Klopp says Minamino has Liverpool future in spite of Southampton loan

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp on Tuesday said Takumi Minamino is still in his long-term plans, in spite of being loaned out to Southampton for the rest of the season.

The Japan forward has played only a handful of games for Liverpool since joining in the summer but can now hope for more playing time at the Saints.

“Takumi was always a long-term project and he still is. I hope it’s a win-win situation,” Klopp said of the loan deal.

“Takumi is an incredible player and we didn’t give him enough chances. That’s the truth.

“(Going to) Southampton makes a lot of sense. He’s there for 17 games. If he stays fit there’s a good chance he will play 17 games. That helps them, it helps us.”