Liverpool are closing in on the contract extension of Georginio Wijnaldum, whose current deal at Anfield expires at the end of next season.
According to Nicolo Schira, Liverpool are in advanced talks with Georginio Wijnaldum regarding a contract extension. The midfielder’s current contract at Anfield expires in 2021, but following his success in recent years, coach Jurgen Klopp is keen on prolonging the Dutchman’s stay at the club.
As a result, the Reds are willing to offer Wijnaldum a new deal that would extend his contract until 2023. In addition, the club will hold an option to extend his contract for one more year as they attempt to secure long-term future of their star players.
And Wijnaldum is indeed a part of that list, having enjoyed a lot of success under Klopp, especially in the past couple of seasons. Following the departure of Philippe Coutinho in January 2018, the ex-Newcastle United star has made himself a vital figure of the Liverpool midfield.
While Wijnaldum has not been able to outrightly replace the Brazilian in terms of providing the creative essence in the final third, he has added some element to the midfield that has ultimately improved Liverpool as a collective unit.
Indeed, the 29-year-old has impressed the onlookers with his work-rate and willingness to close down the opposition. These qualities are ideally suited to Klopp’s gegenpressing style of football while Wijnaldum’s physical prowess also makes him a tailor-made fit for the Premier League.
As far as statistics are concerned, Wijnaldum has consistently racked up decent all-round numbers, having averaged 1.7 attempted tackles, one clearance, 1.2 successful dribbles and one successful aerial duels per game. Moreover, his ability to assert more confidence among his teammates should not be disregarded.
Therefore, Wijnaldum’s potential contract extension would make a lot of sense for Liverpool. But, at the same time, he should not take his future for granted, with the Reds already looking for ways to add more options in the midfield department and perhaps find an upgrade over the Dutchman.
In fact, the Merseyside giants have been linked with a move for Kai Havertz this season while Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain has also been doing well since returning to full fitness. That means Wijnaldum is almost destined to face stiff competition for a place in the first-team next season and this could significantly affect his overall performances.
Nevertheless, the midfielder has done enough to earn himself a new contract at Liverpool, and as the Reds prepare themselves for a potentially difficult period, the presence of someone like Wijnaldum will be appreciated.
