Word stemming from the media on Thursday suggests that interest in an out-of-favour member of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool ranks is beginning to ramp up.
The Reds star in question? Takumi Minamino.
Japanese international Minamino of course endured something of a hit and miss campaign at Anfield in 2021/22.
Slipping ever further down Liverpool’s attacking pecking order owing to the mid-season arrival of Luis Diaz, the 27-year-old was afforded a paltry one Premier League start, instead handed the chance to impress largely in cup competition.
And, to his credit, produce amid limited game-time is precisely what Minamino went on to do.
Across 24 appearances in all competitions, nine of which came in the form of starts, the ex-Red Bull Salzburg star racked up a none-too-shabby ten goals.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – JANUARY 05: Takumi Minamino of Liverpool during the FA Cup Third Round match between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield on January 5, 2020 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
With prolific Benfica hitman Darwin Nunez’s arrival on the red half of Merseyside having now been confirmed, though, Minamino remains on the outside looking in when it comes to Klopp’s ranks ahead of next season.
In turn, it has come as little surprise to hear of clubs from across the continent beginning to express a keen interest in the talented attacker.
To this point, in England, the likes of Leeds United and Wolverhampton Wanderers have been tipped as potential summer landing spots for Minamino.
Now, though, it appears as though interest is beginning to mount amongst the heavy-hitters of another of Europe’s top-5 leagues.
As per a report from Paul Joyce of The Times, in France, both AS Monaco and Olympique Lyonnais have made clear their interest in bringing in Minamino ahead of next season.
Not only that, but representatives from both clubs are understood to have entered into negotiations with the Japanese’s entourage, ahead of a potential Ligue 1 switch.
? NEW: Monaco and Lyon are talking to the representatives of Takumi Minamino. #lfc [paul joyce – times] pic.twitter.com/Jxx36GkKss
— Anfield Watch (@AnfieldWatch) June 16, 2022
Liverpool agree third and final summer signing: ‘Happy to wait until 2023’ for midfield additions
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah names the best moment of his career
