Minamino’s ‘massive following in Far East’ allows LFC to ‘expand’ fanbase with Nike’s help – Maddock

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Liverpool look set to sign the excellent Takumi Minamino from Rb Salzburg [Independent].

The club has agreed a £7.25m deal with the Austrians for the playmaker’s services, with Salzburg having no choice but to accept due to a bargain release-clause inserted into his contract.

Dave Maddock in the Mirror has suggested that one of the reasons for the signing is Minamino’s pull in the Far East, who along with Nike, will help Liverpool crack a new fanbase we’ve so far not really tapped in to.

“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,” Maddock writes.

“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.”

Minamino is by no means purely a marketing ploy, however,

Jurgen Klopp simply wouldn’t accept that – and will care far more about the 24-year-old’s ability.

He scores goals, can play a variety of positions and is the perfect age to step up to the next level.

The Japan international has eight goals already this season from attacking midfield, including two in the Champions League, where he impressed against in Liverpool both home and away.

With the Reds set to compete on multiple fronts in 2020, his arrival will be a significant boost.

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