Liverpool journalist Paul Gorst has been sharing some insight into the potential future of Reds attacker Takumi Minamino.
This comes after Gorst made an appearance on a recent episode of the Liverpool Echo’s Blood Red Podcast where he spoke about a range of topics concerning the Merseyside club.
On the subject of Minamino, who spent the second half of the previous season on loan at fellow Premier League club Southampton, Gorst had this to say about what the future may hold for the player.
He said: “I think if Southampton are keen on making him their player, I think Liverpool won’t be putting the phone down too quickly.”
Liverpool signed Minamino back in the 2020 January transfer window from Austrian club RB Salzburg.
Since arriving at Anfield, the 26-year-old, who is currently valued at £10.8 million, has made 31 appearances for the Reds in which he managed to score four goals and provide two assists in the process (per Transfermarkt).
During his time at Southampton, Minamino played in 10 Premier League games and scored two goals along the way.
TIF Thoughts on Paul Gorst’s comments about Minamino…
Taking into account what Gorst had to say, it seems that Liverpool could be persuaded to allow Minamino to join Southampton permanently this summer if the club want to keep him at St. Mary’s.
What should Liverpool do with Minamino this summer?
Keep him in the squad for next season
Loan him out again
Sell him
In our view, with Liverpool allowing Minamino to join Southampton on loan back in January, this suggests to us that he wasn’t a particularly crucial part of Jurgen Klopp’s plans.
However, if Liverpool were to let go of one of their current attacking players such as Divock Origi or Xherdan Shaqiri, who have both been linked with an Anfield exit in recent weeks, then perhaps this could offer Minamino a chance to get back into the squad and Klopp’s plans for next season if he stays.
In that case, it may simply be that Minamino is firmly in charge of what his future holds.
In other news: ‘From what we’re understanding’ – Journalist reveals Liverpool’s ‘big priority’ this summer