Takumi Minamino deal ‘completed’ as Monaco boss reveals reasons for Liverpool man’s pursuit

Manager Philippe Clement feels certain Takumi Minamino can make a huge impact at Monaco with the Liverpool star on the cusp of joining the Ligue 1 club.

It has been an open secret that the 27-year-old would leave Liverpool this summer after struggling for game time. The Japan ace played only 176 minutes of Premier League football last term. And, despite featuring in the Champions League and both domestic cups, it became clear he wanted a new challenge.

The former Red Bull Salzburg midfielder recently took aim at the Reds for the way he was treated. And there seemed no turning back once he had vented his spleen.

There has been no official confirmation that he has signed on the dotted line. But trusted transfer exert Fabrizio Romano took to Twitter to state that the deal had been done.

And Clement appeared to back up that claim, with quotes carried by RMC Sport.

“I’m very happy. I’ve known him for a long time,” he said. “He was very high on our list. Everyone here is convinced that he has the qualities to bring something to the team.

“He already has experience and has done a lot of good things at Salzburg, in a style close to ours, just like at Liverpool where there is a lot of competition. That’s why this is an opportunity.”

Minamino still has much to offer

Jurgen Klopp’s strength in depth made it tough for the Far East ace to get a look in at Anfield. He spent the second half of the 2020-2021 campaign on loan at Southampton, making ten top-flight appearances.

Saints were one of the clubs thought to hold an interest in signing him this summer. Other clubs linked included Atalanta, Wolves and Leeds United but it seems as though the principality outfit have won the day.

Liverpool and Monaco agree deal for Takumi Minamino

Takumi Minamino hasn’t settled at Liverpool and is on his way to AS Monaco as the club have agreed a deal

Romano tweeted that Liverpool will receive €15m plus €3m in add-ons.

The former Cerezo Osaka star had two years left on his Merseyside deal. In total he scored 14 goals from 55 appearances in all competitions with the north-west giants.

But there is a sense that his talents were wasted on the bench. Minamino has bagged 17 goals from 42 international appearances. And he will look to prove his worth at Stade Louis II after being marginalised throughout his time at Liverpool.

Minamino was clearly a victim of the club’s success but has time on his side to show Klopp just what he was missing.

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