Former Newcastle United midfielder Rob Lee has exclusively told Football FanCast that he thinks Liverpool will cash-in on Takumi Minamino this summer.
The Japanese attacker moved to Anfield from Red Bull Salzburg last January, but struggled for opportunities behind Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Diogo Jota.
Will Southampton stay up this season?
Yes
No
Minamino has made just 31 appearances, only 12 of which have been starts, in 15 months under Jurgen Klopp, and despite netting all four of his Liverpool goals this season, was loaned out to Southampton in January following just four Premier League starts since arriving.
He made a bright start to life on the South Coast, netting impressive goals against both Newcastle and Chelsea, but his momentum has been stalled in recent weeks – with Minamino cup-tied in the FA Cup, meaning he’s featured just twice in the previous month.
Minamino will return to Liverpool at the end of the season once his loan deal expires, but Lee doesn’t believe he’s good enough to challenge for a place in Klopp’s side.
He told Football FanCast:
“I think he will struggle at Liverpool. He needs to play regularly, and has to play in the right position. It’s sort of like a free role, let him get on with it.
He’s got great ability, scores goals, he works hard, but I’m not sure he’s good enough for Liverpool. He just needs a run to show what he can do, he’s a talented boy.
“But I can see him leaving, Liverpool letting him go this summer.”