Stars align for Liverpool to complete swoop for €30m Wijnaldum replacement

Liverpool could take their chance to sign Lorenzo Pellegrini as a replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum, according to a report.

Wijnaldum is in the final few weeks of his contract at Anfield. He has been a great servant to Liverpool, where he has won several trophies. But it seems they have been unable to convince him to stay. Thus, they will have to find a way to replace him.

Florian Neuhaus had been outlined as a major target, for example. But recent reports suggested he was more likely to stay at Borussia Monchengladbach.

As Liverpool cast their net wider, one player who is back on their radar is Pellegrini – according to the Daily Mirror.

Captain of Roma, Pellegrini has established himself as one of the best midfielders in Serie A. He has also become a regular part of the Italy international setup.

There could be major changes in the Italian capital following the appointment of former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho. Roma have been linked with many Premier League players since the news, but one of their own could end up in England as well.

Pellegrini is entering the final year of his contract and Roma are therefore vulnerable to his exit. Liverpool have taken Mohamed Salah and Alisson Becker from them in recent years and they could try to take advantage of Pellegrini’s situation now.


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The 24-year-old has a release clause worth €30m in his current contract. Roma have been trying to remove it for some time but at present it remains active.

And with Mourinho looking to strengthen his newly inherited midfield in Rome, it may be a sign that they are bracing themselves for the potential exit of Pellegrini.

The former Sassuolo star seemingly wants to remain with his boyhood club. But if they can’t find an agreement, Liverpool could have a chance to swoop in.

Pellegrini has provided nine goals and eight assists for Roma this season. He would be a slightly more attack-minded option compared to Wijnaldum if he was to make the move to Anfield.

Oxlade-Chamberlain also set to leave?

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain Liverpool frustration

As well as Wijnaldum, another Liverpool midfielder facing an uncertain future is Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

It has been a difficult few years for Oxlade-Chamberlain at Liverpool. He initially made a bright impression after joining from Arsenal in 2017. But he suffered an ACL injury towards the end of his debut season and has struggled to get back to his best since.

According to Fichajes, Oxlade-Chamberlain has grown “tired” of his situation and has decided to leave the club at the end of the season.

One suitor has already emerged, with Borussia Dortmund reportedly trying to “seduce” him to the Bundesliga.

Dortmund believe the England international has the ideal characteristics to make an impression in their team. His dribbling ability and penchant for long-range shots are mentioned as two of the most appealing facets he has.

Therefore, Dortmund are eager to make a move to sign him. The report added that Liverpool want to recoup €20m for the 27-year-old.

That would free up the funds to reinvest in other areas, with Pellegrini a potential target.

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