Takumi Minamino has claimed that he will think about his future at Liverpool once the Champions League final is out of the way.
Speaking to Kyodo News, Minamino said that right now isn’t the time to discuss whether he’ll be at Liverpool next season.
“I have Japan matches too (in June) and there will be no time to rest up,” said the 27-year-old. “But I’ll think about my future after the Champions League final. First I’m concentrating on the match.”
In all likelihood, the Champions League final will be the last time we see Minamino as a Liverpool player. But it’s good to hear that the Japan international has full focus on bringing home number 7 first.
Minamino on the market
Minamino could be hot property in the transfer market this summer. He has been excellent in the small amount of games that he has played for Liverpool this season.
All in all he has managed 10 goals from 24 games for The Red in 2021/22. That’s a pretty remarkable record considering Taki only actually started nine of those matches.
Those kind of strike-rates are a rare commodity in football, especially when the player in question is seemingly available. There is a strong argument that in the face of his record, Liverpool should keep him around.
According to The Times earlier in the week though, Liverpool are expecting Minamino to court plenty of interest this summer. The Reds are reportedly looking for somewhere in the region of £17m to let him go.
One last dance for Liverpool’s cup king?
At that kind of price, he could be a very handy signing for someone. Lazio are said to be interested, as are Leeds United and Inter Milan.
Although a good deal for the buying club, it would also mean Liverpool more than doubling their money on Taki. On the face of it, that kind of agreement would appear to suit everyone.
Before then though, Minamino looks sure to take his place on the bench for Saturday’s final. With Divock Origi now ruled out, there’s an open spot for someone to make themselves a hero in Paris.
What a parting gift it could be if Taki could come up trumps with a vital goal. He’s been Liverpool’s cup king this season, it would be fitting if he could bookend that by securing the biggest cup of them all.
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