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Liverpool endured a challenging 2020-21 season, with a plethora of issues plaguing their campaign. Despite long-term injuries and unexpected loss of form, the Reds did well to grind their way to third place in the Premier League.
Nevertheless, manager Jurgen Klopp will need to invest in the transfer market to ensure Liverpool return to compete for the biggest titles again. After sealing a deal for young French defender Ibrahima Konate, the Reds need to strengthen in a few other areas as well.
A new versatile forward should be considered, but the most urgent requirement is at the centre of the park. Georginio Wijnaldum's exit has left a huge gap in midfield since the Dutchman was an ever-present since arriving at Anfield in 2016.
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Wijnaldum averaged over 47 games per season during his five-year stay at Liverpool. He played 51 times in the recently-concluded campaign, including all 38 Premier League games.
Jurgen Klopp has to replace the Dutchman's minutes, along with the latter's ability to control games and retain the ball. Moreover, Liverpool will also need to improve the depth of their squad.
Lengthy injury spells for Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara prove that Liverpool need another midfielder among their ranks - someone dependable to fill Wijnaldum's shoes and also improve the side.
Also Read: Fabrizio Romano’s Transfer Roundup: Update on Lionel Messi’s contract, Chelsea’s plan for the summer and more.
On that note, let's have a look at five midfielders Liverpool should consider signing this summer.
#5 Ruben Neves (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
There are a few midfield options Liverpool could go after in the Premier League itself. Among them are Yves Bissouma and Ruben Neves, both of whom are incredibly talented. But the Portuguese man gets the nod over Bissouma.
Liverpool will miss Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane at the start of 2022 due to the African Cup of Nations, where Bissouma will represent his country, Mali. The Reds should look at players who would be available throughout the season.
Neves is a more creative option, not necessarily confined to Geroginio Wijnaldum's role in midfield. Liverpool assistant manager Pepijn Ljinders, who coached the Wolves midfielder when he was at Porto, has spoken highly of Neves.
According to The Athletic, Wolves are prepared to sell Ruben Neves for £35 million to raise funds for a squad rebuild. He would be a great fit at Liverpool, as he is great on the ball and reasonably solid defensively. The 24-year-old also has a good eye for goal, thanks to his long-range shooting ability.
Jurgen Klopp's side could do with some more goals from midfield. Moreover, Diogo Jota would be happy to see his former teammate at Liverpool. The two were key players in Wolves' rise under Nuno Espirito Santo.
#4 Pedro Goncalves (Sporting CP)
Another Portuguese talent who could bring goals from midfield, Pedro Goncalves from Sporting CP, could be an enticing option at Liverpool. He is an exciting player, having played a key role in his team cruising to the league title.
Goncalves scored 23 goals and assisted three, which attracted the interest of Liverpool and Manchester United. He has even been dubbed the 'next Bruno Fernandes'.
The 22-year-old has done a brilliant job at replacing the Man United man at Sporting and could even be a bigger threat in front of goal than Fernandes. He seems like an exciting player who would instantly give Liverpool another dynamic goalscoring option on the pitch.
Pedro Goncalves, also known as Pote, could turn into a world-beater under Jurgen Klopp. However, he does not necessarily fit the profile of what Liverpool currently need from their midfielders. Moreover, it would take Liverpool about €60 million to sign Goncalves, as Sporting will likely not sell him for less than his release clause.
That makes Goncalves' move to Anfield an unlikely one. Nevertheless, Pote remains a potential world-class talent who could be worth the big bucks.
#3 Houssem Aouar (Lyon)
Another potential creative option for Liverpool, Houssem Aouar, has been linked with a move away from Lyon for a few years now. The Frenchman, like Pedro Goncalves, may not be a like-for-like replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum. But he is capable of playing in multiple positions.
Aouar has played across a plethora of positions in midfield, usually more advanced roles, as well as on the wing. His versatility could endear him to Jurgen Klopp.
The Lyon midfielder is set to become a star on the world stage, having already played a massive part in his team's run to the Champions League semi-final in 2020. Aouar was immense in Lyon's shock 3-1 win over Manchester City last August.
However, Aouar's defensive game isn't his strongest suit. That could end up going against him in Liverpool's search for a midfielder. Nevertheless, the Lyon man is another great talent and has the ability to match Philippe Coutinho's impact at Anfield under Klopp.
If Liverpool make a move for Houssem Aouar, they will need to move quickly, as Arsenal are also interested in the Lyon star. Seemingly available for a cut-price deal of around £30 million, he would suit Liverpool more than Goncalves if the Reds are looking for a creative force in midfield.
#2 Nicolo Barella (Inter Milan)
While he wouldn't come for cheap, Nicolo Barella would be an excellent signing for Liverpool. The Italian is valued at £58.5 million, but his performances for Inter Milan prove that he could be worth the investment.
Barella played a starring role in the Nerazzurri's emphatic Serie A win this season, thanks to his dynamic displays in the middle of the park. But despite his heroics, the 24-year-old is unlikely to remain at Inter. As per Fabrizio Romano, Inter need to sell over £70 million worth of players this summer to balance their books.
Liverpool are among those who are interested in Barella. He would be a tremendous option to have, thanks in no small part to his technical ability. The Italian could become a key player for the Reds for years if he makes the move to Anfield this summer.
Barella is excellent both on and off the ball too. Former England manager Fabio Capello even called him 'one of the top three midfielders in Europe'.
Perhaps, Liverpool may wait until a little later in the transfer window to make their move for Nico Barella, just in case Inter Milan drop their asking price for him. Whether or not that happens, Barella would be a fabulous investment for the Reds.
#1 Youri Tielemans (Leicester City)
Possibly the best option to replace Georginio Wijnaldum in Liverpool's midfield, Youri Tielemans, can be considered a footballing machine. He has been a consistent presence for Leicester City under Brendan Rodgers, having missed only one Premier League match in the last two seasons.
Tielemans is versatile and can play anywhere in midfield. He is predominantly seen in central midfield, where he helps to control games for the Foxes. The Belgian's ability to keep the ball is similar to Wijnaldum's, making him a perfect fit.
However, he offers much more than that. Youri Tielemans is also a threat going forward. His box-to-box abilities could also immensely benefit Liverpool. The 24-year-old showcased his quality with a Steven Gerrard-esque goal to win the FA Cup final against Chelsea.
According to Eurosport, Tielemans will wait until after EURO 2020 to consider signing a new deal with Leicester, as he is contracted till 2023. With Leicester finishing fifth in the Premier League for the second season running, it is a possibility Tielemans could look to play in the Champions League.
That would open up a potential opportunity for Liverpool, but Tielemans wouldn't come cheap. He could end up costing the Reds up to £70 million. Regardless, he could be an ideal replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum.
All the other names on this list are solid options, but Youri Tielemans appears to be the best one. If the move happens, it would be an immense statement signing from Liverpool.
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