Japan’s soccer fervor has peaked after their memorable 2022 World Cup knockout stage run. The team’s talent hasn’t gone unnoticed by top European clubs, leading several players to secure record-breaking moves. One standout player is Takumi Minamino, now with Monaco in France. The growing popularity of the club in Japan since the signing of Takumi Minamino, and recently AS Monaco signed Casino Secret as an official regional sponsor in Japan. In this article we will take a look at Minamino’s journey from a budding talent in Asia to becoming one of France’s standout stars.
Minamino’s Big Breakthrough In Austria
Takumi Minamino’s career began in Japan, where he caught the eye during his time with Cerezo Osaka. Joining the team at just 12 years old, he honed his skills and finally got his chance with the first team in August 2012, making his debut in a 3-1 cup defeat. Over the next few seasons, he impressed with seven goals in 62 appearances, drawing the attention of Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg.
In January 2015, Minamino signed a three-year deal with Salzburg and quickly made an impact, featuring prominently in the club’s Europa League fixtures. His efforts paid off at the end of the 2014-15 season, contributing to Salzburg’s league and cup double triumph.
Minamino, A Rising Star At Salzburg
However, his standout performances for Salzburg came from the 2015-16 season onwards, establishing himself as a key player. He began the season with a bang, scoring five goals in the opening month and finishing with 13 goals in 40 appearances as Salzburg secured their second consecutive top-flight title. The 2016-17 season was also fruitful for the star player, often deployed in the central role, where he scored 14 goals in 31 games.
During the 2018-19 season, Minamino’s performances attracted attention from European clubs. He scored a memorable goal against Celtic and netted a hat-trick against Rosenborg in the Europa League.His impressive performances at the start of the 2019-20 Champions League season gained attention from the soccer world, further enhancing his reputation. This led to several clubs considering a move for the talented player.
Minamino’s Liverpool Move
Liverpool would make the first move for the Japanese international after agreeing to meet his £7.5 million release clause. It was a significant moment in the club’s history, as Minamino would become the first player from Japan to play for the club. The winger made his debut in an FA Cup win over Everton, before he scored his first goal for the club in the 2020 Community Shield against Arsenal.
The Japanese star would enjoy a bright start to the 2020-21 season, netting in a 7-0 win against Crystal Palace. However, he was loaned out to Southampton after failing to nail down a starting place. But, Minamino returned from his spell at the Saints to score an impressive ten goals across 24 appearances for the Reds in 2021-22.
Move To Monaco
Minamino was deemed surplus to requirements by Jurgen Klopp before the start of the 2022-23 season, and a deal was agreed with Ligue 1 club Monaco. The French side agreed to pay £15 million for the Japanese star, but questions were asked about his performances after playing 13 times and scoring just once.
However, the appointment of former Salzburg boss Adi Hutter would transform Minamino’s fortunes in Ligue 1. He became a regular under his former coach, scoring twice on the second matchday of the season to kick off 2023-24. So far this season, the Japanese international has scored seven goals in 22 matches across all competitions, and he promises to be a key player if Monaco is to achieve its targets for the season.
Conclusion
Minamino is one of the brightest soccer stars to have come out of Japan in recent memory, and it will be a great sign for players in the region that he is making a name for himself in the European game. Minamino has enjoyed an excellent campaign in Ligue 1 for Monaco, and his excellent performances on the field could yet prove to be the difference maker if the club is to end the campaign in the Champions League position.
