Takumi Minamino’s popularity in the Far East played a part in Liverpool making a move for him, according to the Mirror‘s David Maddock.
The Reds are believed to be closing in on a deal to sign the 24-year-old in January, having impressed for Salzburg.
Some senior Liverpool players recommended the Japanese star to the coaching staff and Jurgen Klopp is also a big admirer.
Minamino isn’t only a hugely gifted player, however, with the attacking midfielder one of the biggest names in the Far East.
Maddock believes this has been an added reason for Liverpool swooping for him, saying:
Crucially, he has a massive following in the Far East, a market the Reds have gone on record as suggesting they want to expand in, over the coming year.
In recent court hearings as they won a case to leave current kit manufacturer New Balance, to join Nike, the club stated they are desperate to break into the Far East market with the new kit deal with Nike.
Minamino would offer penetration in that market, and would be backed by a strong Nike presence in the region.
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Minamino was outstanding for Salzburg in their 4-3 defeat to Liverpool in the Champions League – there have been few better performances by an opposition player at Anfield in years.
He looks an outstanding prospect and the Reds will have played a blinder if they sign him for just £7.25 million, as is being reported.
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