---
title: "Kevin Phillips backs Liverpool to sign ‘great’ Gini Wijnaldum replacement"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/kevin-phillips-backs-liverpool-to-sign-great-gini-wijnaldum-replacement/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Dan Clubbe"
section: "Liverpool News"
published: "2021-07-13T11:00:00Z"
modified: "2021-07-13T11:00:00Z"
---

# Kevin Phillips backs Liverpool to sign ‘great’ Gini Wijnaldum replacement

Former Premier League striker Kevin Phillips has tipped reported [Liverpool](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2021/07/13/fabrizio-romano-claims-forwards-are-the-priority-at-liverpool-this-summer/) target [Saul Niguez](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2021/07/12/virals-liverpool-hold-long-standing-admiration-in-saul-niguez/) to be a ‘great replacement for Gini Wijnaldum this summer.

This comes as the Reds are heavily linked with the Atletico Madrid star and see a [reported](https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/atletico-madrid/20210711/410482649981/cuando-saul-tenia-medio-pie-en-liverpool-aparecio-el-barca.html) opening bid of £35million rejected.

Saul could be available for slightly more as the La Liga champions [welcome Argentinan international midfielder Rodrigo De Paul](https://www.goal.com/en/news/atletico-madrid-sign-rodrigo-de-paul-in-35m-deal-from/rwnekp1opvsi18j0ewwv3i1ay) into their ranks.

Speaking to [Football Insider](https://www.footballinsider247.com/phillips-backs-liverpool-to-seal-magic-niguez-signing-after-bid-reported/), Phillips back the Spaniard fill Wijnaldum’s boots at Anfield.

> He could be a great signing and replacement for Wijnaldum. It sounds like they’ve been admirers of his for a long time so they will have done their homework on him. He is coming from the champions of Spain as well, let’s not forget. Liverpool will have a lot of the ball next season and he is someone who possesses that little bit of magic. I think it could turn out to be a really good replacement if they can get him in for money that’s not ridiculous.

Saul made [41 appearances](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/saul-niguez/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/148928) last season for Diego Simeone’s side – taking his overall tally for the club to [337 outings](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/saul-niguez/leistungsdatenverein/spieler/148928).

Capped on [19 occasions](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/saul-niguez/nationalmannschaft/spieler/148928/verein_id/3375) by Spain at senior level, the ace is a [multiple trophy winner](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/saul-niguez/erfolge/spieler/148928) with an enviable record throughout a distinguished career.

### READ LIVERPOOL VERDICT

This certainly looks to be a deal with potential.

Signing Saul would throw into question exactly what Jurgen Klopp’s [strongest midfield trio](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liverpool-thiago-transfer-strongest-midfield-18955695) is – with Thiago, Fabinho and Jordan Henderson currently holding the mantle.

Valued at £36million and under contract until 2026 in the Spanish capital ([Transfermarkt](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/saul-niguez/marktwertverlauf/spieler/148928)), landing the versatile star for anything like the mooted opening offer would be a shrewd deal.