Leeds United and AS Monaco were reportedly interested in signing Takumi Minamino, but their advances have been rejected by Liverpool.
According to a report by Sky Sports, Takumi Minamino has emerged on the radar of Leeds United over a possible late move in the January transfer window. But Liverpool swiftly rejected their approach and would like to keep the 27-year-old forward at Anfield beyond this month.
Takumi Minamino joined Liverpool from Red Bull Salzburg in January 2020 and has since played second fiddle to Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane. Even Diogo Jota, who arrived at Anfield from Wolverhampton Wanderers in September 2020, has usurped the Japanese forward.
While his role has not changed much in the ongoing campaign, Minamino has still impressed with his performances, registering six goals and one assist in 18 appearances across all competitions. The 27-year-old forward’s exploits have been noticed by Leeds United and AS Monaco, who have even submitted enquiries for him.
The interest from Leeds United comes in the wake of Patrick Bamford’s injury-riddled campaign, with the Englishman spending more time on the sidelines than on the pitch. In addition, Tyler Roberts and Rodrigo Moreno have failed to make an impression this season, prompting Leeds to look beyond them.
Rodrigo has even been linked with a move to Barcelona, and his departure could open a spot that Minamino will be able to fill. Stylistically, Minamino will fill the role behind the striker in Marcelo Bielsa’s preferred system at Elland Road, and the Liverpool forward could be an upgrade on Roberts and the underperforming Mateusz Klich.
Leeds are also keen on signing a striker as soon as possible, with Chelsea forward Armando Broja, currently on loan at Southampton, recently emerging on their radar. But Broja is only likely to arrive at Elland Road in the summer, if at all, while Premier League giants Liverpool have swiftly rejected Leeds and AS Monaco’s approaches for Minamino.
The Reds have no intention to offload the 27-year-old this month unless a spectacular offer comes their way. But with Luis Diaz on the verge of joining Liverpool, the Merseyside giants might need to offload one attacker to make room for the Colombian international in their squad. That could be done by selling Divock Origi, who is a target for Atalanta, but Minamino might be staying put at Anfield.
