"Paul wants to be successful and happy and wants to win prizes, and he would love to do that with Manchester United. OK, there was big interest from Real Madrid and Manchester didn't let him go. We didn't make a fuss about it, and he didn't make a fuss about it because I work in accordance with the player.

"You know other players can bring things to extreme, but Paul doesn't like that. So you work differently. There was an interest from Real Madrid but they (United) didn't let him go and I'm sorry because I think that Paul being French then (Zinedine) Zidane is an important factor in French football history."

Raiola then went on to defend the character of Pogba: "He is working every day and doing his best. He's not complaining there is no Champions League. Is he perfect? Nobody is."

United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was asked about the speculation on Friday and dismissed any suggestion that Pogba would be on the move midseason:

"We know we have one of the best players in the world"

Ole Gunnar Solskjær rules out selling Paul Pogba in January

Full story: https://t.co/iEwlRwrH4a pic.twitter.com/D4QlyJLAmv

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 20, 2019

Despite the talk regarding his future, Simon Peach of the Press Association noted that Pogba appears to be in good spirits still:

Pogba just came back through the #MUFC press room "Me again!" he said with a smile before making a swift exit. Still no interview...

— Simon Peach (@SimonPeach) December 20, 2019

Rumours about Pogba's future were relentless during the summer months, with Real Madrid continually linked with the midfielder.

Los Blancos parted with huge money to revamp their squad ahead of the campaign, with the likes of Eden Hazard, Luka Jovic, Rodrygo Goes and Ferland Mendy moving to the club. United held firm amid interest in Pogba, though.

He continues to divide opinion among supporters, but the 26-year-old brings something to the United midfield that no other player in the squad can.

WhoScored.com summed up how influential he is on the team at the start of the campaign:

Manchester United with and without Paul Pogba starting since the 2016/17 Premier League season

For more player stats -- https://t.co/gFISfJs13S pic.twitter.com/yy1AONBFzD

— WhoScored (@WhoScored) August 4, 2019

It's understandable that Solskjaer will not entertain any idea of a sale in the January window, as the Red Devils are set to have a busy 2020. 

They are into the Carabao Cup semi-finals and the knockout stages of the UEFA Europa League; they also have the FA Cup to play for, as well as a spot in the Premier League's top four. When Pogba returns to fitness, he'll be a big boost to their hopes of success in all of those competitions.  

Some Manchester United officials and players reportedly believe Paul Pogba has played his last game for the club, with rumours circulating that the midfielder is eyeing the Old Trafford exit in January.

Pogba's last appearance for the Red Devils was in a 1-1 draw against Arsenal on September 30, and the Mirror's David McDonnell wrote he may not return before attempting a January departure.

However, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer rejected any suggestion of a winter transfer when he addressed the media on Friday, per Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News:

Solskjaer also promises Paul Pogba will not be sold in January. No guarantee he will play before the end of the year, though. #mufc

— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) December 20, 2019

An ankle injury has kept the £89 million signing sidelined for almost three months, but McDonnell said suspicions were raised after a "mystery illness" delayed his return to training.

Solskjaer told reporters Pogba was now back in full training, suggesting he could be on the verge of a long-awaited return, per broadcaster Bill Rice:

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says Paul Pogba is training back with the team.

Not ready to play this weekend though, says squad similar to last few weeks.#MUFC

— ᗷIᒪᒪ ᖇIᑕᕮ 🎙📻 (@billrice23) December 20, 2019

The 26-year-old has been linked with Zinedine Zidane's Real Madrid in recent transfer windows, with Pogba's United contract set to expire in June 2021 (with the option of an additional year).

Zidane has been candid regarding his admiration of his French compatriot in the past, and he told reporters in March that there are "few players who bring as much as he does." Those comments came a little more than one week after Pogba appeared at a press conference and described Real as a "dream club." 

The 2018 FIFA World Cup winner later stoked speculation of an exit again in June when he said he felt it could "be a good time for a new challenge," via the Guardian:

Paul Pogba alerts Real Madrid with talk of ‘time to have a new challenge’ https://t.co/YUNiXZWnPJ pic.twitter.com/hvXla0CyhM

— Guardian sport (@guardian_sport) June 17, 2019

Pogba first joined United from Le Havre in July 2009, aged 16, but he left the club for free to join Juventus three years later. He rejoined the Manchester giants in 2016 for a club-record fee but has failed to lift United back to their former position of power in European football.

The Red Devils are sixth in the Premier League and enjoying a six-match unbeaten run, having defeated Colchester United 3-0 on Wednesday to set up a Carabao Cup semi-final opposite Manchester City:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brHXKFnW1eU

McDonnell wrote Solskjaer was "unable to confirm when the midfielder will play again," though it looks unlikely he'll have any part in Sunday's Premier League visit to Watford.  

