Pundit claims Takumi Minamino ‘won’t be at Liverpool next season’

Former Premier League striker Noel Whelan has claimed Takumi Minamino ‘wont be at Liverpool next season’ following FA Cup heroics. 

The 27-year-old was awarded the Man of the Match as a first-half brace secured a spot in the quarter-finals for the Reds. 

The @EmiratesFACup #LIVNOR Player of the Match 🏆

👏 @takumina0116 👏 pic.twitter.com/MrA55uQuPf

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) March 3, 2022

Speaking to Football Insider, former Leeds United ace Whelan suggested that the Japanese forward will move on in the summer. 

I can tell you, he won’t be at Liverpool next season, not with a record like that, for someone of his age who doesn’t play that often. If you’re young and emerging, or at the end of your career, you’re happier or more willing to be a back-up or fringe player, especially in such an amazing squad. But, when you’re at your peak like Minamino, you need to be playing regularly and starting. The more Liverpool stay in all the competitions, the more chances he will get. But there’s no way he’s starting the big games when Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz are all there. I think he’ll get a move in the summer, 100 per cent. Maybe not in the Premier League, he could go back abroad. But, for sure, he will go as he’s an amazing player and won’t get enough games at Liverpool.

So far this season the 37-cap star has scored nine times and provided one assist in 22 appearances across all competitions. 

During the January window, Minamino was linked with a move to Leeds as well as a switch to French Ligue 1 side Monaco. 

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Whilst there is no doubt that the £10.8million valued man would prefer to feature more regularly, this most recent outing was proof of a desire to perform simply when called upon. 

Now a multiple trophy-winner with the Reds, Minamino looks certain to have a role to play between now and the end of the season if Jurgen Klopp’s side are to get their hands on any more silverware. 

Should the versatile forward indeed decide that more game time is essential, under contract until 2024, Liverpool are certain to make a healthy profit on their £7.25million outlay.