Premier League manager confirms talks with Liverpool over permanent deal for 26-year-old

By Will Butcher

Ralph Hasenhuttl has told Hampshire Live that Southampton have held talks with Liverpool over a permanent deal for Takumi Minamino. The Japan international, who scored for his country on Monday, spent the second half of last season at Southampton. Now, he could join permanently.

Joining Liverpool in January 2020, 26-year-old Minamino struggled to get the necessary game time to develop any momentum at Anfield. A bargain at £7.25million, the pocket-sized attacker only scored four goals in 31 games over the course of 12 months. He joined Southampton in January 2021.

While he only played 10 times for Southampton, there were glimpses of magic. Goals against Newcastle and Chelsea have seemingly convinced manager Hasenhuttl. He has now confirmed that talks between Liverpool and Southampton have taken place for the £75k-a-week man (Spotrac).

“The most important thing for him is that he gets a chance to play,” Hasenhuttl said. “We have had talks with them and they are not so sure what will happen with him because Liverpool may make some things happen in the transfer market.For him, it was important to play here.”

Hasenhuttl signing Minamino works for all involved, including Liverpool

Liverpool are expected to undergo some major surgery this summer. Already, the club have brought in defender Ibrahima Konate from Hasenhuttl’s old side in RB Leipzig – for a fee north of £30million. They need to replace Gini Wijnaldum, while other areas require strengthening.

That means they will need to raise cash and selling those that are probably considered expendable will help them get their targets. Minamino probably comes under that list. If the Reds could get £15million or more for the attacker, then it is a move that suits all parties.