Liverpool midfielder Takumi Minamino joins Southampton on loan

Japan international has failed to break into Jurgen Klopp’s side since arriving at Anfield last January

(Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Southampton have acquired Japan midfielder Takumi Minamino on loan from Liverpool on a loan deal until the end of the season.

Minamino joined Liverpool in January last year from Austria’s Red Bull Salzburg for a fee of around £7.25million. He has made 31 appearances in all competitions for the Premier League champions, scoring four goals.

Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl said the 26-year-old would offer a good attacking option in the second half of the term.

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“I’m very pleased to welcome Takumi to our squad for the rest of this season,“ Hasenhuettl told his club’s website.

“This will give us some additional depth in our squad at an important time, and I’m looking forward to beginning work with him on the training pitch.”

Southampton also confirmed striker Shane Long had sealed a loan switch to Championship side Bournemouth for the remainder of the season.

Defender Yan Valery will also play in the English second tier for the rest of the campaign after completing a loan move to Birmingham City.

Southampton, who are 11th, visit Manchester United in the league later on Tuesday.

Reuters