Minamino will officially join Liverpool at midnight but to miss Sheff Utd game

Liverpool's new signing Takumi Minamino will officially join the club at midnight but has been blocked from facing Sheffield United on Thursday.

Minamino's £7.25m move from Red Bull Salzburg was confirmed on December 19 ahead of the opening of the January transfer window.

But even though the forward will officially be a Reds player as of Wednesday, Premier League rules have prevented him from making his debut this week.

The rules state:  'New players signed on 1-2 January will not be eligible for Matchweek 21.

'But they can be made available for the following Matchweeks as clubs are permitted to make changes to their squad lists throughout the January window.'



Despite that disappointment, Klopp will have Minamino available for selection for Sunday's FA Cup third round tie against Everton.

The Japan international could also make his Premier League debut against Tottenham on Saturday, January 11.

The 24-year-old is likely to feature in both games as Klopp looks to rotate his squad after a relentless run of fixtures over the festive period.



Liverpool sent their first choice squad to compete in the Club World Cup in Qatar, while also putting a side out against Aston Villa in the League Cup quarter-finals.

Since returning to England on the back of their success in Doha, the Reds have also faced Leicester City and Wolves in the Premier League.