They host Newcastle United on Boxing Day before visiting Burnley on December 28 in their final fixture of 2019, after which the opening of the January transfer window adds a hint of uncertainty to Pogba's fate.

Red Bull Salzburg's Erling Haaland and his representatives have reportedly flown to England to hold talks with Manchester United with a view to a possible transfer.

According to Aftenbladet (h/t Naveen Ullal of Sport Witness), the Norwegian forward travelled to Manchester from his homeland on Friday. Haaland's father, former Leeds United player Alf Inge, is said to be part of the party.

Oliver Kay of The Athletic relayed the report, which suggests a move to the Red Devils may be moving closer to a deal for the 19-year-old:

Erling Haaland and his dad on their way to Manchester for talks with #MUFC https://t.co/N9HjvrUBVP

— Oliver Kay (@OliverKay) December 20, 2019

"United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is managed by agent Jim Solbakken, and the latter also travelled with Haaland to England," Ullal said. "It's claimed Solbakken is involved in helping United sign the player."

Speaking at his press conference on Friday, Solskjaer played down the speculation that Haaland was on his way to Manchester:

Solskjaer claims Haaland is on a Christmas holiday, rather than signing for United.
Why is he coming to Manchester airport then?
“You can’t fly anywhere from Stavanger” #mufc

— James Robson (@jamesalanrobson) December 20, 2019

The Evening Standard did its own investigating into the speculation, tracking a flight from Sola: 

It's not even January 1 and we are already tracking flights.

The 9.45am flight from Sola to Manchester reportedly has Erling Haaland and father on board.

Latest: https://t.co/jqyxkTcvS2 pic.twitter.com/XcC5rHRJtf

— Standard Sport (@standardsport) December 20, 2019

Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News and former Norway forward Jan Aage Fjortoft provided further updates:

Last seen in Copenhagen. And Local paper who had the original “sighting” now says he is going for a holiday

— Jan Aage Fjørtoft 🇳🇴 (@JanAageFjortoft) December 20, 2019

Haaland is considered one of the most exciting prospects in European football, and as a result, he has been linked with some huge clubs. In addition to the Red Devils, it's been confirmed that Bundesliga sides RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund have already held talks with the Norway international.

Following United's win over Colchester United in the Carabao Cup quarter-final on Wednesday, Solskjaer said the teenager is a player he admires, per Fjortoft:

feelings? What did you mean by that?

Solskjær then talked about “how important it is to do that”....and so on.

Conclusion: Of course Ole wants Haaland. Ole has been vital for his career. Don’t think he is sure he will get him.

Having said that: Sure Solskjær could have

— Jan Aage Fjørtoft 🇳🇴 (@JanAageFjortoft) December 18, 2019

Given Salzburg have finished their domestic action for the winter break, it shouldn't be a shock that transfer speculation is beginning to ramp up. It was announced on Thursday that Liverpool have concluded a deal for midfielder Takumi Minamino.

But in an impressive Salzburg outfit, it's Haaland who has generated the most buzz, with his ruthless finishing at the point of the attack giving them an edge in the UEFA Champions League this season. As Squawka Football highlighted, his goalscoring record in Europe is remarkable:

Erling Håland has failed to score in a Champions League game for the first time in his career.

⚽️⚽️⚽️ vs. Genk
⚽️ vs. Liverpool
⚽️⚽️ vs. Napoli
⚽️ vs. Napoli
⚽️ vs. Genk
✖️ vs. Liverpool

EIGHT goals in your first six isn't bad, though. 😉 pic.twitter.com/AZv7OedTTd

— Squawka (@Squawka) December 10, 2019

Whichever club lands Haaland will believe they have secured a major coup because of the Norwegian's sky-high potential. This season, he's showcased an increased maturity and improvements in his all-round game. The manner in which he's been able to handle the spotlight of the Champions League has been impressive, too, with Haaland's temperament only likely to intensify interest in him.

United sold Romelu Lukaku in the summer and didn't draft in a natural centre-forward to fill the void in the squad. Haaland would represent an excellent long-term replacement.

The agent for Parma forward Dejan Kulusevski has said the youngster is attracting interest from a number of Premier League clubs.

The 19-year-old has enjoyed a strong 2019-20 campaign, cementing his place in the Parma side and excelling against some of the best defenders in Serie A.

Naturally, speculation has started to ramp up regarding a possible transfer, with Manchester United among those linked. The player's representative Stefano Sam told Radio Punto Nuovo (h/t Calciomercato, via Joe Bray of the Manchester Evening News) the on-loan Atalanta man is attracting interest:

"The boy's dream is to play in a great team, but it's everyone's dream.

