LFC Daytrippers contributor Peter Smith has been discussing Georginio Wijnaldum during a recent edition of the podcast.
The Dutch midfielder’s contract with Liverpool is due to expire at the end of this season (as per Transfermarkt) and to date, he is yet to agree an extension with the Anfield club. Wijnaldum has been linked with a move to Barcelona but a move for the 29-year-old hasn’t materialised and Smith has shed some light on why.
Here is what he had to say:
“A lot of people are playing it down, but Barcelona are in serious, serious [financial] trouble. There is absolutely no doubt that Gini Wijnaldum, by the way, would have signed for Barcelona last week – no doubt – but it was kiboshed; it was embargoed, it can’t be done [due to financial reasons] – the same way they can’t sign Memphis Depay.
“They can’t sign anyone.”
Do you expect Wijnaldum to run down his contract at Liverpool?
Yes
No
TIF Thoughts…
Smith’s comments would suggest that Wijnaldum was interested in making the switch to La Liga, which when you take into account the fact he’s yet to commit his future to Jurgen Klopp’s side beyond the end of this season, should come as no surprise.
The Reds recently added Thiago Alcantara to their squad from Bayern Munich in a deal reportedly worth £27m (as per Transfermarkt), increasing the competition for places in the Liverpool midfield but Klopp has insisted the Spaniard’s arrival changes nothing with regards to Wijnaldum’s future.
Signed from Newcastle United back in July 2016, to date, the player has won a Premier League title and a UEFA Champions League with the Merseyside giants. As such, whatever happens with regards to the player’s future, in our view, he’ll always have a place in the club’s history.