Liverpool forward Takumi Minamino has struggled to adapt to life in the Premier League since arriving from Austrian Bundesliga side Red Bull Salzburg in January 2020.
The Reds felt, perhaps rightly so, they had landed themselves a bargain when activating a £7.25m release clause for the Japanese star (Sky Sports).
However, a combination of living in a new country amidst a pandemic and a lack of opportunities at Anfield led to Minamino becoming somewhat outcast at Anfield.
On transfer deadline day back in February, the 26-year-old was given the opportunity to recapture his best form on a short-term loan spell with Southampton.
Now having scored twice in nine league outings on the south coast, questions have been asked as to whether the versatile forward has a future back on Merseyside.
According to a report from Hampshire Live, as cited by The Anfield Talk on Twitter, the Saints have enquired over the possibility of resigning Minamino next term.
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Southampton have enquired about the future of Liverpool midfielder Takumi Minamino ahead of the summer t… https://t.co/zy9I6RpLet (@TheAnfieldTalk)
Ultimately the future of the man hailed an ‘artist’ by Arsene Wenger will be decided by Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp, with the latter previously adamant there remained place in the Anfield ranks for the attacker.
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Minamino is a difficult situation that needs resolving this summer.
Klopp needs alternative options in his squad, of that there is no doubt.
However, having had the 28-cap ace at his disposal for much of the campaign, the German boss rarely turned to him.
For that reason and having failed to pull up any trees with Southampton, Liverpool would surely be best cutting their losses and boosting their own coffers with a permanent sale this summer.
Holding a market value of £10.8million (Transfermarkt), the Reds could profit on the attacking midfielder – making the sense in another loan move almost a non-starter.
