In the winter 2020 transfer window, Liverpool plucked Takumi Minamino from RB Salzburg for under 10 million euros. The move was seen as a bargain signing at the time, yet, a little over a year later, some Premier League fans are deriding the move as a flop. Meanwhile, some Kopites are wondering if Minamino’s time at the club could meet a disappointing end in the near future.
But here are three reasons why Liverpool should not give up on the 26-year-old attacking midfielder despite the issues in the 2020-2021 season.
Trust Jurgen Klopp’s talent evaluation
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is one of the best in the world at identifying talent and bargains on the transfer market. Even when he does open his team’s pocketbooks a bit – such as with Virgil van Dijk, Alisson in goal, and the world-class front three – he lands a superstar and makes it worth it.
Like the man who inspired his playing style in German football, Ralf Rangnick, Klopp knows talent when he sees it. Some of the most underrated Premier League signings have been made by Klopp, namely a free transfer at center back from Schalke by the name of Joel Matip.
Klopp saw something in Takumi Minamino when Liverpool faced RB Salzburg twice in the Champions League group stages. Let’s trust the legendary manager’s knowledge of ascending talent and have faith that what he saw in Minamino will come good.