According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Southampton are in advanced talks to sign 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 are said to be in advanced talks for the out-of-favour Japanese international.
Southampton in Advanced Talks for Minamino
Much-Needed Move
Having arrived at Liverpool last January, Minamino would have been hoping to be an established Liverpool 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. According to Ornstein, however, a loan move to Southampton is a growing possibility.
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 is far too much competition. It has reached a point at Anfield when even Divock Origi is getting an opportunity ahead of him.
A loan move would suit all parties. Southampton and Minamino are the perfect match, and Liverpool seemingly don’t need the Japanese international.
As the deadline approaches, however, and Southampton run out of time, the move could fail to happen.
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