Journalist Daniel Storey has recently criticised Liverpool’s decision to loan out Takumi Minamino in the January transfer window.
Storey appeared as a guest on the latest episode of the Totally Football Show podcast and the panel talked about multiple issues involving the Premier League weekend. They also talked about Minamino’s goal against Chelsea for Southampton. This led to Storey questioning Liverpool’s decision to let the Japanese go in January, despite the presence of issues in the club’s forward line.
Minamino had joined Liverpool from RB Salzburg in the January of 2020 for a fee of only £7.25 million, as the Reds had triggered his release clause. Under Jurgen Klopp though, the Japanese played 31 games in all competitions, playing only 1237 minutes for the first-team (as per Transfermarkt). Southampton signed Minamino on loan this past January.
Did Liverpool make a mistake in loaning out Minamino?
Yes
No
Storey expressed shock at the fact that Minamino was moved on loan by Liverpool, sounding unsure about whether there was a breakdown in the dressing room or whether he pushed for a move himself.
The journalist said (24:58): “I’m so shocked that Liverpool let him go. I don’t know if there was a breakdown in the relationship or he was forcibly pushed for the move. But when you look at how stagnant that front three looked, and he didn’t look brilliant when he was playing for Liverpool, we should say, but I’m surprised that they let anyone go, quite frankly, given the injuries they had. And yeah, he looks a player for Southampton.”
TIF Thoughts on Takumi Minamino…
Minamino has impressed during his time at Southampton so far, with the 26-year-old scoring twice in three league games.
The Reds do have Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino fit, but they are yet to score even once at Anfield in 2021 in the Premier League. Mane’s last goal came against Tottenham last month and before that, he scored in December against West Brom.
Firmino’s last goal also came last month against Tottenham. This shows that Liverpool lack goals from their front three and perhaps, Minamino could have added something new to the plate – especially since he’s impressing at Southampton.