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Since Jurgen Klopp took over the reins at Liverpool, it's hard to name too many players who have been as reliable as Gini Wijnaldum for the Reds. The Dutchman is one of the most underrated players in Liverpool's illustrious history and has played a pivotal role in the club's success over the years.
However, Wijnaldum and the club are currently at a crossroads, with Liverpool reportedly unwilling to fulfill his wage demands. The former Newcastle United midfielder is 30 years old and Liverpool are seemingly reluctant to offer him a long-term deal on improved terms.
The two parties are no closer to coming to an agreement and it remains likely that Wijnaldum will leave the club this summer after an excellent five-year spell at Anfield. Klopp has indicated publicly that he'd like to retain his services, but that is unlikely to be the case as things stand.
So, who can replace the energetic Dutchman for Liverpool? Here are five players the Reds could turn to this summer to add more quality to their midfield.
#5 Yves Bissouma | Brighton & Hove Albion
Yves Bissouma is reportedly a player Liverpool are keeping close tabs on. The Malian midfielder has been one of the standout players for Brighton over the past two seasons and could move on to greener pastures at the end of the current campaign.
Bissouma is an energetic presence in the center of the park and is a brilliant passer of the ball, while he has also been praised for his stamina and box-to-box ability. Stylistically, he ticks a lot of boxes to replace a player like Wijnaldum and is also at the right age to take his game to the next level.
Arsenal are also keeping tabs on the player, so Liverpool might not have a free run at one of the most exciting young midfielders in England.
#4 Sander Berge | Sheffield United
Another Premier League star who has been mentioned as a target for Liverpool, Sander Berge is a towering presence in midfield who has managed to show flashes of brilliance since securing a club-record move to Sheffield United in 2020.
The Norwegian midfielder was one of the most sought-after midfielders in Europe at Genk, with Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp reportedly singling him out for special praise after the Reds' UEFA Champions League encounter against the Belgian side in 2019.
Berge is blessed with a good passing range and is physically capable of dealing with the demands of the Premier League, while he could also be a set-piece threat for the Reds.
Liverpool have raided several relegated clubs for their prized assets over the years and could well be at it once again this summer. With Sheffield United virtually resigned to the drop, the Reds could snap up Berge for a nominal fee as a replacement for Wijnaldum.
#3 Renato Sanches | Lille
A former winner of the prestigious Golden Boy award, Renato Sanches was the next big thing in world football in 2016. The Portuguese sensation played a key role for his country at the European Championships that year and secured a big-money move to Bayern Munich, as the Bavarian giants saw off competition from Manchester United and several other big clubs for his signature.
However, he struggled for form and consistency at the Allianz Arena and was loaned out to Swansea City in the Premier League, where he endured a torrid time. Since then, Sanches has left Bayern Munich permanently and joined Ligue 1 side Lille, where he has rejuvenated his career.
His injury record is a bit of a red flag, but Sanches is blessed with bags of potential and could be a risk worth taking for Liverpool.
#2 Rodrigo de Paul | Udinese
Arguably one of the most underrated players on the planet, Rodrigo de Paul is a gifted midfielder who currently plies his trade for Udinese in Serie A. The Argentine's technical ability is second to none in Italy, while his ability to combine elegance and doggedness makes him an all-round package in the center of the park.
A talismanic figure like him might appeal to Klopp, who not only needs a good footballer to replace Wijnaldum, but also an able leader to join Liverpool's current crop. At the age of 26, De Paul is just entering his prime and could be an intriguing option for the Reds.
The former Valencia midfielder is reportedly a top target for the Reds according to media outlets in Italy and has also attracted interest from Premier League side Leeds United.
#1 Houssem Aouar | Lyon
Hailed as the crown jewel of the Lyon academy, Houssem Aouar was involved in a transfer saga with Arsenal last summer. However, the Gunners opted to sign Thomas Partey on deadline day, due to which the French midfielder opted to remain in France.
Known for his passing range, ball control and dribbling ability, Aouar would add something different to Liverpool's midfield. While he is not cast in the same mold as Wijnaldum, he's currently one of the biggest talents in the game and could become a key player for the Reds in the coming years.
Lyon are unlikely to keep hold of Aouar beyond this summer, with Arsenal still retaining an interest and Juventus also believed to be keeping tabs on the player. He won't be short of suitors, but with a manager like Klopp at the helm, Liverpool stand a realistic chance of signing the 22-year-old this summer.
