It was in October 2019 that Liverpool supporters first became aware of Takumi Minamino as his Red Bull Salzburg side travelled to Anfield in the Champions League group stage.

Liverpool pipped a number of clubs to Minamino's signature after activating his $9m (£7.3m/€8.5m) release clause.

The deal seemed like a no-brainer at that price with Minamino becoming the first Japanese player to pull on the red shirt.



Yet as Liverpool continued its surge towards the Premier League title, the new recruit had to bide his time.

Aston Villa vs Liverpool LIVE: Premier League team news, line-ups and more as Mohamed Salah and Ollie Watkins start	Aston Villa vs Liverpool LIVE: Premier League score, goals and updates as Mohamed Salah and Ollie Watkins start	Liverpool’s greatest away days under Jurgen Klopp – from Munich to Manchester

READ MORE: Arne Slot's brutal joke to Everton flop showed true personality he will bring to Liverpool

READ MORE: Jürgen Klopp's ruthless message on Liverpool overhaul could ring true for Arne Slot

It appeared he was being afforded the opportunity to settle in but Minamino had to make do with a back-up role again in the following campaign before joining Southampton on loan in January.

He hit the ground running, scoring twice, but that was as good as it got and he was back at Anfield the following summer.

He played key roles in helping Liverpool reach the FA Cup and Carabao Cup finals in 2021/22 but wasn't involved at Wembley in either.

The ex-Liverpool man was on target against Clermont Foot last weekend, and provided another assist, with Monaco on the brink of a return to the Champions League.

I never forget that feeling."

Minamino could yet return to Anfield in next season's Champions League and would be sure to get a great reception.
For more news relating to Everton, visit our sister site EFC Live.