Liverpool could repeat Gini Wijnaldum transfer tactic with five players

Gini Wijnaldum moved to Liverpool in 2016 from a relegated Newcastle side, before going on to be a massive success story at Anfield. The Netherlands midfielder played a key role in Premier League and Champions League victories, while many Reds supporters believe that a failure to replace Wijnaldum has led to their downfall this season ahead of an impending midfield overhaul. Having successfully landed the likes of Wijnaldum, Andrew Robertson and Xherdan Shaqiri from relegated teams in the past, Express Sport has looked at five players the Reds may eye after their drop to the Championship was confirmed.

Youri Tielemans

With Liverpool looking at the possibility of multiple midfield additions ahead of next season, the signing of impending free agent Youri Tielemans would certainly appeal to them as they can no longer count on Champions League income.

While the Belgian has not had his strongest campaign since arriving at Leicester, the quality that has previously been on display from Tielemans has undoubtedly earned him a move to a club at the top end of the table – potentially at Liverpool.

James Maddison

While Liverpool may not necessarily be looking at offensive targets as their priorities could lie elsewhere, James Maddison is potentially one of the most talented players to ever get relegated to the Championship and if he is available at the right price, it is unlikely that Jurgen Klopp’s outfit would turn their nose up at the England man.

While Curtis Jones has impressed in the most advanced midfield role after Klopp’s tactical switch in the final few months of the season, few would argue that Maddison isn’t an upgrade on the talented youngster.

James Ward-Prowse

A host of top midfielders have suffered relegations this season, but the first was James Ward-Prowse for bottom-side Southampton. The set-piece specialist has strong ties to the local community but it would be surprising if he does not take an opportunity to return to the Premier League next season.

Alongside Liverpool’s successful track record of signing relegated players, they have also had a huge success bringing in players from Southampton – perhaps Ward-Prowse could be next on the list.

Armel Bella-Kotchap

Aside from midfield reinforcements, Liverpool have the joint-seventh-best defensive record and will hope to return to the upper echelons next year. Joel Matip’s future at Anfield is uncertain and Armel Bella-Kotchap could be seen as a high-upside player that could develop into a future starter.

The German has not enjoyed the most fruitful of debut seasons in England but showed glimpses of promise in a troubled Southampton team that will entice potential buyers in the summer.