Liverpool are predicted to have a quiet summer transfer window. The Reds have been forced to rethink their recruitment strategy due to the impact of the global health crisis and are now predicted to be particularly conservative in their dealings. A plan B striker was on a lot of Kopites’ wish lists but such a move is now looking unlikely. Takumi Minamino could save Liverpool millions if he’s played through the middle.
January bargain
In January Liverpool surprised fans the world over with two decisive moves. The Reds brought in Joe Hardy from Brentford and Takumi Minamino from RB Salzburg.
The Japanese forward cost the club a measly £7.25m after impressing against the Reds in the Champions League group stage.
The ex-Salzburg man’s career is yet to get going at Anfield but that is to be expected, Jürgen Klopp is famously patient with folding new signings into the first team – it took Fabinho some months before he established himself.
Firmino competition
At the minute the Reds are lacking a quality backup to provide competition and cover for Roberto Firmino.
The Brazilian has had his starting berth unchallenged for five years now which has two potential downsides: we are at risk if he picks up an injury and he can become complacent, even demotivated.
There was much talk about Liverpool signing Timo Werner this summer but the move never materialised, leaving fans knowing the club wanted another striker but at the minute can’t afford one.
Minamino to save Liverpool millions
25-year-old Minamino could save Liverpool millions if he is played through the middle in the Firmino role.
The Japan international played most of his football in Austria through the middle, either as a deep lying centre forward or as an attacking midfielder, also performing well as a right winger when needed.
Minamino is at his best when he is regularly getting on the ball, picking it up and charging at opponents, playing quick one twos with his teammates.
To stick the 25-year-old out on the wing would be to waste him, if Jürgen Klopp makes the key decision to use him regularly through the middle then he will have an easier time establishing himself in the side, in turn saving the club millions on buying another centre forward.
