Georginio Wijnaldum’s departure leaves Liverpool with a sizeable hole to fill in their midfield. Jurgen Klopp believes Youri Tielemans can fill it.
Liverpool officials know just how important Georgino Wijlandum’s midfield work was to the club’s success last season. His decision to leave Anfield for PSG was a summer blow for Jurgen Klopp. Fortunately, the German gaffer has already identified a player he believes can serve as a midfield upgrade next season.
The Leicester Mercury are reporting that Liverpool are one of several big European clubs interested in the Leicester City ace. It won’t be easy for the club to fend off the likes of Juventus and Manchester United to win the services of the Belgian international. Initial reports claim that Leicester will be looking for at least £70 million if they’re going to part with Tielemans this summer.
Of course, the Foxes’ recent decision to sign Bubakary Soumare seems to indicate Leicester are bracing for Tielemans’ potential departure. Liverpool should be encouraged in their pursuit as a result.
How would Tielemans fit in at Liverpool?
Liverpool should have zero concerns about Tielemans’ ability to take over Wijnaldum’s position in the squad. He may lack the zealous work rate that made Wijnaldum so valuable to Klopp and his coaching staff, but Tielemans arguably has more skill on the ball.
His ability to unlock opposing defenses with his exceptional passing ability could really help Liverpool grind out results against opponents that sit back and park the bus against them. That sort of defensive setup cost the Reds’ valuable points last season.
The one question Liverpool does need to answer is whether or not Tielemans is good enough to be the team’s most expensive summer transfer. The club may opt to pass on Tielemans to save funds for a high-priced attacker like Kylian Mbappe. Liverpool may not have the funds to add elite options in both their front line and midfield this summer.
The truth is Liverpool really can’t go wrong with a move for Tielemans. He’s a proven Premier League commodity that fills their biggest void heading into next season. He’d be an expensive purchase for Klopp to sanction, but his utility to the team makes it a smart investment for Liverpool.