Eurosport journalist Dean Jones has been speaking on the latest edition of the Touchline Talk show to discuss all things transfer-related ahead of this summer’s transfer window.
Whilst discussing Premier League transfer news, Jones spoke about Liverpool and their attempts to prevent Georginio Wijnaldum from departing for Barcelona in the summer, per reports.
The Dutch midfielder joined the Reds in 2016 from Newcastle United in a deal believed to be worth in the region of £25m but reports suggest this could be his last season at Liverpool.
Discussing the future of the 30-year-old, Jones had this to say on the topic of his future at Anfield.
He said: It’s [new Wijnaldum contract] looking unlikely and I mean, this is ridiculous to be honest, because if Jurgen Klopp wants the player, which he does, then Liverpool should be backing him.
“The guy’s gone and won the Champions League, he’s won the Premier League he’s done his best to get by this season when they didn’t really give him the backing they should have at the start of the season when he told them what he needed and didn’t get it.
“So the idea that they’re only willing to give him one year, I just don’t really buy into it. I think sometimes you got to look deeper than like value of a deal. And you’ve got a look at keeping this team together and make sure they’re on track to bounce back next season.
“I think that you have to put more faith in Jurgen Klopp when it comes to contracts and signings, it doesn’t seem that he’s getting the say, in either of those areas that you should be getting to me.”
Will Wijnaldum leave this summer?
Yes
No
Wijnaldum has played in all 29 of Liverpool’s Premier League games this season in what has been a difficult campaign for the reigning champions who currently sit in seventh place and five points off the top four.
Despite playing a large part in Liverpool’s recent success could this be his last season at Anfield?
TIF Thoughts on Jones’ comments…
As Jones suggests, Liverpool do not seem to be giving Jurgen Klopp the backing he wants and deserves. Since arriving at Anfield, Klopp has secured Liverpool back-to-back visits to the Champions League final – winning one – and secured their first league title in 30 years.
Jones states Klopp likes the player and wants to keep him, however, the club do not seem to be acting on his desire to secure the player’s future at the club. There has been a lot of rumours surrounding interest in the midfielder from Barcelona and it does not sound like the club are doing all they can for Klopp to keep him by only offering him a one-year extension.
As a result, it makes you wonder what is going on behind the scenes at Melwood for the club not to be backing their manager.
In other news: ‘What I want to say is’ – Fabrizio Romano reveals Liverpool’s Salah plans