Leeds United were in the mix to land Takumi Minamino from Liverpool last summer but the Japan star eventually joined French side Monaco for a fee of £15.4m – and his form in France is proof that Leeds have dodged a bullet.
Minamino, 28, ended a two-and-a-half-year spell at Anfield in the summer of 2022 when he completed a move to Monaco. The Mirror said Leeds were interested in the ex-Salzburg star, last summer, before he went to Monaco.
But things have not gone to plan at Monaco. Indeed, the playmaker has really struggled to even hold down a place in the starting XI. Monaco bought him for a big fee, having raked in the cash from the sale of Aurelien Tchouameni.
But he is yet to repay them. The 41-time Japan star has managed 21 appearances, starting only 12 times. Just one goal and four assists attributed to his name. On 19 occasions, Minamino has remained an unused substitute.
Minamino form at Monaco is proof that Leeds dodged a £15.4m bullet
Leeds have brought in the likes of Luis Sinisterra, Brenden Aaronson and Georgie Rutter in attack this term. Willy Gnonto, too. The latter has proved to be a bargain, costing less than a third of the fee Monaco paid for Minamino.
The Whites are well stocked out wide, and in the 10 role. Jack Harrison has shown he is a key player, whether that is out wide or as a 10. Aaronson remains crucial, as does Sinisterra and Gnonto. Cree Summerville is also an option.
So, Leeds saved themselves more than £15m by opting not to fight Monaco for his signature and instead, spending it elsewhere on the likes of Sinisterra and Gnonto – trusting Harrison and Summerville. Judging, by his Monaco form.
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