---
title: "Liverpool: James Pearce provides Gini Wijnaldum update"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/liverpool-james-pearce-provides-gini-wijnaldum-update/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Henry Jackson"
section: "Liverpool Football Club"
published: "2021-05-17T16:35:10Z"
modified: "2021-05-17T16:35:10Z"
---

# Liverpool: James Pearce provides Gini Wijnaldum update

**It would be a big surprise if Gini Wijnaldum remains a Liverpool player beyond this season, according to journalist James Pearce.**

### The Lowdown: Final season at Liverpool?

The Dutchman has been a fantastic servant for the Reds since arriving in 2016, proving to be a key figure in the middle of the park and being [hailed](https://metro.co.uk/2020/04/18/ryan-babel-heaps-praise-incredible-liverpool-duo-gini-wijnaldium-virgil-van-dijk-12571480/) as ‘incredible’ by compatriot and former Liverpool winger Ryan Babel.

With Wijnaldum’s contract [expiring](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/georginio-wijnaldum/profil/spieler/49499) at the end of the season, constant speculation has [linked](https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/georginio-wijnaldum-on-his-way-to-barcelona-in-the-summer-gqrt7ksg7?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1616291026) him with a move away from Liverpool. The fact that the 30-year-old hasn’t yet signed a new deal at Anfield seems to speak volumes about where he sees his future, with Barcelona the [front-runners](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/wijnaldum-transfer-liverpool-barcelona-messi-23930893) for his signature amid a potential reunion with former national team coach Ronald Koeman.

\[freshpress-quiz id=“355458″\]

### The Latest: Pearce provides key update

Speaking in a [Q&A for The Athletic](https://theathletic.com/2588429/2021/05/15/liverpool-west-brom-pl-score/) on Sunday, Pearce admitted that he fully expects Wijnaldum to be elsewhere come the start of next season, saying:

> “Last I heard he was still weighing up various options, but I’d be amazed if he ended up staying out. He would bank a massive signing on fee as a free agent.”

[The latest Liverpool transfer news!](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/the-latest-liverpool-transfer-news/)

### The Verdict: A wonderful servant

Wijnaldum looks nailed-on to leave Liverpool, but he should always be remembered as a legendary modern-day figure at Anfield, winning both the [Premier League and Champions League](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/georginio-wijnaldum/erfolge/spieler/49499).

He might not have made as many headlines as the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino, to name just a few, but he has been vital to Liverpool’s success. His goal on a [tense final day afternoon against Middlesbrough](https://www.espnfc.us/club/liverpool/364/blog/post/3131140/wijnaldum-coutinho-and-lallana-send-liverpool-to-champions-league) four years ago proved the catalyst for Champions League qualification, and who can forget [his double against Barcelona](https://www.si.com/soccer/2019/05/07/liverpool-barcelona-champions-league-video-highlights-messi-suarez-mane) on *that* night at Anfield in 2019.

Wijnaldum has made [235 appearances](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/georginio-wijnaldum/alletore/spieler/49499) in just five seasons, speaking volumes about his consistency and fitness levels, and he will be a big miss should he move on, knitting things together in midfield in an understated manner.

***In other news, a Premier League player has been linked with a surprise move to Liverpool. Find out who it is [here](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/aston-villa-news/aston-villa-tom-heaton-linked-with-liverpool/).***