Liverpool have stolen a march on their Premier League rivals by completing their first piece of January transfer business even before the window opens.
They have completed the £7.25m signing of Japan winger Takumi Minamino from Red Bull Salzburg on a four-and-a-half-year deal.
It is a major coup for Liverpool and again testimony to sporting director Michael Edwards who has gained a reputation as one of the best and most shrewd operators in the business.
Liverpool were able to exercise Minamino’s buy-out clause while also maintaining a strong relationship with Red Bull Salzburg who they met in the Champions League this season.