Jurgen Klopp has “world-class footballer” waiting to replace Georginio Wijnaldum
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Liverpool could be set to lose Georginio Wijnaldum to the lure of Barcelona.
Spanish outlet Sport have claimed that the Dutchman has agreed a deal to join Ronald Koeman at the Nou Camp subject to the two clubs agreeing a fee.
Losing one of their title winners would be a blow to Jurgen Klopp’s side, particularly a player he has previously labelled as a “perfect midfielder”.
But, fortunately for the Reds, they have Thiago Alcantara – labelled as a “world-class footballer” by Klopp – waiting in the wings to replace him in their midfield.
RMC Sport claim Liverpool is the only possible destination for Thiago, and the club are ready to speak to the Champions League winners over the midfielder.
(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
“I assume that he will leave us. I think his decision has been made,” manager Hansi Flick said.
And whilst discussions are dragging on, Thiago is said to be waiting for a move to Anfield to come off.
That is a welcome scenario for Klopp with uncertainty over Wijnaldum’s future having spoken highly of both central midfielders publicly.
“Thiago is a world-class footballer. He played that deep-lying playmaker role very well,” Klopp said after Liverpool’s clash with Bayern Munich in February 2019.
(Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
“In my time in Germany, I admired Thiago Alcantara, for example,” he said back in 2017.
Last October, Klopp declared: “Gini speaks on the pitch for the way he plays. It’s just so obvious his importance,” Klopp said last October.
“And it is in both directions – in attack and defence, small spaces, big spaces, it is hard challenges, fine football, pretty much all of that.
(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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“Is he the perfect midfielder? Yes, from the skill-set, 100 per cent. He has all that you need.
“There was his header against Barcelona too. He is not the tallest, but he is good in the air.
“He is a good jumper with good timing, all that stuff. It all makes him a pretty good footballer.
“That is how it should be. It is not my fault if he goes under the radar. You cannot ask me why he goes under the radar. I don’t set the radar!”
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