Takumi Minamino’s loan to Southampton started in perfect fashion this afternoon as the Japanese international scored on debut against Newcastle United.
Minamino was sent on loan to Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side until the end of the season in order to gain more game time, having struggled for opportunities with Liverpool .
The 26-year-old attacking midfielder had managed just four starts in the Premier League and Champions League for the Reds.
Southampton approached Liverpool on transfer deadline day, hoping to take Neco Williams on loan to provide cover in their fullback positions, but Jurgen Klopp was not willing to let the youngster leave.
Instead, Saints inquired about Minamino and a deal was quickly agreed, with the south coast side paying his wages for the remainder of the campaign.
After missing the 9-0 thrashing by Manchester United on Tuesday, he went straight into Southampton’s starting line-up for the trip to St James’ Park on Saturday.
While it was not a happy first-half for Saints, with a Joe Willock strike and two goals from Miguel Almiron leaving them 3-1 behind at the break, it was a good introduction for Minamino.
Playing on the left of Hasenhuttl’s 4-2-2-2 formation, he received a pass from Ryan Bertrand, turned into the penalty area and smashed a powerful finish into the roof of the net.
Liverpool fans were mixed in their reactions, with happiness for his impact surfacing alongside annoyance he wasn’t doing it in a different red shirt.
Here’s what fans made of his goal.
Minamino arrived at Liverpool from Red Bull Salzburg on January 1 2020, signing a four-and-a-half-year deal after the club paid his £7.25million buy-out clause.
However, it hasn’t quite clicked under Klopp yet, with the Japanese international going in and out of the side.
With Klopp not seeing many opportunities for him in the Liverpool team, he was sent to Southampton to build up fitness and confidence.
