Noel Whelan is adamant that Liverpool have to replace Gini Wijnaldum, tipping them to sign Youri Tielemans from Leicester City.
Youri Tielemans made history with Leicester City as his goal ensured the club lifted the FA Cup for the first time last season. The Belgian has scored some spectacular goals this season, taking his tally to three from ten games in the Premier League.
The Foxes fans have recently been sweating over the midfielder’s future at the King Power stadium. Tielemans’ contract expires in 2023, with the midfielder reportedly ready to quit for a bigger project. There’s no shortage of interest in the Belgian, with Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool chasing him.
Real Madrid are also reportedly in the race, while Bayern Munich have expressed interest recently. Many have tipped Tielemans to join Liverpool when the time comes, as he perfectly fits Jurgen Klopp’s system. Meanwhile, the Reds have been looking for a player with similar attributes to replace Gini Wijnaldum.
The Dutchman departed Anfield in the summer, signing for PSG on a free transfer. Many experts thought Klopp made a mistake by not replacing Wijnaldum when he had the time. However, even without the midfielder, Liverpool have been excellent in all competitions.
Noel Whelan has brought back the subject of a Wijnaldum replacement again, insisting Liverpool should consider Tielemans. Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan suggested the midfielder could also help forward players such as Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah perform better.
Whelan said, “That’s the Wijnaldum replacement sorted straight away, isn’t it? If they could get Tielemans through the door, he’d add energy, that defensive ability, goals, link-up play, and more.
“I think Salah and Mane would benefit from having him in the side as well. He’d be a perfect replacement for Wijnaldum with the way he plays. Look at his age, as well. You’re building for the future by signing him.”
Bringing the Belgian might not be as straightforward for Liverpool, as many other clubs will put their hands up to sign him. However, if Tielemans insists on joining the Reds, Klopp could consider and possibly push his club to make a reasonable offer to Leicester next summer.
