Liverpool chief Michael Edwards credited for transfer decision which ‘saved them £60m’

Liverpool’s decision not to buy an outright replacement for Gini Wijnaldum has been hailed by Jamie Redknapp. Harvey Elliott slotted into Jurgen Klopp’s three-man midfield for last weekend’s 2-0 win over Burnley and Redknapp believes the youngster’s development could save Liverpool millions of pounds in the transfer market.

Wijnaldum’s departure to Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer came as a blow to Liverpool at the end of the 2020/21 season.

The Dutch midfielder had been a key player for five seasons and a big part of Klopp’s Premier League and Champions League successes.

His exit was followed by a clamour from fans and pundits to sign a high-profile replacement, with several players linked with a move to Anfield over the summer.

However, defender Ibrahima Konate remains the only signing for the Reds and, with four days of the transfer window left, that looks unlikely to change.

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“I thought it was incredibly brave of Jurgen Klopp to play him in the game, especially in the first game of the season at Anfield, as one of the three, but it just shows you how much trust he has in this young man.

“I think the fact he went to Blackburn on loan last season was brilliant for him.

“He’s got tremendous skill and close control. He’s brave on the ball and he’s got a wand of a left foot. With a little bit more confidence and game-time, he can be anything he wants, this kid.

“It will be interesting to see if he plays this weekend against a very powerful Chelsea midfield but if he does play him, what a game for him. These are the games you dream of playing in.

“Maybe he is one of the reasons why they were happy to let Georginio Wijnaldum go. Elliott might end up saving them £50m or £60m.

“I said at the start of the year that Liverpool should go and get Youri Tielemans from Leicester but if they’ve got one already on their doorstep, he could be their man for the future.”

Elliott generally played on the right of a front three while on loan with Blackburn, where he picked up seven goals and 11 assists in 41 Championship appearances last season.

However, Klopp started him on the right of the midfield three against Burnley alongside Jordan Henderson and Naby Keita.

The 18-year-old showed his maturity and flexibility on his first Premier League start and is likely to be given further opportunities during the rest of the campaign.