---
title: "Pundit pleads with Liverpool to sign ‘perfect’ Gini Wijnaldum replacement"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/pundit-pleads-with-liverpool-to-sign-perfect-gini-wijnaldum-replacement/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Dan Clubbe"
section: "Liverpool News"
published: "2021-11-03T08:00:00Z"
modified: "2021-11-03T08:00:00Z"
---

# Pundit pleads with Liverpool to sign ‘perfect’ Gini Wijnaldum replacement

Former Premier League striker Noel Whelan has pleaded with [Liverpool](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2021/11/02/virals-liverpool-very-interested-in-signing-karim-adeyemi/) to sign Leicester City star Youri Tielemans.

In the summer the Reds [lost their most dependable midfield option](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/gini-wijnaldum-liverpool-leaving-breaking-20660596) 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](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2021/11/02/virals-jurgen-klopp-confirms-duo-are-in-contention-for-ucl-clash/) and Thiago are only just returning to full fitness.

Speaking to [Football Insider](https://www.footballinsider247.com/liverpool-have-wijnaldum-replacement-sorted-straight-away-after-reported-update-whelan/), Whelan urged the Anfield club to target Tielemans after the 24-year-old [rejected a new deal](https://www.90min.com/posts/transfer-news-youri-tielemans-rejects-contract-offer-leicester-man-utd-liverpool-chelsea) 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](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/youri-tielemans/leistungsdaten/spieler/249565) in 10 Premier League appearances – earning an impressive [7.40 average Sofascore rating](https://www.sofascore.com/player/youri-tielemans/331737) in the process.

### READ LIVERPOOL VERDICT

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](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/alex-oxlade-chamberlain/verletzungen/spieler/143424) recent injury records.

Tielemans [hasn’t missed a single game](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/youri-tielemans/verletzungen/spieler/249565) through fitness since arriving at the King Power Stadium in 2019.

Couple that priceless durability with a host of [high-quality](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/136345/Show/Youri-Tielemans) attributes, Klopp would likely relish the opportunity to add the [47-cap](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/youri-tielemans/nationalmannschaft/spieler/249565/verein_id/3382) star to the squad.

Valued at £49.5million and entering the final 18 months of a deal in the Midlands ([Transfermarkt](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/youri-tielemans/marktwertverlauf/spieler/249565)), Liverpool should be alert to the situation and perhaps test Leicester’s resolve in January.