Liverpool forward Takumi Minamino is a major summer target for La Liga side Sevilla, according to Spanish outlet Fichajes [via Daily Star].
The Japanese winger was loaned out to Southampton at the end of the January transfer window after struggling to hold down a regular place in Jurgen Klopp’s side 12 months after his arrival.
Having made a bright start to life on the south coast, the report claimed that Sevilla director of football Monchi is a huge fan of the 26-year-old and will do ‘everything possible’ to land Minamino at the end of the season.
There is no obligation or clause to buy the Japan international within the deal which saw him move to the Saints on deadline day, a stipulation Jurgen Klopp insisted upon for the man he hailed as an “incredible player” after the move.
However, having played just 528 minutes of Premier League football and scored one top-flight goal prior to his deadline day transfer, his future at Liverpool remains uncertain.
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Given the relatively negligible asking price the Reds exploited to land the versatile forward, this was a move which always had the look of a free hit for the club.
Had the Japanese ace flourished at Anfield, Klopp would’ve landed a bargain; had he struggled, the Reds would likely sell for a profit.
Fichajes claimed that Sevilla are willing to pay €10m (£8.7m) for Minamino, a fee which would represent a small profit from the £7.5m the Reds spent, but certainly one which Liverpool would look to increase, especially if he can finish the season well with Southampton.
Ultimately, things haven’t gone as initially hoped for Minamino on Merseyside, and a summer parting of ways could be best for all parties – especially with Diogo Jota’s signing and subsequent impact being a major factor in his lack of opportunities.
