Liverpool’s Japanese International forward, Takumi Minamino, looks to step out of his comfort zone as he decides that a move away from Anfield is the best way forth in his career.
Jurgen Klopp and co., along with the recruitment team, have not been majorly wrong with the newcomers. But it seems as if, Minamino’s move was forced more than anything! In the 2019/2020 season, Liverpool bought the Japanese after triggering his release clause at Salzburg- which was £7.25 million. The fans had a mixture of excitement and disbelief with this new signing, back then.
Excitement, because the club finally did spend the money to buy a new player- which is a rare sight – and disbelief, because out of nowhere this signing happened and it seemed to be a lot to take for the whole of the Reds’ faithful.
Realistically speaking, the fear of the fans was rightly so, as Minamino failed to live up to the expectations and silence his critics. In 55 appearances across all the competitions, so far, he has mustered a mere 14-goal tally overall. Meanwhile, the 27-year-old has scored 10 of those total 14 goals, in the last season. Adding to that, he was considered the main guy towards Liverpool’s Club football success in the 2021/22 season; Minamino helped Klopp’s side in the early stages of FA Cup and League Cup football so that they could move on and lift both the silverware.
But moreover, when the boy moved to Southampton on loan – he looked like a proper Diogo Jota regen, and that’s something the Leeds faithful should be excited about. When put in the right system complimented by giving him the freedom to express himself without exerting pressure – Minamino can decide games on his own.
So this one, like all of Jesse Marsh’s signings this summer – is something to get excited about. Coz’ this one fits right into the style of play that Leeds’ are implementing – something we saw late off the last season.
WHAT IS THE CURRENT SITUATION SURROUNDING MINAMINO?
The latest reports from Fabrizio Romana, and some other sources, have suggested that the Japanese International is tipped to move away from the Merseyside club, and 3 other clubs are currently interested in his services – with Monaco, Leeds, Southampton, Fulham and Wolves, the options on the table.
Takumi Minamino will leave Liverpool this summer, plan hasn’t changed. Three clubs have opened talks to explore potential permanent move – Minamino’s gonna decide soon. 🇯🇵 #LFC
Price tag for Minamino deal will be around €17m.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 14, 2022
It is highly likely that Leeds might swoop the £17m forward, as priced by the Reds. Given the history between Jesse Marsche and Minamino – as they both worked together at Red Bull’s Salzburg – it does make sense that we could see another reunion of sorts this summer.
At the time of the player’s departure in 2020, the American manager was in a heap of praises about him. According to Marsch (back in an interview in 2020), Minamino has the ability to play in a Firmino-Esque role for Klopp’s side. Fast forward to today, I think the American’s analysis was spot on, but it was just about the fact that the Japanese had to compete with such a revered front 5, that it was unfair for all the skill sets he has.
In Liverpool’s 2nd Premier League game against Southampton, on the 18th of May, Minamino scored an amazing equaliser to keep the Reds in the game. The goal was the typical example of what Jesse Marsch analysed about the Japanese, almost 2 years ago. Now that he has the chance to reunite with the player he heaped praises for, it is highly likely that Leeds will look to set their mark on this deal.
Various other reports, from the sources close to the two clubs, also suggest that Liverpool could use Minamino to bargain a swap deal with Leeds for their star Brazilian Midfielder-cum-winger, Raphinha, to strengthen their squad depth going into the new season.
As far as Liverpool are concerned, they know they are the team making a profit from it as Minamino’s value increased after his recent goalscoring run in the last season. While Leeds remains in the driving seat of the race to buy the attacking ace, Fulham are also tipped to do a double Liverpool swoop over the summer window- looking to sign Neco and Minamino, both for a £32m fee.
