Liverpool could be set to have their new Georginio Wijnaldum this January.
Liverpool fans have long been asking for their club to replace Georginio Wijnaldum after the Netherlands star left Anfield on a free transfer to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021. The Dutchman was a key cog in Jurgen Klopp’s midfield for several successful seasons, but they could not agree on a new contract and let him go, without signing anyone in his place according to many fans.
Wijnaldum left and only Ibrahima Konate was signed in the same summer, as Luis Diaz joined later in January and the only midfield options that the Reds have recruited since then have been youngster Fabio Carvalho and Arthur Melo on a season-long loan. Neither are suited to the more industrial style of play that Wijnaldum was known for among the Anfield faithful, who was more than capable of popping up with crucial goals.
However former Liverpool defender Steve Nicol believes that after the Reds agreed a deal to sign Cody Gakpo from PSV for a fee that could reach £50million, they have a player that can finally replace Wijnaldum.
“The more I think about it, could he be a Wijnaldum except maybe give you more goals? Because I don’t see him as [part of] a front three,” Nicol told ESPN. “So maybe he is the one in the middle three that gives you goals as well as the hard work.”
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp may have finally replaced Georginio Wijnaldum. (Image: Getty)
Gakpo has predominantly operated from the left at the Dutch side, where he has 12 goals and 14 assists in the Eredivisie and Europa League this campaign, but showed his ability to operate centrally under Louis van Gaal at the World Cup. He scored in each of Holland’s group stage games in Qatar, and often played behind the front two in Van Gaal’s system and at times excelled in midfield areas.
Manchester United were thought to be the favourite to sign Gakpo, who had been earmarked to replace Cristiano Ronaldo and play as a centre-forward under Erik ten Hag as the Portuguese striker’s contract was terminated by the club.
Steve Nicol believes that Cody Gakpo can replace Georginio Wijnaldum. (Image: ESPN)
However on Boxing Day Liverpool gazumped their rivals for the second time in a few months after beating them to the signing of Darwin Nunez, by agreeing a deal for Gakpo.
The 23-year-old is set to arrive on Merseyside to complete a medical ahead of a move that will bolster Klopp’s forward options, and he could play on the left wing while Diaz and Diogo Jota remained sidelined.
The duo are not expected to return to Premier League action before February, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain lined up on that flank for the Reds’ 3-1 win away to Aston Villa on Monday as goals came from Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Stefan Bajcetic.
Liverpool ready to sell defensive cult-hero owing to a lack of regular game time
Liverpool consider the sale of centre-back Nathaniel Phillips.
Few will argue that Nathaniel Phillips is not a Liverpool cult hero. The Bolton Baresi was instrumental in helping Liverpool secure a Champions League spot in the 2020/21 season after several of their senior centre-backs were sidelined with injuries.
17 of his 28 appearances for the Reds came in that particular season after which he has not got much game time at the Reds. Even after a loan spell at Bournemouth overseeing their promotion to the Premier League, following the signing of Ibrahima Konate, Nat saw himself pushed further back the pecking order.
Even though he has shown that he is a top-class footballer, Liverpool find it hard to give the player the game time he deserves. According to The Athletic, the Reds could do the player a world of good by letting him go at the end of the current campaign.
Liverpool’s Nat Phillips against Manchester City. (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
The Bolton Baresi
His current deal at the Reds ends in 2025 (Transfermarkt), and there will be plenty of suitors for him as he is a top centre-back and is still fairly young at only 25 years of age. His valuation of £10m is something a number of mid-table clubs could afford, and then, secure his services.
He has only made two appearances in the Premier League this season, one against Crystal Palace and the other against Southampton. With Joel Matip and Joe Gomez to partner Virgil van Dijk in the absence of Konate, game time is tough to come for Nat.
Transfer News: Liverpool could offload Nathaniel Phillips this summer.
The Mirror also states that the only option Liverpool will think of is a permanent move and not a loan deal for the player. He is more than capable of just being an option in Cup Games and hence, selling him could be a good option for both the player and the club if it seems like a fresh start at a new team would be beneficial for both parties.
Ultimately, the decision on what to do with Phillips will depend on a variety of factors, and it will be up to Liverpool’s management and coaching staff to determine the best course of action for both, the club and Nat.
SOURCE: express.co.uk