"What Dejan wants is a great leap, reasoned and studied, putting all the parties together. 

"Manchester United on Kulusevski? He is followed by several Premier League clubs; he could have left this summer, too.

"He is doing very well now, we decided to take this route at Parma, and the boy was very intelligent from a sporting point of view.

"There were so many great offers this summer; we went to Parma because to get to the big ones you have to do the right path."

On Saturday, the Sweden international produced his best performance of the season, helping his side earn a memorable 2-1 win over Napoli at the San Paolo:

Per Statman Dave, not only was Kulusevski involved in both goals on the day, he was a constant threat to the Napoli defence throughout the contest:

Dejan Kulusevski’s game by numbers vs. Napoli:

92% pass accuracy
3 chances created
3 ball recoveries
2 successful take-ons
1 tackle won
1 assist
1 goal

Directly involved in both goals. ⚽️🅰️ pic.twitter.com/FHGkhjDEmt

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) December 14, 2019

Given the nature of his performances, it's not a shock that a number of clubs are keen on the Parma star. According to Gianluca Di Marzio (h/t Football Italia), Inter Milan have already held talks with Atalanta over a possible €35 million (£30 million) switch in the summer.

The youngster is benefitting from regular game time. Operating on the right flank, he's free to influence the game in the final third, and as evidenced by his performance against Napoli, the teenager can be a huge threat on the counter-attack, too.

What's stood out about the Swede in the early stages of his career is his composed decision-making.

As Squawka Football relayed, the winger has been one of the most creative players in Serie A this term:

Only Luis Alberto (11) has provided more assists in Serie A this season than 19-year-old Dejan Kulusevski.

And he's scored four goals. 🇸🇪 pic.twitter.com/3xy8ZKAX7l

— Squawka (@Squawka) December 14, 2019

For Kulusevski, it's clear just how much he's benefitted from getting regular minutes this season, and that's something he will need to consider before making a call on any transfer at the end of the campaign.

Atalanta have progressed into the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League this term and will surely have ambitions of keeping the prospect when he returns from loan. However, with so much buzz around the tyro, big-money offers feel inevitable.  

Liverpool defender Andy Robertson has said he expects Takumi Minamino to be a "fantastic" player for the football club. 

The Reds confirmed on Thursday they have struck an agreement with Red Bull Salzburg for the player and that he'll join the squad when the transfer window opens on January 1.

Speaking to Ian Doyle of the Liverpool Echo, Robertson said he expects the 24-year-old to make a big impact at Anfield, having been impressed with the player's performances in the UEFA Champions League against Liverpool:

"It was difficult to play against Salzburg full stop, but I thought he was their main man. He was the one, especially at Anfield, who caused us problems. When we went 3-0 up, he started to dictate the game. He started to run at us a wee bit and he got a goal and an assist.

"That might be why the gaffer started looking at him and thinking 'who is this player?' In the two games we played against them, he was great. Other than that, I hadn't really seen him play. He will be a welcome addition for us and I'm sure he will be a fantastic player."

The Reds shared the following clip of Minamino from the match at Anfield; Salzburg recovered from three goals down to level the game at 3-3, only to eventually lose 4-3:

Boss, @takumina0116 💫⚽ pic.twitter.com/DfLCCD3tC1

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 19, 2019

Per BBC Sport, Liverpool will only shell out £7.25 million for the Japan international, who has signed a four-and-a-half-year contract with the Premier League leaders.

For Liverpool, the deal is a low-risk one. Not only is the fee paid for the player a paltry one in the current market, but Minamino will also be coming into a squad that is performing to an exceptional standard.

The Reds are currently 10 points clear at the top of the Premier League table and their 2-0 win at Salzburg in their previous Champions League outing ensured they progressed to the knockout stages of the competition.

Minamino will be hoping of making an impact as the team chases these trophies. Per BR Football, in the past the Reds have made a number of January acquisitions that have gone on to be huge successes:

Minamino out to join the January hall of fame at Liverpool 💪 pic.twitter.com/30iC3CGcNY

— B/R Football (@brfootball) December 19, 2019

Manager Jurgen Klopp praised the player and the work done by the club to get the transfer over the line:

Jürgen Klopp is a big fan of Takumi Minamino... and Michael Edwards.

Quotes via @LFC. pic.twitter.com/aU9psDJCBS

— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) December 19, 2019

With Liverpool in the hunt for the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup, Klopp will need to rotate his squad smartly for the remainder of the campaign. Minamino, who is technically excellent, hard-working and versatile, will be a major help with that in mind.

The player may take some time to adapt to English football, but he's shown the talent and temperament needed to thrive in the Champions League. With the right guidance from Klopp, the Japan star may represent a major bargain for the Merseyside outfit.