The Reds have sold Japan international Takumi Minamino to AS Monaco, two-and-a-half years after signing him from RB Salzburg, for a hefty profit. The attacker was the Reds’ top scorer in both the domestic cups last season.
The club confirmed on Tuesday night that midfielder Takumi Minamino has joined Ligue 1 side AS Monaco. The Reds bought the Japanese international from RB Salzburg in January 2020 for a 7.25 million pound fee; they have doubled their profits on the attacker by selling him to Monaco in the region of 15 million after add-ons.
The 27-year-oldhas signed a four-year contract with the Monegasque club, running until the end of the 2025/26 season. He becomes their first major signing of the summer. Minamino called Monaco one of the most recognizable clubs in France in his first interview with the club website, claiming that he is delighted to continue his career with the team.
“It is a great joy for me to join AS Monaco. I am very happy to be part of this very exciting project, at a club with a great tradition and among the most recognized in Ligue 1. I’m looking forward to discovering my new environment and doing everything I can to help the team,”
the midfielder said.
Sporting director Paul Mitchell hailed Minamino’s capture, pointing toward his versatility and international status as factors in bringing him to Stade Louis II.
“With his winning culture, his ability to play in various positions on the pitch, and his status as a key player with his national team, we are convinced that Takumi will contribute to the development of our young team and help the group to achieve our goals.”
Minamino arrived in Europe in 2015 after breaking through at J-League club Cerezo Osaka. Five-and-a-half years with Salzburg – five of which ended with him crowned the domestic champion – Liverpool came calling. The attacker made 55 appearances for the Reds across two-and-a-half seasons – and spent six months on loan at Southampton – and scored 14 goals.
