Liverpool are in a uniquely strong position in comparison to their rivals. The Reds not only have one of the strongest squads in the world but their squad is poised to stay together for a few more years yet, there are no first teamers approaching retirement barring James Milner and even he could keep going for another decade. However, there is one player who may leave before they begin to decline. The form of Naby Keita could explain why Gini Wijnaldum is yet to sign a contract extension with Liverpool.
Ticking clock
Liverpool signed Gini Wijnaldum from Newcastle United in 2016, paying the Geordies £25m for the Dutchman.
The midfielder has gone on to become a crucial cog in the Swiss watch that is Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool midfield.
Gini Wijnaldum has been rumoured to be on the verge of signing a new contract for some time now with his current deal expiring next summer, leaving the club vulnerable to losing him on a free.
The club either need to tie him down ASAP or sell him this summer.
Keita in form
Naby Keita is finally hitting the heights expected of him when he first signed for the club.
The Guinean has been at his best since the Premier League restart, nailing down a regular starting place, scoring and assisting.
Keita becoming a regular starter could leave Wijnaldum out in the cold next season. Fabinho and Jordan Henderson’s places in the side are assumedly secure, leaving one spot left for Gini and Naby to fight for.
Keita halting Wijnaldum contract?
Liverpool are in a pickle when it comes to the Wijnaldum contract. If they agree a new deal for the Dutchman then it has to be on the best possible terms for the club; it will likely be his last contract given that he is soon to turn 30-years old.
If the Reds don’t agree a new contract then they will be looking to sell him this summer in order to cash in on him before his value starts to plummet as he gets older.
Given that Naby Keita could keep Gini out of the team next season, talks with Wijnaldum over a new contract may have become more complicated – why give him a mega bucks deal to just sit on the bench when you can make a fortune selling him?
It would be great for the fans if we kept Gini – he’s scored some vital goals and always runs his heart out – but we don’t pay his wages. Only time will tell what the club are going to do about this one.
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