Decision Time for Gini Wijnaldum Looms
Reports say the midfielder will inform the club of his decision before speaking to other clubs.
As we prepare to turn the page to 2021, it means big decisions for one Georgino Wijnaldum and his expiring contract. He’ll be able to talk to other clubs on a pre-contract once we’re in the new year. A new report from the Liverpool Echo mentions that Gini is mulling a latest contract offer from the club, with his inner circle indicating that he would prefer to stay on Merseyside where he is settled with his young family. Another report from The Guardian‘s Fabrizio Romano also claims that he has reportedly promised Liverpool that he will let them know of his decision before he starts talking to any clubs, should he decide that his future lies elsewhere.
However, there’s still a glimmer of hope that both club and player will be able to come to agreement on a new contract. The main point of contention between club and player is reportedly that Gini is one of the squad’s longest serving players - only James Milner, Roberto Firmino, Divock Origi and captain Jordan Henderson have been at Liverpool FC longer. Wijnaldum has seen just about everyone else signed after him get additional years or monies on their new deal, while he’s still on that initial contract he signed when he transferred from Newcastle - when Liverpool were still hoping to make it back into the Champions League.
A new deal, should it come to fruition, will need to be one that acknowledges both Gini’s on-field and off-pitch contributions. After a Mohamed Salah-induced snafu about the captaincy, Gini’s leadership was name-checked by Jürgen Klopp as the manager mentioned Gini being part of a “players’ committee” along with fellow captains Jordan Henderson, James Milner, and Virgil van Dijk. He was also one of the more prominent player voices behind the decision for the players to take the knee after George Floyd’s killing in May. And in the midst of a season of pure and utter chaos, Gini Wijnaldum has proved to be a pillar of consistency and availability in the starting eleven.
For his part, Klopp has always been consistent in his stance of wanting the smiley Dutchman to stay, with his team selections reflecting his continued confidence in the player. After months of speculation, we’ll know if it’s going to be a continued stay at Liverpool, or a fresh start someplace else for Gini soon.
Source: liverpooloffside.sbnation.com
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