Liverpool send scouts to track Japanese winger playing in Austria

Liverpool have sent scouts to keep an eye on LASK winger Keito Nakamura

According to Mike McGrath of The Telegraph (h/t Liverpool Echo), Liverpool have sent scouts to keep an eye on and monitor LASK winger Keito Nakamura. Brighton and Hove Albion are also monitoring him with their scouts.

Nakamura is a Japan U-22 international who has had a splendid season at LASK in Austria. He has 11 goals and six assists in 18 appearances in all competitions.

We have seen his country-mate Kaoru Mitoma wrecking havoc against Liverpool in both games this year. The 25-year-old rounded off the misery with an excellent winning goal in the FA Cup on Sunday.

LASK forward Keito Nakamura subject of approaches from FC Augsburg and Reims but the Japanese player is set to stay with Austrian Bundesliga club for season.
Liverpool & Brighton have sent scouts to watch him his season (8 goals+3 assists/15 apps) & will monitor him #LFC #BHAFC
— Mike McGrath (@mcgrathmike) January 30, 2023

Coming back to Nakamura, he is a right-footed left winger who can operate as a number nine as well. He has had spells at Dutch side FC Twente, Austrian side Juniors OO and more before moving to LASK in the summer of 2021. His contract with the Austrian side lasts until the summer of 2025 (Transfermarkt).

In terms of his attributes, the 22-year-old possesses an electric pace and excellent dribbling skills. According to Sofascore, he is averaging 2.3 successful dribbles per 90. He is good at producing the numbers in the final third too, be it goals, assists or big chances.

LINZ, AUSTRIA - MARCH 17: Keito Nakamura of Oumar Sako of LASK looks on during the UEFA Conference League Round of 16 Leg Two match between LASK and Slavia Praha at NO Arena on March 17, 2022 in Linz, Austria. — Liverpool have sent scouts to keep an eye on LASK winger Keito Nakamura. (Photo by Andreas Schaad/Getty Images)

Nakamura has a key pass rate of 1.7 per 90 and averages 3.3 shots per 90, with a goal conversion of 16% (percentage of shots going in) [Sofascore].

In the recent past, Liverpool have not done much business with the Austrian league. They signed Takumi Minamino from RB Salzburg in January 2020 and it turned out to be an underwhelming investment.

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So, it would be a surprise if they sign Nakamura in the summer. Moreover, they have bucketloads of right-footed wingers in the squad already. The focus should be to provide cover for Mohamed Salah, hence someone similar to the Egyptian’s profile would be welcome.