Liverpool 16-goal duo may need replacing as Minamino transfer interest expected

In normal circumstances, the imminent loss of a club’s sixth and seventh-choice attacking options would be unlikely to cause too much consternation.

Players so far down the pecking order typically do not play regularly enough to make a significant contribution, and so it is difficult to make the argument that they will be missed.

But this has been far from the case at quadruple-chasing Liverpool, for whom the likely summer departures of Divock Origi and Takumi Minamino can be said to represent a blow.

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Minamino underlined the reasons why only last night, coming in as one of nine changes to the starting XI at Southampton and going on to score a high-quality, crucial equaliser.

That made it 10 goals from just nine starts this season for the Japanese, who also top-scored for Liverpool in both of their successful FA Cup and League Cup campaigns.

It is a record that provided justification to Jürgen Klopp’s post-match description of his failure to use Minamino more often as “a crime”.

The same could also, of course, be said for Origi, who himself has managed six goals in just five starts across all competitions, including a customary strike against Everton.

Much like Minamino, the Belgian has waited patiently for opportunities this term and then taken them with both hands — a significant factor in two trophies having been accrued.

Unfortunately for Liverpool, this enviable state of affairs is unlikely to last beyond the summer, when some big decisions await both players.

Minamino turned down overtures from Leeds United in January to stay and fight for his place, a call that has been rewarded with two winner’s medals thus far.

But senior Liverpool figures expect further interest from both Premier League and European clubs when the season ends, and the prospect of greater involvement will surely be too tempting to turn down.

Origi’s future is a little more certain, with the 27-year-old preparing to depart on a free transfer after failing to make enough appearances to trigger the option of an extra year in his contract. AC Milan currently lead the chase for his signature.

Both players would, of course, leave with the well wishes of supporters, having played a credible role in enhancing Liverpool’s history.

But, if the high standards of this season are to sustain, their departures will also create a gap in Jurgen Klopp’s squad that must be filled.

It is hoped that Fábio Carvalho, with his ability to play in either midfield or the forward line, can pick up some of the attacking slack following his arrival from Fulham.

The equally flexible Harvey Elliott should also be expected to chip more often after overcoming the serious injury that disrupted his debut season.

However, the mix of quality and character that has allowed Minamino and Origi to contribute so significantly despite such limited playing time is not easy to come by.

And Klopp must now find those characteristics elsewhere to ensure Liverpool are able to challenge on four fronts again next time around.