Liverpool are reportedly willing to sell Takumi Minamino this summer and it would be a disastrous decision by Ralph Hasenhuttl to sign him for Southampton permanently.
The Japan international spent the second half of the season on loan at St Mary's but struggled to win over a large percentage of the Saints faithful with his performances, yet Hasenhuttl has suggested recently that he had been impressed by the 26-year-old, saying:
"I must say. He was a very lively factor in our game, in the games he played.
"He not only scored fantastic goals but his mentality and his character really fit into our team. You can see why a club like Liverpool wanted to sign him.
"He did a good job here. We gave him a chance to show up. We will have a look what happens in the summer, we will see what Liverpool want to do. There are discussions going on but we will have a look in the summer."
Therefore, it certainly seems as if the Austrian would be willing to sign Minamino permanently this summer should the opportunity arise.
Fortunately for the former RB Leipzig boss, it was reported by the Liverpool Echo (via Anfield Watch) recently that Jurgen Klopp's side would be willing to cash in on him this summer, so long as they can make a profit on the £7.25m they paid to sign him in January 2020.
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They also claim that Southampton have held discussions with Minamino, which suggests that should he depart Anfield on a permanent deal this summer, St Mary's is a likely destination.
The £10.8m-rated attacker has struggled to adapt to the Premier League in his 18 months in England, with just three goals and no assists in 29 appearances in the top-flight with Liverpool and Southampton.
Considering Hasenhuttl has suggested that Southampton will target players under £10m this summer, a deal for Minamino would likely stretch their budget, whilst it would also be adding depth in a position where they are already quite strong.
His poor 6.42 rating from WhoScored for his performances at Southampton does little to suggest that he would be a success at St Mary's should he join permanently but unfortunately for Saints fans, it seems as if Hasenhuttl is keen to bring him in, and after this recent update, a permanent move certainly looks to be on the cards.
It could end up being a disastrous signing if Saints do pull the plug on the Japanese star.
And, in other news... Bye-bye Djenepo: Southampton should swoop for "quality" PL beast this summer