Orta can land "frightening" Raphinha heir as Leeds now eye "unreal" £72k-p/w signing - opinion

Leeds United are interested in a deal to bring Takumi Minamino to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

That’s according to a report from Italy (via TEAMtalk), which claims that both Leeds and Lazio are keen on a move for the Liverpool winger this summer, with further reports suggesting that the 27-year-old is open to the idea of leaving Anfield in a bid to secure more regular first-team football.

It has also been reported that Jurgen Klopp could be convinced into parting with the Japan international in the off-season, as long as the Reds were to receive an offer in the region of £17m for the former RB Salzburg sensation.

While it is true that Minamino has failed to hold down a starting spot in the Liverpool side following his £7.25m move to Anfield back in January 2020, it is nevertheless easy to see why Victor Orta would be interested in a deal to bring the forward to LS11 this summer.

Indeed, despite his lack of minutes, FBref rank the £12.5m-rated attacker in the top 3% of wingers and attacking midfielders in Europe’s big five leagues for non-penalty goals per 90, as well as the top 5% for npxG, the top 13% for npxG+xA, the top 2% for pass completion, the top 1% for pressures, the top 8% for tackles and the top 15% for aerial duels won over the last 365 days.

For comparison, FBref rank £25m Leeds winger Daniel James in the bottom 27% of wingers and attacking midfielders in Europe’s big five leagues for non-penalty goals per 90, in addition to the top 44% for npxG, the bottom 27% for npxG+xA, the bottom 8% for pass completion, the top 8% for pressures, the bottom 47% for tackles and the bottom 42% for aerial duels won over the past year.

As such, it is clear to see just how exciting a signing the £72k-per-week