'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
#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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