Monaco pip Lyon and Atalanta in Takumi Minamino transfer race

Transfer News: Monaco pip Lyon and Atalanta in the race to sign Takumi Minamino

According to the Mirror, AS Monaco are leading the race to sign Liverpool star Takumi Minamino, who has also caught the attention of Lyon and Atalanta.

The Japanese international has been an important part of LFC’s squad in the latest season. He was our top scorer in the FA Cup and the EFL Cup- two tournaments we went on to win against Chelsea in penalty shootouts at Wembley.

But it turns out that he could leave the club this summer. Atalanta and Lyon may now be trailing in the race to sign the former RB Salzburg star, whose adviser has been in Europe to broker a deal

This move won’t surprise a lot of Liverpool fans were it to happen. At 27, Minamino doesn’t really have a lot of time left at his peak and he would like to move to a club where he can get some minutes.

Liverpool have one of the most stacked forward lines in Europe right now. Roberto Firmino, Diogo Jota, Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, and now Darwin Nunez will all vie for those three starting positions in Jurgen Klopp’s attack.

Despite Divock Origi’s departure and Sadio Mane’s potential move to Bayern Munich, it is hard to see where Minamino fits in our first team. He can, of course, get game time in the cups as he did this season.

But it is not known if he is content with that role. If he isn’t, it would be understandable. He was a crucial part of our domestic triumphs this year but still failed to get the recognition that his efforts deserved.

Unless he becomes a regular for a big European club, not a lot of people will take notice of his true abilities and potential. Monaco’s attacking line isn’t lightweight by any means as well, but at least he would have a realistic chance of becoming a starter there.

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• Stan Collymore tells Liverpool that Darwin Nunez is a risk as Erling Haaland comparison made
• Transfer News: Rafael Leao turns down new AC Milan contract amidst Liverpool interest
• Sheyi Ojo sends touching farewell message after Liverpool confirm exit

If that move happens, the Reds would expect around £17million in transfer fees. If they manage to get anything close to that, it would be smart business but they would lose a player who has been a dependable option whenever Klopp has wanted to rotate his squad.