Southampton are set to face a crucial summer transfer window when Ralph Hasenhuttl attempts to reshape his squad and ensure that the Saints have greater depth to help them enjoy a more consistent season in 2021/22.
The Saints enjoyed an excellent start to the Premier League this term and were looking like they could even potentially mount a challenge for the European places at the halfway stage. However, injuries to crucial members of their squad and a lack of January additions have since seen their form nosedive along with their league position, dropping to 13th after defeat to Wolves last Sunday.
The one piece of incoming January transfer business Southampton did pull off was to bring in Takumi Minamino on loan from Liverpool for the rest of the season on deadline day. The Japan international made an immediate impression for the Saints on his debut, scoring with a well-taken effort in the 3-2 defeat away at Newcastle United.
It had been reported by The Athletic that Liverpool still see the winger as having a long-term future at Anfield, and the loan move to the Saints was sanctioned to allow him to restore some confidence and get a consistent run of games under his belt. That comes after he made just nine Premier League appearances with the champions in the first half of the season (Sofascore).
However, according to a report from Spanish outlet Fichajes, Liverpool could be willing to allow him to leave the club in the summer for around €10m (£8.7m). The report added that Sevilla are interested in making a move for Minamino at that price, with their director of football Monchi a keen admirer of the Japan international.
That means the Saints could face a real battle if they want to turn Minamino’s loan move into a permanent one at the end of the season. That might well depend on how well he performs in the next few matches, but he has already made a positive impression and has shown that he suits Hasenhuttl’s pressing style of play.
With Southampton unlikely to have a large budget available to them given the issues outlined in the club’s recent financial report, signing a player of Minamino’s ability for less than £10m must be seen as an ideal scenario. The Saints should surely go all out to convince him to choose them over Sevilla.
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It might prove to be very difficult for Southampton to tempt Minamino to return next season if the Saints continue their poor form in the Premier League during the rest of this term. However, if the winger can play a crucial role in helping to drag them up the table, then it could well be a simple deal to get over the line in the summer.
Sevilla are an attractive proposition, with the Spanish club having won the Europa League last year and currently in the top four in La Liga. Therefore, the Saints will likely have to work hard to try and convince Minamino that St Mary’s is the best destination for his long-term future.
