Takumi Minamino departed Liverpool four years ago today, having scored 14 goals and secured three winners' medals. His £15.5m move to Monaco was confirmed, with the Reds more than doubling their £7.25m investment from January 2020. Jurgen Klopp labelled him a 'manager's dream' upon his exit.
Minamino's arrival generated excitement among fans and players alike, but his Anfield career never fully ignited. Joining midway through a title-winning campaign, his bedding-in period was disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic. He faced the formidable trio of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, and Sadio Mane ahead of him in the pecking order, a barrier that proved insurmountable.
A Transfer Spurred by a Stunning Performance
Senior Liverpool stars urged Klopp to sign Minamino after he terrorised them in a Champions League group stage match in October 2019. Playing for Red Bull Salzburg, Minamino registered a goal and an assist in a thrilling 4-3 defeat at Anfield. While Erling Haaland also impressed, it was the Japanese forward who caught the eye of Liverpool's squad.
Klopp and the recruitment team had been monitoring Minamino since his Cerezo Osaka days, with talks opening in November 2019. Sporting director Michael Edwards drove negotiations, leveraging a positive relationship with Salzburg's director of football Christoph Freund. Liverpool activated Minamino's paltry release clause, beating Manchester United to his signature.
Limited Opportunities Despite Impact
Minamino struggled for game-time, making only one Premier League start in the 2021/22 season. Yet he contributed 10 goals from 24 appearances, top-scoring in both the FA Cup and League Cup as Liverpool chased an unprecedented quadruple, ultimately securing a domestic double. His League Cup strikes against Norwich City, Preston North End, and Leicester City were crucial, but he was benched for the semi-final second leg against Arsenal and unused in the final against Chelsea. Similarly, his FA Cup brace against Norwich saw him omitted from the matchday squad for the semi-final and final.
Klopp defended Minamino's contribution, stating: “It’s hard to see Taki go, but it’s a great move for him and one he thoroughly deserves. An amazing professional; super, talented player. As a person, he is full of warmth and makes everyone feel positive. A manager’s dream, to be honest. I’m sure there will be those who think it didn’t quite work out. Those who think this are wrong. I don’t accept that. His contribution far outweighs the opportunities we were able to give, in terms of starting matches.”
Memorable Moments and Lasting Legacy
Minamino's most memorable contributions include a last-gasp equaliser in the League Cup quarter-final against Leicester City and a match-winning brace against Norwich in his final Anfield appearance. He scored against former club Southampton on his farewell Reds outing, joining a list of players including Steven Gerrard, Michael Owen, and Daniel Agger who scored on their final appearance.
Despite the frustration of limited opportunities, Minamino left with his head held high. His transfer was a calculated gamble that delivered two trophies and up to £8.25m in profit for Liverpool. For Minamino, he exits with winners' medals but a sense of what might have been, a victim of circumstances at Anfield.
