Southampton have officially signed Liverpool attacking midfielder Takumi Minamino on loan for the rest of the season.
The news comes as a surprise to many with the deadline fast-approaching, and Liverpool seemingly more focused on reinforcements rather than outgoings.
However, in the late hours, the Saints made their move to complete the deal.
It also sees striker Shane Long move to Bournemouth on loan for the rest of the season.
Southampton Sign Takumi Minamino
Much-Needed Move
Having arrived at Liverpool last January, Minamino would have been hoping to be an established Reds player by now. Instead, he is the exact opposite and is slowly falling down the pecking order at Anfield.
A goal in a 7-0 win against Crystal Palace led many to believe that he may still have a place in Jurgen Klopp’s squad. A loan was needed, and Southampton stepped up.
In truth, Minamino needs the reset, too, having failed to impress at Anfield. And Southampton would be the ideal place for that reset.
Minamino Could Thrive Under Hasenhuttl
Ralph Hasenhuttl’s Southampton side are very similar in the way they press to Minamino’s former side RB Salzburg. At Salzburg, it was a system in which the 26-year-old thrived in.
At Southampton, should the loan move happen, he could finally rediscover his form in a similar system. Southampton will offer him the chance in his favoured position.
Meanwhile, at Liverpool, there was far too much competition. It reached a point at Anfield when even Divock Origi was getting an opportunity ahead of him.
A loan move suits all parties. Southampton and Minamino are the perfect matches, and Liverpool don’t need the Japanese international.
At Southampton, he could become the player Liverpool thought they signed from RB Salzburg. If Hasenhuttl gets the best out of him, Southampton could propel themselves into the European places.
With the quality of Danny Ings in front of him, Minamino could return to his potent best.
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