Former Leeds United goalkeeper Paul Robinson has been left excited over a possible swoop for Liverpool forward Takumi Minamino.
The Lowdown: Leeds linked with Minamino
The Whites have been linked with a move for the 27-year-old in recent weeks after securing their Premier League status on the final day of last season.
The Japan international, who contributed to 20 goals in 22 games under Jesse Marsch at Red Bull Salzburg, is free to leave Anfield this summer if his Ā£17m valuation is met.
The Athletic claimed that the Reds have given the green light for Minaminoās agent āto hold talks with suitors about a potential moveā, name-checking Leeds as a club who have contacted the forward’s representatives.
The Latest: Robinson praise for Minamino
Robinson, who contributes as a pundit for Sky Sports, was talking to MOT Leeds News regarding a possible move for the Liverpool man.
He said that signing Minamino would be ālike having two players in oneā and backed the Japan international to play as an āout-and-out number nineā when required.
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Robinson stated:
āI like Minamino and he fits the bill of a player who can play when Patrick Bamford doesnāt and heās also a player who can play wide.
āThe difficulty of signing a back-up striker for Bamford is that he doesnāt play at any other time.
āBut with a player like Minamino, he can go out wide. Itās like having two players in one.
āHe can play behind the striker, he can go in the wide areas and when Patrickās not fit, he can play as the out-and-out number nine.
āThe likelihood of getting a full season out of Patrick is slim so heās the type of player Leeds need to be looking for.ā
The Verdict: Perfect target?
Minamino made 24 appearances in all competitions last term, playing as a centre-forward, attacking midfielder and on the wing, scoring 10 times and providing one assist. That is a very impressive record considering that he only made nine starts under Jurgen Klopp, averaging a goal for every 100.8 minutes on the pitch.
Leeds could do with attacking reinforcements over the coming months, and as Robinson mentioned, Minamino could fit the bill at Elland Road due to his versatility.
He has 40 games of Premier League experience under his belt, so now could be the perfect time to reunite with Marsch and become a regular under the American once again.
In other news – As well as Roca: Leeds and Marsch now want to sign another ‘incredible’ midfielder
