Takumi Minamino’s future at Liverpool appears to be hanging in the balance following his recent snub by manager Jurgen Klopp in the FA Cup.
The Japan international has not been able to earn regular football at Anfield since his arrival, and now the 26-year-old might well be considering his future on Merseyside.
No United Chance for Minamino
Minamino’s future with the Reds was cast into further doubt. This was after the attacking midfielder, who has been capped 26 times by Japan, was an unused substitute in the 3-2 defeat to Manchester United in the FA Cup fourth round. Klopp made numerous changes to his regular starting XI, and many would have expected Minamino to be given a chance to impress against the Red Devils at Old Trafford. However, Divock Origi and Xherdan Shaqiri were both selected to come off the bench, while Minamino was left in the stands.
It would have been a hard snub to take for Minamino, as he watched on as academy players were given an opportunity to impress in a high-profile game. Now with the Reds at 8/1 with William Hill to win the Premier League this season, questions have been raised on whether Minamino will play a part in Liverpool’s title defence.
Shaqiri Return a Problem for Minamino
The return of Shaqiri from injury in recent weeks has certainly not helped the cause of Minamino getting game time this season. With the Swiss international earning praise from Klopp for his recent performances, it seems the former Stoke City playmaker is one of the first in line to come off the bench in big games for Liverpool.
Of course, injuries do happen and Minamino could be handed more chances to impress in the Premier League between now and the end of the season. However, a player of his quality is unlikely to be willing to play a small part in Liverpool’s campaign and big decisions will have to be made come the summer.
A Move to Germany on the Cards?
Minamino established himself at Red Bull Salzburg in Austria, before making the big move to Liverpool just over 12 months ago. Reports suggested that clubs in France and Germany put in bids for the player, but it was of course the Reds who won the battle for his signature.
There might well be interest from Bundesliga clubs in Germany over the summer for Minamino, with Borussia Dortmund a possible destination for the player. Former Salzburg team-mate Erling Haaland has impressed since making the switch to the German topflight, and Minamino might be tempted to take up the option to be reunited with the Norwegian striker.
Dortmund also have a history of looking to Japanese talent, with former midfielder Shinji Kagawa enjoying two spells at the Westfalenstadion. Kagawa also had a tough spell in England with Manchester United, before making a return to Germany, which might be the next destination for Minamino, unless his situation changes dramatically at Anfield.
Calls from Fans for Minamino Game Time
A section of Liverpool supporters have been asking the question as to why their Japanese international is not getting minutes on the field. The Reds have gone through a poor run of results at the start of 2021, but Klopp has been reluctant to give Minamino game time. That has led to speculation there has been a falling out between the pair, but there has been no concrete proof of this rumour.
Either way, a player of Minamino’s quality should be a regular starter, and there would be a host of clubs who would be happy to have him in their ranks. Whether it’s in England or perhaps elsewhere in Europe, there are alternative options for Minamino and it will be intriguing to see if there is any movement over the summer.
