Hasenhuttl reveals Southampton’s Minamino transfer plans as Liverpool return nears

Add as preferred source on Google

Ralph Hasenhuttl has revealed that Southampton are yet to hold any discussions with Liverpool over a permanent transfer for Takumi Minamino, via quotes by Hampshire Live.

The Japan international moved to St. Mary’s in the closing stages of the winter market, having failed to establish a prominent role for himself in Jurgen Klopp’s plans and has faced similar struggles on the south coast.

After opening just two of his nine Premier League appearances with the Anfield natives this term, Minamino has been called on to start six games by Hasenhuttl who has felt at ease with leaving the 26-year-old as an unused substitute on four occasions.

Hasenhuttl admits that it will be shame for Minamino that he will be unable to add to his record this Saturday when the Saints travel to face his parent club in their penultimate away day of the season, but is not looking too far into the future in terms of his overall career.

“Minamino is not available on Saturday, it is a pity,” Hasenhuttl said. “I think he felt quite comfortable with us, he showed in the last game against Leicester also his defensive qualities, he was [been] working hard for the team.”

The Austrian added: “We don’t know yet what happens in the summer,” but Hampshire Live note that there are currently no plans for Southampton to open a line of communication with Liverpool regarding a permanent move for the Reds’ £7.25million (Sky Sports) signing.

TBR’s view:

Minamino would represent a tricky deal for Southampton to orchestrate in the summer should Hasenhuttl decide he wishes to retain the midfielder, who he dubbed ‘very special’ (Daily Mail) for the way he plays his football.

The 28-cap maestro is under contract with Liverpool through to 2024 on a lucrative £75,000-per-week (Spotrac) deal that would make him the joint-highest earner at St. Mary’s, but has hardly proven worth the wages on the south coast with just two goals in his seven games.

Hasenhuttl only calling on the Reds attacker to feature once in the Saints’ last four Premier League fixtures also shows where he ranks in the Austrian’s pecking order, and why it is unlikely that he strives to secure a permanent move in the off-season.