Former Premier League player Noel Whelan has said that he would be shocked if Liverpool’s Georginio Wijnaldum was to leave the club, he told the Football Insider.
The ex-Leeds United man was despaired by the news that the Reds are running the risk of losing Georginio Wijnaldum, as per The Athletic.
TransferMarkt noted that the 29-year-old’s contract expires in June 2021 as his future hangs delicately in the balance, with no obvious indications at this stage that he will extend his stay on Merseyside.
Wijnaldum moved to Anfield from Newcastle United in 2016 for £25m and was described as “perfect” by manager Jurgen Klopp due to his combination of skills which make him an ideal midfielder.
Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan said he would be surprised if the club let someone leave who has massively improved since his arrival.
“I would be shocked as he has massively improved and is a key figure at the club”, he said.
“He’s one of the first names on the teamsheet, he’s scoring, he’s creating, his energy levels, that passion in midfield so he’ll be missed.
“Unless they’ve got someone lined up…he’ll be a huge loss as you want to have a squad of players who can cope with the demands of Premier League and European football.
“He’ll be a massive loss to Liverpool but you have got to trust their policies as well as the people in the background making these decisions. So you know it doesn’t say his contract talks can’t be sorted out.”
Whelan is correct to highlight the importance of Wijnaldum’s progressive development under the eye of the manager. He has scored three times in 27 appearances during the current campaign, according to TransferMarkt.
Before he left Newcastle and the season that the Magpies were relegated for the second time, the Geordie Boot Boys slammed the Dutchman and accused him of “downing tools” before he eventually moved to Liverpool in the summer of 2016.
He has now played over 12,000 minutes for the Reds and scored 16 goals and provided 16 assists in 166 appearances for Klopp’s team (according to TransferMarkt), and is regarded by the manager as an important member of the squad, as per the Mirror.
He will forever be remembered for the two goals that he scored in the second half of his side’s Champions League semi-final second leg against Barcelona. After trailing 3-0 down from the encounter at the Nou Camp, Wijnaldum came on as a second-half substitute and scored two goals in quick succession to help his side win 4-0. They went on to win their sixth European crown in Madrid, defeating Tottenham 2-0 at the Wanda Metropolitano.
It is understandable why Whelan believes it would be a shocking move from the club for a player with the capabilities that Wijnaldum has, to be let go. His consistency and versatility will be critical in helping the Reds win their first Premier League title in 30 years, having already proven such tools can lead them to major honours.
Liverpool fans, do you agree with Whelan’s views on Wijnaldum? Have your say by commenting below!
