After five seasons and a lot of memories, Gini Wijnaldum is no longer a Liverpool player and leaves an almost unchanging void both as a player and owner of the Premier League’s best smile.
With the ever-present midfielder no longer, yes, present, here’s a look at the realistic replacements Liverpool can look to this summer, given budget constraints, strategy and availability.
Can Renato Sanches be set for another spell in English football / BSR Agency / Getty Images
Age: 23Value: £ 20-30 millionPros: Similar profile to Wijnaldum Cons: Previous battles in the Premier League
After an overwhelming first spell in English football with Swansea 2017/18, Renato Sanches has rebuilt his career with Lille where he won the Ligue 1 title in 2021.
Once called a future superstar, the Portuguese international’s game has evolved enormously since his failed Premier League times, and his technical ability on the ball combined with his energy and work speed mean he can be a solid replacement for Wijnaldum with real long-term potential.
Liverpool can turn to Napoli Piotr Zielinski / Alessandro Sabattini / Getty Images
Age: 27Value: £ 35-50mPros: Versatile, just-concluded best season ever for goal-scoringCons: Slightly older than a typical FSG signing, expensive
Piotr Zielinski looked to be heading for Merseyside as early as 2016, only for Napoli to come in late and convince the Polish international to stay in Italy.
The 27-year-old is known for his ability to carry the ball from the depths – something that can appeal to Jurgen Klopp with Naby Keita who is struggling to adapt to life in England.
Zielinski signed a new contract with Napoli just last year, which means that they will be forced to dig deep into their pockets if they really want to secure the midfielder’s services.
Youth Florian Neuhaus has been listed as a potential replacement / Lars Baron / Getty Images
Age: 24Value: £ 35-45mAdvantages: Versatile, box-to-box operator Cons: End date for release clause has passed, Bayern Munich interest
Florian Neuhaus has been a fixture in Borussia Monchengladbach starting XI for a number of seasons now, and at just 24 years old he is attracting interest from a number of top clubs.
Already with three internationals for Germany to his name, Neuhaus’ best attributes are his sublime passing ability and his noise in and around the last third.
The Monchengladbach man’s pace of progress in recent seasons has been incredible, and he can prove to be an exciting project if that is the avenue Klopp wants to explore.
Liverpool were strongly linked earlier this year, but reports claim that the release (probably around € 40 million) at the end of May prompted them to reconsider their plans.
Yves Bissouma has established himself in Brighton Midfield / Pool / Getty Images
Age: 24Value: £ 40-50mPros: One of the Premier League’s best defensive midfieldersCons: Expensive
Brighton have largely done the hard work of helping Yves Bissouma settle into English football.
The former Lille man initially struggled after his move from Ligue 1, but he has really started to flourish this season and has become an integral part of Graham Potter’s side.
The Mali international will not offer as much in the future as Wijnaldum, but his combative style of play could help unleash the shackles of some of Liverpool’s other midfielders.
No Premier League midfielder made more tackles in 2020/21 (104) than Bissouma.
Marcel Sabitzer is rumored to be seen by a number of Europe’s big hitters / Stuart Franklin / Getty Images
Age: 27Value: £ 15-20mPros: Last year of contract, good relationship with Red BullDisadvantages: Slightly older than most FSG signatures
Marcel Sabitzer is rumored to be on Tottenham’s wish list during the transfer window in January, and you can guarantee that other clubs will be interested this summer.
The Austrian international enjoyed another fine campaign by scoring nine goals in all competitions as RB Leipzig captain last season.
Some reports in Germany have even suggested that Sabitzer could travel cheaply with its contract just one year after the expiration.
Houssem Aouar has recently been courted by Arsenal along with a host of other sites / Eurasia Sport Images / Getty Images
Age: 23Value: £ 15-25 millionPros: Really goal-scoring threat, perfect age groupDisadvantages: Managing Lyon, unproven outside France
Court of Arsenal last summer, Houssem Aouar is young, talented and has bags of potential.
The 23-year-old is far from an exact fit when it comes to looking for a direct Wijnaldum replacement, but his ability to run with the ball and make an impact in the last third means that Klopp may well be tempted to add something else. his midfielder.
Aouar is likely to attract interest from a whole host of clubs this summer, and with Lyon in need of cash, it could be a smart move – even if it means bringing back memories of the Nabil Fekir saga.
Kessie Went to Tokyo to Represent Ivory Coast at the Olympics / YOSHIKAZU TSUNO / Getty Images
Age: 24Value: £ 25mPros: Goalscoring threat, all-action midfielder, one year left on contractDisadvantages: Potentially high wage demands, may prefer to stay in Italy
The Ivorian midfielder enjoyed his most impressive season to date with Milan 2020/21 and scored 13 times as Rossoneri secured Champions League qualifiers.
His drive from midfield could give Liverpool a new dimension, while his contract situation means he will never be more achievable.
Reports suggest he is looking north of £ 100,000 a week to stay in Milan, which remains his preference.
Saul looks like he could leave Atletico Madrid / Soccrates Images / Getty Images
Age: 26Value: 30-40 million poundsPros: Extremely experienced at the highest level, versatile, Disadvantages: the form has declined in recent years, expensive wages
A Steven Gerrard fanatic as a boy, Ñiguez to Liverpool rumors initially made a lot of sense when they first emerged.
The midfielder is still only 26, but has more experience at the top level than most and can play in almost any position needed over the midfield.
The reason he is available, however, is that Atleti have seen his form fall over the past year, while he would demand salaries to match Liverpool’s highest earners.
Gravenberch tipped for superstardom / Soccrates Images / Getty Images
Age: 19Value: 30-40 million poundsPros: Huge potential, experienced winner at Ajax Disadvantages: Competition for signature, can stay in the Eredivisie for another year
Gravenberch has already been able to play in a number of roles in midfield and occupies the foothold together with Eduardo Camavinga as one of Europe’s most exciting young midfielders.
At 6ft 3in and with a good passing range, he has been compared to Paul Pogba, but has usually played a deeper role.
Maybe Virgil van Dijk can have a quiet word about her future …
But back in May, Gravenberch’s father suggested that his son stay at Ajax for at least another season.
Does Liverpool already have the right man to replace Wijnaldum? / Soccrates Images / Getty Images
Age: Not applicableValue: Not applicablePros: Opportunity for others to increase, save money for other areasDisadvantages: No shiny new signing, risk of lack of depth in the injury crisis
Not a popular, granted, but can Liverpool live without a new midfielder for another year?
Assuming the first machine room is: Jordan Henderson, Thiago and Fabinho, Klopp can still call on Naby Keita, James Milner, Curtis Jones and even Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as squad options.
It may be wishful thinking, but a perfectly fitting season with less competition for places could be just what Keita especially needs to prove why Liverpool paid big for him all those years ago.
In addition, youngsters like Leighton Clarkson, Jake Cain and James Balagizi may be ready for more exposure in the first team.
