AS Monaco have agreed an €18 million deal with Liverpool over the signing of Takumi Minamino.
Sadio Mane has dominated the talk around the Liverpool camp in recent weeks, with the winger recently joining Bayern Munich. But the Reds could lose yet another star attacker this week, in the form of Takumi Minamino, as per Goal.
The report suggests Liverpool have agreed to an €18 million deal with AS Monaco over the sale of Minamino. The Ligue 1 giants have agreed to pay €15 million upfront while an additional €3 million will be paid through performance-related add-ons. The player is set for a medical at Stade Louis II and the deal could soon be finalised.
Minamino was courted by other clubs including Premier League outfits Leeds United and Southampton, but he opted to join Monaco, knowing Ligue 1 could cater to his style of play. Once the transfer is made official, Minamino would become the third big-name player to leave Anfield this summer, after Divock Origi and Sadio Mane, who has joined European rivals Bayern Munich.
From a sporting perspective, Minamino’s imminent move to Monaco is hardly surprising as the player had struggled to impose himself at Anfield, following his move from RB Salzburg. In 53 matches, Minamino has racked up 14 goals, which is not a bad return for a player mostly assigned a bit-part role at the club.
AS Monaco and Liverpool are preparing paperworks for Takumi Minamino deal. Liverpool will receive €15m fee guaranteed, €3m add-ons related to performances as they initially wanted €17m. Done, sealed. ?? #LFC
Minamino has also accepted personal terms conditions.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 22, 2022
However, with the Japanese international struggling with game-time, a move to Monaco could be a logical step in his career. The former Salzburg starlet should add more competition for the likes of Gelson Martins and Sofiane Diop, while his ability to operate in a central role makes him an exciting alternative for Kevin Volland.
The attacking nature of football in Ligue 1 should also tune in well with Minamino’s style of play, although he will certainly have to fight for his place in the first-team at Monaco, who have an abundance of talented forwards at their disposal.
Football Insider reports that Minamino also had a proposal from Liverpool’s Premier League rivals Wolves, who were keen on adding the Japanese international. Bruno Lage’s men are in the market for attackers, having found goals hard to come by in the previous season and Minamino was a serious option for them. However, the forward turned down their proposal and has opted to join Monaco instead.
With Minamino departing Anfield, one would expect Liverpool to bring in a fresh face in the attacking unit. But having already roped in Darwin Nunez and Fabio Carvalho, the Reds are unlikely to make too many moves in the market, unless they end up losing a few more stars in the first team this summer.
