It seems that Takumi Minamino is all but confirmed as a Liverpool player.

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The Japan international impressed against the Reds for RB Salzburg – he managed three key passes and two dribbles during their Champions League match last week – and within hours of that display, there was talk he was a target for the Anfield outfit. Since then, the Austrian side’s sporting director has confirmed that they are in talks with the English side over a potential transfer, with a fee of £7.25m said to have been agreed – that would match his release clause.

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The 24-year-old is having a fantastic season, with him amassing nine goals and 11 assists in 21 matches so far. However, a move to the Premier League would represent a huge step up in quality, and it would be interesting to see where he would fit into Jurgen Klopp’s starting XI.

Would he be a good signing for Liverpool? We asked four Football FanCast writers for their verdicts.

Vijievan Jeevathayalan

“After facing RB Salzburg in the Champions League group stages this season, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp had a first-hand look at the incredible impact Takumi Minamino could have on the side. The Japan international scored one and made one in the clash at Anfield, and his versatility is the biggest USP of the 24-year-old.

“This campaign has already seen him play on the left and right wings, as a number ten, and even at centre-forward. He’s a jack of all trades, and would give the Merseyside club a valuable squad option.

“Whether he can displace the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane or Roberto Firmino is up for debate. But at a reported £7.25m, he is very much a shrewd piece of business.”

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Domagoj Kostanjsak

“I feel like the transfer of Takumi Minamino is an absolute steal in today’s market. For a reported fee of £7.25m, Jurgen Klopp is getting a beast who can both score and create goals. At the age of 24, he still has many years in front of him and has arguably not even reached his peak just yet. With the German’s pedigree when it comes to recognising and developing talent, I’d say this is a no-brainer for the Reds.”

Matt Dawson

“At just £7.25m, Liverpool will commit daylight robbery if this deal goes through. In the current transfer climate, this is a remarkable deal, especially for a player who possesses such clear potential. The 24-year-old has been a breath of fresh air in the Champions League and will give Liverpool a more dynamic rotation option on the flanks than they possess in players like Adam Lallana and Xherdan Shaqiri.

“His tally of five goal contributions in Europe is mightily impressive, as are the nine goals and 11 assists he’s amassed in all competitions. Liverpool would be making a smart addition for little money while greatly improving the depth of their squad at the same time – it’ll be a brilliant piece of business if it does go through.

“At the same time, however, it could spell the end for a number of players on Merseyside, not least the aforementioned Lallana, but also Harry Wilson who is now at Bournemouth on loan. That should be the least of their concerns when tying up this deal, though.”

James Beavis

“This time last year not many people would have even heard of Takumi Minamino, but it is certainly a different story 12 months later. The Japan international has been in outstanding form this season with nine goals and 11 assists in 22 appearances in all competitions, and showed exactly what he is made of by netting one and setting up another in Red Bull Salzburg’s 4-3 defeat against Liverpool earlier in the campaign.

“The 24-year-old proved then he is ready-made for Jurgen Klopp with a good first-touch, technique and anticipation on show at Anfield, and the fact he could be brought in for just £7.25m means it is a ludicrous deal.

“The fact he scored a fine volley and showed great awareness to pick out Erling Haaland for a goal showed what he is all about, and he will surely prove to be a great addition to the squad in the final third for the Reds in the second half of the campaign.”

In other news, this one Liverpool man’s work-rate is underappreciated.