Liverpool Have Afterthought On Minamino Southampton Loan

Takumi Minamino has joined Southampton on loan from Liverpool during the closing stages of the transfer window.

The 26-year-old joined the Anfield side from RB Salzburg 12 months ago but has made a minimal impact scoring just four goals in 31 appearances in all competitions.

Minamino had little opportunities under Jurgen Klopp who, according to The Athletic, still sees a future for the Japan international at Liverpool and turned down Southampton’s request to add an option to buy clause in the deal.

Overall, the Saints will pay the Reds £500,000 to keep the versatile forward for the remainder of the campaign.

And manager Ralph Hasenhuttl, whose Southampton side has struggled to score goals recently, is confident his new addition is capable of making an instant impact.

‘I am very pleased to welcome Takumi to our squad for the rest of this season,’ said the Austrian.

‘He will help provide another good attacking option, and is importantly the right profile of player for us.

‘I see us creating a lot of chances and it is only a question of time before we score again so it doesn’t worry me at the moment.’