Liverpool are ‘hopeful’ of securing a new deal for Gini Wijnaldum, according to reports. The Dutchman is entering his final year at the club.
The Guardian makes the claim, saying that the two parties have had positive talks recently. Wijnaldum, whose contract expires in 2021, wanted certain assurances, though.
They apparently revolve around his playing time. Wijnaldum has been a key player for the Reds in recent years and wanted to make sure that would continue through his next contract.
And it certainly sounds as though Liverpool have handed him those assurances. Money won’t be an issue, according to the report, and so things appear to come down solely to playing-time.
The report claims it will be a three-year deal if things continue to go well between Wijnaldum and Liverpool.
What RTK has to say
Wijnaldum turns 30 at the end of the year so there is no guarantee that he’ll be a key player for the duration of this deal. He very well could be but you can’t bank on a 32-year-old playing regularly for Liverpool right now.
But the current economic issues in football work in his favour. Enormously, in fact, as Liverpool may have signed a rival for him this summer.
The Mirror claimed at the start of May that Liverpool wanted to sign Houssem Aouar. A new, younger midfielder would potentially have limited Wijnaldum’s minutes.
Instead, the Reds may sign no one. Wijnaldum’s position is stronger, then, as he’s a guarantee for the next few years when little else is guaranteed.
But in all honesty, Liverpool would struggle to replace Wijnaldum anyway. He’s developed into a truly elite player and one who absolutely should be a key player over the next few years.
Regardless of anything, we hope he’s agree a new deal – new signings or not.
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