Minamino quits Reds for Monaco

LONDON: Japan forward Takumi Minamino has completed his move from Liverpool to Monaco, the two clubs announced on Tuesday.

The 27-year-old has signed a fouryear deal with the principality side, for a reported fee of €15 million with a potential €3 million in add-ons.

“It is a great joy for me to join AS Monaco,” Minamino said.

“I am very happy to be part of this very exciting project, at a club with a great tradition and among the most recognised in Ligue 1.

“I’m looking forward to... doing everything I can to help the team.”

Minamino, who joined Liverpool from Red Bull Salzburg in 2020, scored 10 goals in all competitions last season and was the Reds’ top scorer in both their FA Cup and League Cup-winning campaigns.

He also won a Premier League winner’s medal in his first year at Anfield.

But he only made 55 appearances for Liverpool in two and a half years, spending the second half of the 202021 campaign on loan at Southampton.

“I’m sure there will be those who think it didn’t quite work out,” said Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp. “Those who think this are wrong. I don’t accept that.

“His contribution far outweighs the opportunities we were able to give, in terms of starting matches.

“He made us better each and every day he was with us — not just in the games he played in but every single session in training.”

Minamino, who has scored 17 goals in 42 international matches, joins a Monaco side who will start their upcoming season in the Champions League qualifying third round.

MAGPIES TO SIGN BOTMAN

Newcastle have agreed a deal in principle to sign Dutch defender Sven Botman from French side Lille.

Botman, 22, completed his medical in Newcastle on Tuesday and is set to arrive on a five-year contract in a reported £35 million transfer.

The Premier League club said they had held off competition “from a host of European sides to secure the highlyrated centre-back”, with “the formalities of the transfer set to be concluded this week”.

Botman’s arrival continues Newcastle’s rebuilding for the new campaign, with England goalkeeper Nick Pope having been signed from Burnley last week.

Newcastle also signed Aston Villa fullback Matt Targett on a permanent move following a successful loan spell during the second half of last season.