Adam Lallana comments on new Liverpool signing Takumi Minamino

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Adam Lallana has told Liverpool’s official website that the signing of Takumi Minamino from RedBull Salzburg is a “fantastic” bit of business for the Champions League winners – but could Minamino see Lallana leave next summer?

Minamino, 24, put pen to paper on a deal that sees the Japan international join Liverpool for £7.25million – due to a bargain release clause. He will officially join the club on January 1, when next month’s window opens.

This season, Minamino has scored nine goals and laid on 11 assists in his 22 league and cup appearances for Jesse Marsch’s Salzburg – even netting in the Champions League against Liverpool. Now, he will be looking to help Liverpool win the league.

Lallana, who played in a very similar position to Minamino, stated that the signing of the 22-time Japan international is an excellent signing and stated that he looking forward to meeting the versatile attacker.

“Fantastic signing,” Lallana said. “It’s going to be more competition for places again, which is hugely positive to have. The more you’re competing, the higher the level is in training.

“That means the quality is going to be higher on a Saturday, Wednesday or whenever we’re playing. It’s fantastic news that we’ve made another addition and I’m really looking forward to meeting him when we get back.”

TBR’s view – Could Minamino signing see Lallana eventually leave?

Yes, Lallana has been very complimentary about Minamino as you would expect and stated that he believes the Japan ace will be a top signing for the Merseyside club. But Lallana will be concerned in the back of his mind.

Indeed, the £25million (Mirror) signing’s contract expires at the end of the season – and with James Milner already signing a new deal, it seems as though Liverpool are not ready to extend the former Southampton star’s deal.

The signing of Minamino could be the nail in the coffin for Lallana.