Former Premier League striker Noel Whelan has pleaded with Liverpool to sign Leicester City star Youri Tielemans.
In the summer the Reds lost their most dependable midfield option in Gini Wijnaldum and are now feeling the impact of the Dutchman’s absence.
Jurgen Klopp is currently without James Milner, Naby Keita and Harvey Elliott whilst Fabinho and Thiago are only just returning to full fitness.
Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan urged the Anfield club to target Tielemans after the 24-year-old rejected a new deal with the Foxes.
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.
So far this season the Belgian ace has scored three and assisted two goals in 10 Premier League appearances – earning an impressive 7.40 average Sofascore rating in the process.
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Not signing a midfielder to soften the blow of losing Wijnaldum always seemed a risky strategy in the summer.
Despite possessing great numbers in the department, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jordan Henderson, Thiago and Keita all hold nightmarish recent injury records.
Tielemans hasn’t missed a single game through fitness since arriving at the King Power Stadium in 2019.
Couple that priceless durability with a host of high-quality attributes, Klopp would likely relish the opportunity to add the 47-cap star to the squad.
Valued at £49.5million and entering the final 18 months of a deal in the Midlands (Transfermarkt), Liverpool should be alert to the situation and perhaps test Leicester’s resolve in January.
