According to a recent report by Italian media outlet La Lazio Siamo Noi (via TEAMtalk), Leeds United are interested in a move to bring Takumi Minamino to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.
The report claimed that Liverpool are now prepared to part with the 27-year-old in the coming months, with an offer of around £17m believed to be enough for Jurgen Klopp to sanction the Japan international’s departure.
This development has apparently seen Leeds, Inter Milan and Lazio all make contact with the Reds concerning a deal for the winger, with Minamino himself believed to be open to a move away from Anfield in a bid to secure regular first-team football.
Raphinha replacement
While it is true that the 27-year-old has not enjoyed a huge amount of game-time following his £7.25m move to Liverpool in January 2020 – starting just 21 of his 55 appearances for the Reds – this should not be seen as a reflection of the forward’s talent, but rather a huge compliment to the likes of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz.
Indeed, it would be an extremely difficult task for the £12.5m-rated attacker to have made more of the minutes Klopp has afforded him, with FBRef data showing that Minamino averaged 1.45 goals per 90 this season, as well as 0.88 non-penalty xG, 0.25 xA and 1.13 npxG+xA, while he made 30.5 pressures per game.
For comparison, looking at the same metrics, FBref shows that Raphinha – who is reported to be an all but certain departure from Leeds this summer – averaged 0.34 goals per 90 this term, in addition to 0.25 non-penalty xG, 0.21 xA and 0.56 npxG+xA, while he made 17.7 pressures per match.
Do you think Minamino would be a good signing for £17m?
As such, should the Whites go on to receive their £60m asking price for the Brazil international this summer, it would appear a wise move for Victor Orta to spend £17m of this income on a move for the £72k-per-week Minamino.
The player who Klopp dubbed a “machine” and “outstanding” would very much look to be something of a perfect – not to mention cost-effective – replacement for Raphinha at Elland Road.
AND in other news: Orta can now seal “eye-catching” Leeds signing with £20m bid for “sensational” talent
