'I didn’t expect it at all' - Minamino airs surprise at Liverpool departure

Unable to make a place for himself in the Reds line-up, the Japanese attacker was sent out on loan during the winter transfer window.

Takumi Minamino admits the switch to Southampton on the deadline day of the winter transfer window was a huge surprise for him, saying he “didn’t expect it at all”.

Liverpool signed Minamino from RB Salzburg by activating his £7.25 million (€8m) release clause in December 2019.

Intense competition up front from the likes of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, and then Diogo Jota, prevented him from enjoying consistent minutes in the pitch.

After being limited to just 17 appearances across all competitions in the first half of the season, the 26-year-old swapped Anfield for St Mary’s Stadium.

He has since taken in six appearances for the Saints in the Premier League and contributed two goals.

Minamino told Southampton’s official website: “It was the last day [of the transfer window], after training – around five o’clock, I think. Some guys called me, and it just happened.

“I didn’t expect it at all, so I was probably the most surprised of anyone when I got the call.

“It was a good feeling. For me it was a good opportunity, and I was getting a positive feeling. I wanted to take this chance, and I came here.”