SOUTHAMPTON CONFIRM MINAMINO TALKS

Southampton have confirmed that they are in talks with Liverpool over the transfer of Japan national team player Takumi Minamino. The petite player spent the second half of the just concluded Premier League campaign on loan at Southampton from parent club and he did more than enough to impress manager Ralph Hassenhuttl and his coaching staff.

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Saints boss Hassenhuttltold HampshireLive that the club has spoken to Liverpool about the Japan international and that they are unsure of what will happen to him and that his future at Anfield is dependent on what Liverpool does in the transfer window.

Liverpool manager JurgenKlopp told reporters that Japan player Minamino is a long-term project and thathis situation at Anfieldhas always been like that since they signed him from Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg at the start of last year. Klopp talked about his player shortly after he sealed a loan move to Southampton. The German wanted him to stay at Liverpool but he could not guarantee him games.

Merseyside giants Liverpool paid £7.25m for Minaminoand signing was seen as a major transfer coup at the time (January 2020). 12 months later, he had started just four games and made 19 appearances for Liverpool scoring one goal.His confidence took a big dent at Liverpool due to the lack of game time and that prompted the loan move to the St. Mary’s Stadium.

Minamino saw moreplaying time at Southampton in comparison with his time at Liverpool. The Japan international scored two goals in 10 games for the Saints in the second half of the season. His first goal came in the 3-2 away loss to 10-man Newcastle United before he added a second goal in the 1-1 draw at home to Chelsea.

The Saints have showed the intent to keep the attacking midfielder at the club beyond this summer and a possible deal is dependent on Liverpool and the plans they have for the player.