Liverpool fans shouldn’t expect too much of Takumi Minamino right away

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The transfer window is getting closer and closer, and Liverpool have already agreed terms for one player to join them in January 2020.

The Reds have swooped for Takumi Minamino, who is to be officially become a Liverpool player on January 1, for a reported fee of £7.25 million (BBC Sport).

Minamino wowed against Liverpool twice in the Champions League, but was said to be on their radar even before those encounters.

The Japan international has had glowing references since terms were agreed for the transfer, and hopes are very high for the 24-year-old.

A lot has been said about his versatility, but Jurgen Klopp is currently unsure as to where he might fit in the starting XI.

He said: “How can we put him in, in the short-term? Long-term, there is no doubt that he will help us, that’s clear.

“I’m looking forward to working with him, but between now and Takumi’s first real day at Melwood there’s still three games so I have a little bit of time to think about where he will fit in.”

TBR’s view – Super-sub Minamino, for now

Liverpool fans will surely have to get used to Minamino being mainly on the bench between now and the end of the season.

Historically, Klopp does not tend to thrust new signings straight into his starting XI – and his comments do suggest he plans to use Minamino sparingly to begin with.

Players such as Andy Robertson, Fabinho, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita were all given time to bed in before becoming regular starters – the latter two are arguably still yet to become regulars.

Realistically Liverpool have been superb in terms of picking up wins this year, which makes it difficult for the manager to disrupt things.

Liverpool fans should be patient – it might not be until 2020/21 until Minamino truly arrives.