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Ian Wright comments on Liverpool midfielder Gini Wijnaldum’s future

Will Butcher

Fri 22 January 2021 9:15, UK

that he would be “sad” to see Gini Wijnaldum leave Liverpool either this month or in the summer, as the Barcelona-linked midfielder’s contract looks set to expire in June.

Wijnaldum, 30, has been a crucial part of Liverpool’s side since he joined the club from Newcastle United in the summer of 2016. He has since clocked up 213 appearances for the Reds, with his best moment coming against Barcelona in 2019.

A brace against the Spanish champions at Anfield saw Liverpool progress into the final, where they beat Tottenham to win the Champions League final. But now, Barcelona want to sign Wijnaldum and it is clear he is being tempted with a move.

His contract is set to expire in a matter of months, and Wright stated that while it would be “sad” to see Wijnaldum leave the club – he believes “something needs to change” at Anfield with the club struggling of late in the Premier League.

“I would be sad to see him go,” Wright said. “What he does for Liverpool it’s not about goals although he has scored important ones, it is what he does for the team. We’re looking at a side where something has got to happen, something has got to change.”

TBR’s view – Should Liverpool bring in some cash for Wijnaldum?

They continue to deny it, but Liverpool need to sign a centre-back this month – that is absolutely crucial. The injuries to Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez is shaking up the entire fluidity of Jurgen Klopp’s side.

So, perhaps bringing in some cash for Wijnaldum this month, rather than letting him go for nothing in the summer, might give them the funds required to sign a centre-back. Certainly, the prominence of Curtis Jones has reduced the need for Wijnaldum.