Liverpool confirm signing of Japan forward Takumi Minamino from Red Bull Salzburg

Minamino has impressed in Austria this season

The Japan international, 24, will officially become a Reds player on January 1 when the transfer window reopens.

It is understood the playmaker has signed a four-and-a-half year deal and arrives for a bargain £7.25million after Liverpool activated his release clause.

His first game could be the FA Cup third round tie at home to Everton on January 5 and he will also be available for the rest of the Champions League campaign.

Minamino told the Liverpool website : “It has been a dream, my dream to become a Liverpool player. And I’m so excited that the moment has come true.

“To play in the Premier League was one of my targets. I think this is the top-class league in the world; I was thinking if my career as a footballer progressed smoothly, someday I would be able to play in the Premier League.

“But I never thought I would be able to play in this team and I’m really happy about it. I’m looking forward to it.”

Minamino impressed in both Champions League games against Liverpool in the group stage this season.

The forward scored at Anfield and delivered a spirited performance during the group decider in Austria, which Liverpool won to seal progress to the knockout stages.

He has also registered five goals and six assists in the Austrian Bundesliga this season.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said: “Takumi is a very quick, very clever player, he finds space between the lines.

“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.”