Liverpool may have lost their midfield engine to Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer, but the Reds are blessed to have three world-class midfielders like Jordan Henderson, Thiago and Fabinho.
Still, the departure of the Dutch midfield maestro leaves a huge hole at Anfield. His injury-free availability, versatility, confidence and humble nature will be felt later if the Reds don’t find a a long-term replacement.
Seven players Liverpool could choose to replace Gini Wijnaldum:
- Yves Bissouma
Yves Bissouma was one of the breakthrough midfield stars for Brighton Hove & Albion in the Premier League last season with impressive performances.
The 24-year-old Malian midfielder would cost £40m and has been heavily linked with Liverpool, Arsenal and Leicester City over the last two months.
- Ruben Neves
Ruben Neves is another proven Premier League talent. The Portuguese has been the sparkling midfielder for the Wolves the past three seasons, but appears to be available.
The 24 year-old Portuguese midfielder has been linked with Liverpool, Arsenal and even Bayern Munich in the past. His ability to score from long range, eye-catching passes are delightful to watch – if the Reds want him they have to pay at least £30m or more.
- Joao Paulinho
Joao Paulinho is one of the most underrated talents in Europe right now. The 25-year-old Portuguese midfielder is currently playing for Primeira Liga giants Sporting CP.
Paulinho is more of an orthodox central defensive midfielder with impressive ability at winning aerial duals and slide tackles.
- Youri Tielemans
Youri Tielemans has been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool and might be on the transfer window headlines this summer after he returns from national team duty.
The 24-year-old Belgian midfielder will consider joining the Reds after Euro 2020, but Leicester will easily demand at least £60m – the same amount Liverpool owners are planning for Anfield stadium expansion.
- Houssem Aouar
Houssem Aouar is one of the rising midfield stars for Ligue 1 giants Lyon and the French national team.
The 22-year-old has been heavily linked with Arsenal, but Liverpool should consider making a move for the midfielder, particularly since his current price value is only £41 million.
- Marcel Sabitzer
Marcel Sabitzer is another proven talented midfielder who plies his trade for RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga.
The versatile 27-year-old Austrian midfielder is reported to be available for only £15 million.
Liverpool’s strong bond with with Red Bull clubs like RB Leipzig and RB Salzburg might help them seal the deal with ease- if the Reds make a move before other clubs get involved.
- Florian Neuhaus
Florian Neuhaus is a German central midfielder currently playing for Bundesliga side Borussia Moenchengladbach.
The 24-year-old has no release clause and has been heavily linked with Liverpool as well as Bayern Munich in 2021.
If Liverpool want the versatile midfielder, he will cost up to £30-40 million to convince Gladbach to consider his sale.
Which midfielder should Liverpool sign in the summer transfer window?