Liverpool forward Takumi Minamino is now ‘closing in’ on an Anfield exit and it could be done 'quickly', according to reliable journalist David Lynch.
The Lowdown: Bit-part player
The 27-year-old first made the switch to the Premier League when he joined the Merseyside outfit from Red Bull Salzburg back in 2019, where he’s since gone on to make 55 first-team appearances for the club to date.
Having only played 11 times in the top-flight this season however, there is plenty of speculation that the Japanese gem could be looking for a move elsewhere during the upcoming window, and following a fresh update, it appears as though that is exactly what he’s doing.
The Latest: Lynch drops Minamino update
In a new post on his personal Twitter account, Lynch revealed that Minamino’s agent has travelled to Europe to find out more information about the interest that multiple clubs have registered in his client. He wrote:
“Takumi Minamino closing in on an LFC departure with his agent having flown to Europe to field interest from Leeds, Southampton, Wolves, Fulham and Monaco. Situation likely to be resolved quickly - Liverpool hoping to secure £17m.”
The Verdict: Ward not messing around
After making just one start in the Premier League for the Reds this campaign, it comes as no surprise to see the 40-cap international seriously considering his next steps.
Even though he’s been pretty low down in the manager's pecking order, the former Salzburg maestro was once hailed an “unbelievable” player by teammate Joe Gomez. He has also shown how prolific he can be in the final third when given a proper run in the starting XI, having racked up four goals and one assist in just five EFL Cup games, as per Transfermarkt, and he deserves to be a regular starter somewhere.
And new sporting director Julian Ward will need to get to work on sales as the Reds close in on the expensive capture of Darwin Nunez. Ward is expected to cash in on Neco Williams for around £15m, Sadio Mane for £42.5m and now Minamino for £17m, which would go a considerable distance to covering most or even all of the Nunez fee.
Assuming the Reds can bank an eight-figure fee for his services, this feels like a win-win for both player and club, and the first step in Ward proving he can bank huge money from sales just like his predecessor Michael Edwards.