This week has seen Kopites the world over buzzing with the latest transfer news. According to reports in The Independent, Liverpool have agreed a deal in principle to sign Takumi Minamino from RB Salzburg. If the move goes through then it could give the Reds a massive long term financial boost.
First, we need to put this move in the context of the forthcoming Liverpool Nike deal. With the impending new agreement with the Oregon giants reportedly set to include a healthy percentage of each shirt sale heading back to Anfield, new signings can be worth their weight in gold both on and off the pitch. Perhaps few more so than Takumi Minamino.
Nike have an enormous presence in Asia. With so few Asian footballers playing at the pinnacle of the game, those that do make it to the top achieve cult status in their home nations. Son Heung-Min at Tottenham Hotspur is a prime example – when they show Spurs games in Korea they use Son’s face in the place of the Lilywhites’ badge.
If Liverpool sign Takumi Minamino for the reported £7.25m then he could prove one of the biggest steals in our history given the boost he could give us in Asia.
The Reds have never had a Japanese player. With the impending Nike deal cutting us in on each shirt sold and Nike having such an impressive global reach, we could be set to make a lot of money in the Far East market.
Long term, this will not just be restricted to selling shirts with Minamino’s name on it – he will serve to boost the club’s popularity as a whole in the region. Over time this boosted popularity will be invaluable, keeping the company coffers healthy for years to come.
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