Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum’s contract situation appears to have put some of European football’s biggest clubs on high alert with Barcelona said to be ‘admirers’ of the player, according to Goal.com.
The 29-year-old’s contract with the Merseyside club is set to expire in June 2021 (as per Transfermarkt.co.uk). Wijnaldum joined Liverpool from Newcastle United in 2016 in a deal reportedly worth £24.75m and has gone on to become a European champion with Jurgen Klopp’s men – etching his name into the club’s history.
With the Reds flying high at the top of the Premier League and just two victories away from their first league title since the 1989/90 season, the Dutchman’s influence cannot be denied – he’s started 97% of their fixtures in the English top flight this season.
Wijnaldum’s average performance rating this season, according to WhoScored.com, currently stands at 6.88/10, when taking into account his appearances in the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.
Do you think Wijnaldum will sign a contract extension with the Reds?
Yes
No
TIF Thoughts…
Although the above rating on the face of it doesn’t seem as though it is anything special, the frequency with which he is selected tells you all you need to know about how much Jurgen Klopp values the Wijnaldum’s contributions to the team.
Given it has since recently emerged that Liverpool have held positive talks with Wijnaldum over his future, it seems that neither party is looking to allow the Dutchman to leave on a free next summer at the very least – so despite the reported interest from the continent, it looks as though the most likely scenario as things stand is the 29-year-old staying put at Anfield.
And considering his achievements at the champions-elect so far, it may be surprising if Wijnaldum was hoping to bring his time at Liverpool to an end.
Therefore, in our view, unless Klopp has a replacement in mind, it is surely worth holding onto the midfielder.