This January, Liverpool might be getting a new Georginio Wijnaldum
After the Netherlands star left Anfield for Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer in 2021, Liverpool supporters have long demanded that their team sign a replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum. The Dutchman was a crucial component of Jurgen Klopp’s midfield for several successful seasons, but according to many fans, they were unable to come to terms on a new contract and had to let him go without replacing him
Only Ibrahima Konate was brought in during the same summer after Wijnaldum left; Luis Diaz joined the team later that month, and the Reds have only added youngster Fabio Carvalho and Arthur Melo on a season-long loan after then. Both lack the more aggressive style of play that Wijnaldum, who was more than capable of scoring important goals, was known for among the Anfield faithful
Former Liverpool defender Steve Nicol, though, thinks the Reds have a player who can finally replace Wijnaldum after the Reds agreed to a deal to recruit Cody Gakpo from PSV for a cost that might reach £50million
The more I consider it, could he be like Wijnaldum in terms of scoring goals, perhaps? Since I don’t think he belongs in a front three,” Nicol said to ESPN. So perhaps he is the middle member of the trio who sets goals for you in addition to demanding hard work
Gakpo has primarily played on the left side for the Dutch team this season, scoring 12 goals and dishing out 14 assists in the Eredivisie and Europa League, but he demonstrated his ability to play in the center under Louis van Gaal during the World Cup. In Van Gaal’s style, he frequently played behind the front two and occasionally displayed excellence in midfield areas. He scored in each of Holland’s group stage games in Qatar.
When Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract with the team expired, Gakpo was expected to step in and play as Erik ten Hag’s center forward, replacing the Portuguese striker. Manchester United was considered the favorite to sign Gakpo
On Boxing Day, though, Liverpool agreed to a deal for Gakpo, gazumping their rivals for the second time in a short period of time after beating them to the signing of Darwin Nunez.
The 23-year-old is scheduled to travel on Merseyside to finish a physical before a transfer that will improve Klopp’s options up front. He might play on the left wing while Diaz and Diogo Jota remained injured.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain lined up on that flank during the Reds’ 3-1 victory away to Aston Villa on Monday. Goals came from Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Stefan Bajcetic. The pair are not anticipated to return to Premier League action until February.
Leave a Reply