In January 2020, Takumi Minamino could not resist the temptation of being called up by Liverpool. He made a move from Red Bull Salzburg for 8.5 million euros, hoping he would be an important cog in Jurgen Klopp’s machine – but eventually, it was far from it.Now he is most probably heading at the exit doors of Anfield, happy to see interest from numerous European clubs.The 27-year-old Japanese has revealed his frustration over his lack of first-team opportunities, struggling for game time.Tue 00:55: (1.94) Velez (3.40) Rosario (4.30)Minamino made just nine starts in all competitions for the Reds this season – despite them playing in every single competition until the final hurdle, including win both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup. To amend the situation, the winger even spent a stint some of that time out on loan at Premier League side Southampton, where he made 10 appearances and scored twice.’Many of the games I played weren’t of interest to anyone,’ Minamino told Sanspo.’Even if I left the results, there wasn’t much response. I was trying to inspire myself to prove my worth. I was doing personal training other than team training.’I was thinking that I would leave something behind when I went to the match mentally. ‘I felt motivated by regret and anger every day. I’ve never had this much time as a player. It was difficult to maintain the condition and connect with my feelings.’But it was a season that seemed to have grown. It was disappointing but fulfilling. At the same time, it makes sense to play an important game and leave a result, so it is said that I got out and got a result, but I do not think it was a big deal.’I want to do my best to be a player who can produce results in important games.’Takumi Minamino:”It is meaningful for me to play an important match as a player and leave a result. I’m told that I got the result, but I don’t think I did a big deal. I just did the obvious thing, and it was more disappointing.” #lfc [soccerdigest] pic.twitter.com/Zg0BduFzkY— Anfield Watch (@AnfieldWatch) June 20, 2022 The Japan international is keen move away from Anfield this summer, reports have since suggested, and the Reds already indicating they want 20 million euros in return.Atalanta are eager to sign the winger, but they face competition from the likes of Monaco, Wolves, Leeds, and Southampton, as per La Gazette dello Sport via Football Italia. Minamino’s 14 goals in 55 appearances attract plenty of interest after all.
