Leeds United and London giants Fulham are reportedly keen on signing Japanese forward Takumi Minamino from Liverpool this summer.
According to a report by This is Anfield, Takumi Minamino could soon seal an exit from Liverpool in the summer transfer window. Leeds United and Fulham are looking to secure the services of the Japanese international, with the Merseyside giants demanding around €20 million for his services.
Takumi Minamino joined Liverpool from Red Bull Salzburg in January 2020 after spending half a decade with the Austrian giants. But the 27-year-old has only made gradual progress since moving to Anfield as he has been a bit-part player for the Reds. With Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino ahead of him, Minamino struggled to establish a foothold at Liverpool.
The addition of Luis Diaz in the January transfer window has further pushed the Japanese forward down the pecking order. But Minamino has continued to deliver the goods, scoring ten goals in 24 appearances this past season, including the most strikes for Liverpool in their cup double run. But the player will likely leave Liverpool this summer, with Leeds United and Fulham keen on signing him.
Leeds United had attempted to sign Minamino in the January transfer window, but a move did not materialise. The Whites remain in the pursuit of the 27-year-old forward, recently submitting an enquiry to Liverpool. And the interest from Leeds perhaps stems from the inconsistencies of Rodrigo Moreno and Tyler Roberts.
Recent reports have claimed that Liverpool could use Minamino in the deal to sign Raphinha from Leeds United. But the Brazilian international does not want to join any other club apart from FC Barcelona, meaning Liverpool might need to sanction a straight sale for Minamino. Meanwhile, Leeds will face stiff competition from Fulham for the Japanese international.
The London giants have returned to the Premier League after one year in the EFL Championship. And Fulham will look to sign a top-quality attacking midfielder, with Fabio Carvalho set to join Liverpool in the summer transfer window. And Minamino is a viable target to replace Carvalho at Craven Cottage.
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Apart from Leeds and Fulham, Southampton, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and AS Monaco are also keen on signing Minamino. Meanwhile, Liverpool will expect to recoup €20 million from the 27-year-old’s sale, and they believe Minamino will depart from Anfield before Mane. It will be interesting to see where the Japanese forward goes when he leaves Liverpool to embark on a new adventure.
