In December 2019, Liverpool completed a shock swoop for Takumi Minamino from RB Leipzig on a five-year deal.
Since joining the Reds, the Japanese international has endured a mixed time, struggling initially at Anfield before leaving on loan for Southampton in 2021. However he has played a vital role this season as top scorer in both domestic cup competitions, which Liverpool would go on to win.
And Minamino scored another crucial goal last night for the Reds, netting the equaliser in his first Premier League start of the season as Liverpool came from behind to beat Southampton.
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However, the 27-year-old remains way down the pecking order at Anfield and faces an uncertain future with the club. With this in mind, what should Minamino do this summer?
Our writers Hannah Pinnock and William Pickworth have their say what Minamino should do this summer...
'Having Minamino in the squad can only benefit Liverpool'
Hannah: It was another fantastic performance from Liverpool against Southampton, but one player that stepped up to the mark once again was Takumi Minamino.
His equaliser came at a crucial point in the game as the Reds found themselves 1-0 down, the title race hanging in the balance. It was some finish, too.
It was goal number three in the league for the Japanese international, despite it being his first start in the competition this season. He also played a crucial role in the road to Wembley for both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup finals, scoring seven goals in the two competitions combined.
Given his limited game time this season, arguably through no fault of his own, his contributions have been unquestionable. He's consistently stepped up when called upon.
That leads to the debate over his future, with plenty of speculation over whether he should continue at Liverpool beyond this season. That decision will most likely lie with Minamino himself, but the Reds can only benefit from having him as part of the squad.
Jurgen Klopp described it as a 'crime' Minamino, among other fringe players, haven't started more games this term. You can hardly begrudge the Reds boss when the quality of players available to him is so high.
I believe, at the very least, Minamino is worthy of an opportunity to fight for a more prominent role in the team and pre-season will hopefully provide the chance for him to do that. Personally, I feel his time at Liverpool hasn't yet run its course and he has plenty more to give.
'It’s time for him to build his career elsewhere'
William: It was brilliant to see Minamino have a big impact on yesterday’s win over Southampton. It was surprisingly the Japanese international’s first Premier League start of the season but his emphatic equaliser laid the platform for another great victory for the Reds. It is quite astonishing that the goal was Minamino’s tenth for the season in 24 appearances, only nine of which have been starts - that is a remarkable tally as a sixth or seventh choice forward.
However, I think it is time for the Reds to move on from the winger. Since signing for £7.25m in 2020, he’s made just 21 starts and although he has never let anyone down, due to the sheer depth of quality available for Klopp, Minamino has never managed a consistent run in the side.
As a reserve forward, and for the service he has provided, it is not fair to keep him around as he regularly fails to even make the bench. For the good of his own career, and the fact that one of Liverpool’s many promising youngsters such as Kaide Gordon, Harvey Elliott or new signing Fabio Carvallho could fill Minamino’s squad role, now 27, it’s time for him to build his career elsewhere. Liverpool would likely make a profit too.
What do you think the Japanese international should do this summer? Let us know in the comments below...
