Jamie Redknapp has warned Georginio Wijnaldum that Liverpool will have no problems replacing him this summer if he leaves the club.
The Dutchman is inside the final few months of a contract signed back in July 2016 and can walk away as a free agent this summer.
Wijnaldum was heavily linked to a cut-price move to Barcelona last summer following the arrival of former Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman.
The former Newcastle United man can also speak to teams outside of England about a pre-contract deal and revealed recently he is no nearer to signing fresh terms with Liverpool.
Despite the contract impasse, Wijnaldum has once again been one of Jurgen Klopp's most utilised players, featuring in 40 games for the Reds so far this season.
But despite Wijnaldum’s impressive form this season, Redknapp believes he is not irreplaceable and players like him can be brought in.
He said: "They do run the club in a stats-based way and you have to trust what they are doing here.
"I understand what they are trying to do, they are not just going to throw money away and give players long contracts.
"That is their model and it has worked so well for them so you have to believe in what they are trying to do. You also can't be held to ransom by players.
"Wijnaldum has been a brilliant signing for Liverpool. His energy levels are fantastic but they have a feeling that, long-term, giving a player that much money until he is 33 or 34 - they don't want to do it.
"I am sure Jurgen Klopp won't want to lose him as you can't deny he is a fantastic player but he is not irreplaceable, you can find players like him, and Liverpool will be in the market trying to find the next Wijnaldum.
"Time will tell whether it is the right decision but I do understand what Liverpool are trying to do."
Liverpool return to Premier League action this weekend when they take on Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
It is the start of a busy few weeks for the Reds, who then face Real Madrid a couple days after their trip to the capital.
Klopp's side are currently seventh in the table, a huge 25 points behind leaders Manchester City heading into the final few months of the season.
But Redknapp insists it is not impossible for his former club to qualify for next season's Champions League through their league position.
"Of course they can make the top four but I think they have to find some rhythm and confidence,” he added.
"It is going to take a lot of doing now, they are going to have to go on a really good run of form, they are going to have to find the right balance defensively.
"I think Liverpool are outsiders but they certainly can get in the top four because this is the period when you need a run of form and anyone can find it.
"Chelsea are on a great run now but it only takes or two games to destabilise that and everything can change.
"Anything can happen, I think Leicester last year proved that. They were in brilliant form, bankers for the top four, lockdown came and they completely went."
