The Japanese international has struggled to impress Anfield since he joined last year
Takumi Minamino has completed a temporary move away from Liverpool by joining Southampton on loan for the rest of the season.
All the talk around Anfield on finishing day revolved around potential defenders.
The need for defensive employers has increased following confirmation that Joel Matip would not play again this season – with Cameroon midfielder joining Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk on the non-stop list. long-term presence.
Reds boss Jurgen Klopp got his defensive targets by signing Ben Davies from Preston on a permanent contract and bringing in Ozan Kabak on loan from Schalke with the permanent transfer option in the summer.
However, news broke out Monday afternoon about an approach from Southampton for Minamino.
The UK’s 11pm deadline came and went without a naming contract, but it was confirmed that Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl had loaned the Japanese until the end of the season.
Hasenhüttl said: “I am delighted to welcome Takumi to our squad for the remainder of this season.
“He will help provide another good offensive option, and importantly he is a true player image for us.
“This will give us a little more depth in our squad at a crucial time, and I look forward to working with him on the training ground. ”
The move will give Minamino the opportunity to push for regular playing time at St Mary’s, something that has put him off at Anfield since he joined Liverpool from Red Bull Salzburg in January last year.
With Liverpool ‘s impressive attack last term during their title – winning campaign, it was difficult for minutes to come in after they had gone half – way through the season.
He stopped against Arsenal in the Community Shield in August, but it took until December 19 to fill his first Premier League goal – in the 7-0 defeat at Crystal Palace.
After the game, Minamino expressed relief at breaking his duck in the Premier League.
“A goal in the Premier League was what I wanted to achieve,” he said. “Instead of feeling happy about it, I think it took longer than I wanted. . But I’m glad I was able to contribute to the team’s success.
“I wouldn’t say I was ashamed of myself [for not scoring in the Premier League previously], but I always wanted to score as soon as possible. I also felt a little stressed about it.
“I’m glad I finally got a score, but I only did it once, so I’ll work hard to earn more.”
Since that game, he has only made two more appearances – 61 minutes against Aston Villa in the FA Cup and six minutes in the home loss to Burnley on 21 January.
His next look is sure to be in a Saints shirt, and he hopes to make a mark in the second half of the season.