Jamie Carragher told Liverpool to sign ‘next Wijnaldum’ and Bellingham

Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher has urged his former side to sign “a Georginio Wijnaldum figure” in January to partner a potential summer transfer in Jude Bellingham. Despite the Reds’ 2-1 win over Leicester on Friday, their issues in midfield were still evident and fresh calls have been made to strengthen in the middle of the pitch.

Jurgen Klopp’s side opted to bring Cody Gakpo to the club in a deal that could reach £50million, who can play in midfield but will likely be primarily used as part of the Liverpool front three. After completing a deal for Gakpo and budgeting over £100m for Bellingham in the summer, the Reds’ finances may be stretched but Carragher believes that another Wijnaldum is necessary.

“Jude Bellingham is a midfielder who likes to get forward, score goals and assists and it would be fantastic if Liverpool could get him but they need a Wijnaldum figure to come in in the summer,” Carragher told Sky Sports. “This midfield isn’t what you expect or what Jurgen Klopp really wants.

“It’s not just about certain players and a certain age, because the younger players are more technical than high energy. I talk about Harvey Elliott and [Fabio] Carvalho, it feels like Liverpool’s midfield isn’t high-energy. There’s talk of looking to bring in Jude Bellingham, why wouldn’t you, he’s a great player but they also need another midfielder to help them defensively.”