The Athletic’s David Ornstein says Southampton are looking to loan Liverpool striker Takumi Minamino to St. Mary’s for the remainder of the season. The talks are at an advanced stage before today’s meeting at 11 p.m.
The Japanese has only made nine league appearances for the Reds this season and is hoping for more opportunities to play with the Saints if a move works.
There is excitement in Southampton about the possibility of landing Minamino and it will be interesting to see how things play out in the hours to come.
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The 26-year-old moved from Red Bull Salzburg to Liverpool in January 2020 after his £ 7.25m buyout clause was triggered. Under coach Jürgen Klopp, however, he fought for regular chances.
Southampton is currently in need of quality improvements amid the recent injury crisis and Minamino could help build his fortune on the pitch given his tremendous quality.
Ralph Hasenhuttl’s team is currently 11th in the Premier League table after eight wins, five draws and seven defeats in 20 games. A formidable conclusion to the campaign could help increase their chances of finishing in the top six with just four points, Tottenham Hotspur sixth place.
Minamino can play on the wings, behind a forward and in central midfield and his versatility should come in handy at St. Mary’s.
He has only scored once in 19 EPL games for Liverpool but that doesn’t tell the whole story as to his quality in the final third.
If he plays regularly he will definitely score more goals and assist more and that could happen in Southampton as he is dying to prove himself in the top English league.
