BOSS Ralph Hasenhuttl insisted there were “discussions going on” regarding the future of Takumi Minamino – as his loan spell at Saints comes to an end this weekend. The Japan international was signed on a deal until the end of the season with the St Mary’s outfit during the dying moments of the mid-season transfer window. During that time, the former RB Salzburg star has played nine games for Hasenhuttl’s side, scoring in clashes against Newcastle and Chelsea. Asked to rate the attacking midfielder’s time with Saints,
Ralph Hasenhuttl replied: “Oh, I must say he has had a very lively effect on our game in the games that he played. He not only scored two fantastic goals but also the mentality and the character of this guy really fit into our team. And you can see why a club like Liverpool wanted to sign him. And yes, I think he did a good job here and I think we gave him a chance to show up – that he is able to compete in the Premier League. And finally, we will have a look what happens in the summer – what Liverpool wants to do. There are some discussions going on but there’s no decision taken so far.”
Minamino could play his final game for Saints when they make the trip to West Ham in the Premier League on Sunday (4pm). He was ineligible to face parent club Liverpool with Saints earlier this month. But writing in his pre-match programme notes ahead of that clash at Anfield, Reds boss Jurgen Klopp made it clear he still sees Minamino as a key part of his group.
Jurgen Klopp said: “When we allowed him to go in January it was a tough call to make because he is an important player for us and will be again in the future, no doubt. But opportunities at that time had been short with us and therefore going to play somewhere else made sense for him and us. Southampton was perfect because of how Ralph plays and what he demands from his players.”
