Liverpool have begun their hunt for an alternative for Georginio WIjnaldum, who joined Paris Saint Germain recently. As a result, four possible replacements have been monitored.
The replacement could be Franck Kessie from AC Milan, Youri Tielemans from Leicester City, Houssem Aouar from Lyon or Saul Niguez from Atletico Madrid according to Daily Mail. Additionally, skipper Jordan Henderson is also uncertain about his future at Anfield.
Head coach Jurgen Klopp is concerned about especially the midfielders, as they have underperformed last season. Who will fill the void left by Wijnaldum – Saul, Tielemans, Auoar or Kessie?
Franck Kessie – highly unlikely deal !
Franck Kessie would have been the best alternative until he revealed that he would most likely stay at AC Milan. The Ivory Coast International was key in their strong finish as runners-up in the Serie A last season.
Earlier, rivals Tottenham Hotspur were also interested in signing him. But as the Italians are pushing in for a contract extension as wished by Kessie, a Premier League move is not on the cards.
Houssem Aouar – leadership qualities similar to Wijnaldum and good fit for Liverpool!
Houssem Aouar is also a well-known leader at his current club, Olympique Lyonnais. Additionally, he has also attracted big names such as Premier League rivals Arsenal as well as Turin giants, Juventus.
The 23-year-old French central midfielder has two more years left in his contract but would be keen on moving away from Lyon. However, the Gunners are ahead of others in signing Aouar from the Ligue 1 giants as they are looking to repeat the tactic they used to bring Alexis Sanchez to Etihad stadium.
Thus, the Reds should be able to put a significant amount of money for the transfer.
Saul Niguez – could be a possible Wijnaldum replacement for Liverpool
Saul is currently seeking a move away from Atletico Madrid after a title-winning season. Clubs like La Liga rivals Barcelona, Chelsea and Manchester United are among the big names who are also monitoring his situation.
The 26-year-old midfielder would be a perfect signing for the Merseyside giants and the move could benefit his national teammate, Thiago, another underperformer at the club. However, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side is ahead of them and would be a potential competitor.
Youri Tielemans – nearest option ever!
Youri Tielemans has been a superb player for Leicester City. He even won them a FA Cup with a screamer in the final against Champions League winners Chelsea. The 23-year-old midfielder could be the signing Liverpool needs right now.
Klopp’s side earlier tried to sign him from Anderlecht back in 2017. However, he moved to the King Power Stadium and has been a key player for Brendan Rodgers led Leicester. However, he is unlikely to leave the Foxes as he loves the atmosphere at the club. About his experience at the FA Cup champions, he said,
“It’s brilliant to be here, we’ll see what’s coming in the future but the environment is perfect to win trophies. You can’t predict the future but everything around the club and inside the club is made for it.”
Wijnaldum has been one of the crucial players for Klopp and it would be a difficult task to fill the void left at his place.
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