Gary Neville hints Liverpool chief Michael Edwards will regret transfer decision

Liverpool: Gomez and Van Dijk put through their paces

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Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has warned that Liverpool will suffer without Georginio Wijnaldum in the middle of the park next season, suggesting that club director Michael Edwards could struggle to find an effective replacement for the Dutchman. Wijnaldum left the Reds upon the conclusion of his previous deal at the end of the season, eventually opting to join Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer.

The 30-year-old quickly established himself as a mainstay in Jurgen Klopp’s side after joining from Newcastle United in 2016, going on to play an important role in helping the Anfield club to achieve their recent Champions League and Premier League triumphs.

He played 51 matches in all competitions last season, chipping in with three goals in the process, but was unable to prevent Liverpool from relinquishing their domestic crown to Manchester City.

His departure has left the Reds in need of a suitable replacement capable of thriving in Wijnaldum’s box-to-box role, with a number of potential targets having been linked with the club in recent weeks.

Brighton and Hove Albion’s Yves Bissouma, Florian Neuhaus of Borussia Monchengladbach and Leicester City playmaker Youri Tielemans have all been mentioned in connection with the Reds as of late.

However, Neville believes that Edwards and Liverpool may be unable to find another player that will prove to be as influential as Wijnaldum, regardless of who they decide to pursue.

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Speaking ahead of the Netherlands’ opening Euro 2020 clash with Ukraine on Sunday evening, Neville told ITV Sport that the midfielder will be hugely difficult to replace and suggested that Liverpool could soon regret their decision to let him leave the club for nothing.

“[He’s an] unsung hero,” said the United legend. “People talk about all the great players Liverpool have and he very rarely gets a mention.

“I think he’ll be badly missed next season, very difficult to replace him at Liverpool. He’s one of those players that keeps things ticking.

“You don’t look at him and think he’s doing anything outstandingly well, but I would imagine his teammates respect him enormously because he covers a lot of areas on the pitch.

“He does things simply for his teammates, he’s an unselfish player and he’s an important player for this Dutch team.”

Wijnaldum played his last match for Liverpool against Crystal Palace on the final day of the Premier League season last month.

He was reportedly engaged in a contract stand-off for some time before eventually deciding to seek a new challenge, with reports claiming that the Reds were unwilling to meet the Dutch international’s salary demands.

The midfielder issued an emotional farewell message via social media shortly after the game, vowing to spill the beans on the circumstances surrounding his departure at a later date.

“I would have loved to remain a Liverpool player for many more years, but unfortunately things went different,” wrote Wijnaldum.

“I have to start a new adventure. I didn’t sign somewhere else [before leaving Liverpool], everyone knows in football everything can happen.

“The situation right now is that as of July 1, I’m not a Liverpool player anymore. We will see what I will do in the next couple of weeks.

“I will rest a little bit and then go to the national team. I will have a look at my story and how everything went. The fans deserve to know the story behind it.”

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