Amid all the rumours of Darwin Nunez’s arrival and Sadio Mane’s exit, Liverpool are willing to listen to offers for Takumi Minamino as claimed by renowned journalist David Lynch. The Reds have set a valuation of £17m for the Japanese attacker and a host of Premier League clubs as well as AS Monaco are weighing up a summer transfer.
The 27-year-old Japan international progressed through the youth ranks of Cerezo Osaka before breaking into their senior side almost a decade back. He was extensively scouted by RB Salzburg who eventually secured his services on 7 January 2015. There he earned an immediate first-team status and went on to make 198 senior appearances over the next five years. Minamino was exquisite against Liverpool in a Champions League fixture and the Reds opted for a £7.25m swoop by triggering his release clause a few months later.
However, the versatile attacking ace was always a sporadic option behind Mane, Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino. His minutes were limited in Merseyside and the club, therefore, sanctioned a winter loan to Southampton in January 2021. Despite early success at St. Mary’s, his lack of consistency refrained the Saints from making the move permanent last summer.
Liverpool Must Let Him Go This Summer
He returned to Liverpool prior to the 2021-22 season and continued as the understudy to their prolific attackers. Minamino slipped further down the pecking order following Luis Diaz’s inclusion and Yusuke Akiyama, his agent, is now talking to all the suitors ahead of a potential transfer.
Among the English sides, Leeds, Southampton, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Fulham have registered interest in the Liverpool outcast. Leeds boss Jesse Marsch must be keen on a reunion after the Salzburg stint, whereas the player’s impressive Cup run for the Merseysiders might see him returning to the south coast in due course of time. He is capable of featuring across the frontline, also, his ability to operate as a ‘number 10’ would make him a quality addition high up the pitch.
The Reds, on the other hand, are keen on an array of high-profile signings before the summer window is slammed shut. Raising funds by clearing the fringe names should continue in order to balance the books and Minamino, in spite of firing in 10 goals in 24 outings across competitions, must explore a new challenge to attain regular football. Liverpool have tied down Fabio Carvalho from Fulham who, alongside Harvey Elliott, are likely to step up as squad options.
