Liverpool icon John Barnes says Gini Wijnaldum is "replaceable" at Anfield, but added that he hopes he midfielder stays at the club.
Wijnaldum is out of contract next summer, with no indications coming from the club that he is set to be offered a new one.
Reports from Spain have suggested that Barcelona have agreed terms on a deal for the 29-year-old, although sources at Anfield indicate that isn't the case.
Barnes says he could see Liverpool being willing to allow the Dutchman to leave the club if they have identified a suitable replacement, as doing so would be much easier than upgrading on their front three of Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah.
"Well, of course, you want to keep your players, especially your best players, those who have been instrumental in doing what they did for your success," Barnes told bonuscodebets.co.uk.
"But I think midfield players are a little bit different in terms of their profile, as they tend to be replaceable. Replacing the front three is much harder.
"Having said that, Gini Wijnaldum is a fantastic player. He’s hardworking, diligent, good work ethic and good ability, but if he’s asking for a lot more that offered to him, then I guess, Liverpool will find someone better value for a the same, or similar, standard."
Barnes added that he hopes the Premier Leage champions find a way to keep Wijnaldum at the club.
"I’d love to see Gini staying at Liverpool, he’s a great player and I do hope, both for Gini, and the club, that they can find a way to agree," he added.
"I think Liverpool feel Gini is asking for too much, which tends to backfire when players get too confident, but let’s see.
"He’s done a lot good for the club so hopefully that will work in his favour should they try to find a solution.
"Having said that, if Liverpool can sign another player and bring some security to the situation and something a little bit different to that area of the pitch then that may be the best thing to do."
JustFootball_SG
410
This header is Super Misleading. No one in authority from Liverpool has told Wijnaldum he is replaceable. Definitely Not Klopp.... the rest of the comments are just noise.
AJstyles10
400
well after what he did in the UEFA semi final against barca. the Barcelona will be ready tear him down like what they are doing now
guruboi
285
not a bad choice but he nears his 30s , soon origi will join[Crylaugh][Crylaugh] , monalas will also join then our nightmares will be fully welcomed
ferdude
78
In the market today I will be honest He’s incorrect because you can find good attackers and a good front 3 like Liverpool’s But their midfield is by far one of the most hardworking midfields in the league They tirelessly do all the running in the club and to find players who are willing to run and give it their all for the entire 90 minutes week in week out is rare nowadays