Gini Wijnaldum: Liverpool should talk about my contract

Nicholas Hughes

• Updated: 17 May 2021 21:42 BST
• 4 min read

Gini Wijnaldum has admitted his appreciation for Liverpool as his contract situation at the Reds continues to grab headlines.

The Dutchman bagged his first goal of the season on Sunday night with a wonderful curler into the top corner, helping Liverpool on their way to a commanding 4-0 win over Wolves.

And as fans returned to Anfield, the No.5 admitted he has always felt at home at the club as he continues in his fifth campaign at the home of the champions.

“There was a connection from the first moment I came here. The supporters support me a lot,” he told Amazon Prime after the final whistle.

Rumours swirled over a move to Barcelona during the summer with Wijnaldum’s contract nearing its expiration next June, but talks have since cooled as the Blaugrana struggle for form and finances.

A key connection in the links was Ronald Koeman, the former Netherlands coach, but with Barcelona currently lying three points above the relegation zone in La Liga, he may well be removed before any such move could eventuate.

La Liga’s newly imposed wage structures and financial implications of the coronavirus pandemic mean Barcelona are in a difficult position to make signings which could prove another stumbling block for a future transfer.

Gini Wijnaldum 2020/21 stats

On his contract, Wijnaldum insisted his mind was fully focused on matters on the pitch and that discussions over a new deal should be left to the club.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp waxed lyrical about his midfielder, as he often does, and admitted he is hopeful the Dutchman remains at Anfield beyond next summer.

“I hope so [that he re-signs], to be honest. You can see that he plays all the time,” he said.

The German admitted he has a “pretty good” relationship with the 30-year-old, who has now started each of the last 14 matches available to him in all competitions for club and country, playing at a rate of a match just about every three days.

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In a season where Liverpool have been ravaged by injuries, Wijnaldum has been dependable as ever in the middle of the park and finished the match against Wolves with the captain’s armband around his bicep, a symbol of just how important he remains to this Liverpool team.

Gini will surely get a well-deserved rest in Liverpool’s dead-rubber Champions League tie against Midtjylland on Wednesday before the Reds go to Fulham ahead of a blockbuster clash against Tottenham Hotspur next Wednesday night.