Takumi Minamino haș emerged as a potential Lazio target ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.
The 27-year-old Japanese forward, who is contracted to Liverpool until 2024, has struggled for consistent minutes under Jurgen Klopp this season, only playing 176 minutes of Premier League action across 11 appearances. Minamino is a core part of the Japan national team and he may look to leave this summer in a bid for more consistent minutes.
As reported by Corriere dello Sport (via TuttoMercatoWeb), Lazio have emerged has a possible destination for Minamino, with one reason in particular giving them an edge; the new Japanese kit providers Mizuno may look to expand their Biancocelesti marketing in Asia and adding the Liverpool forward to the squad would undoubtedly have commercial benefits.
Earlier in his career, Minamino was a star at Red Bull Salzburg, scoring 64 goals and providing 43 assists in 199 appearances. He is a tactically flexible forward who can play as both a centre forward and a winger on either side of the pitch.
Apollo’s thoughts:
Minamino would definitely be a good addition to Maurizio Sarri’s squad – his tactical flexibility means he’d receive regular minutes and his experience with both Liverpool and RB Salzburg suggests that he’d have little difficulty adapting to the tactical system. With an estimated market value of €12 million, a deal also seems fairly achievable.
