Peter Crouch has advised Georginio Wijnaldum to remain at Liverpool despite interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid.
In conversation with Amazon Prime Sport, as quoted by Goal, Peter Crouch has urged Georginio Wijnaldum to stay put at Liverpool amid uncertainty over his future. The Dutchman, who is stalling over a new deal with the Reds, is the subject of interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Wijnaldum has been one of the mainstays in Jurgen Klopp’s highly successful Liverpool side, which has won almost every honour they have competed for in recent years. An ever-present figure in the middle of the park, the 29-year-old has been a dependable figure for the Reds over the years.
However, Wijnaldum’s situation at Liverpool has been under ever-growing scrutiny this year, as he has been at odds with the club over a new contract. With his current deal set to run out at the end of the season, it has been speculated that Wijnaldum could well end up leaving Liverpool as a free agent. This situation has also piqued the interest of Barcelona and Real Madrid.
However, while speaking with Amazon Prime Sport (h/t Goal), Peter Crouch has urged Wijnaldum to stay put at Anfield. The former Liverpool striker said, “You look at Barcelona and Real Madrid and they’re the Holy Grail for some teams but sometimes it doesn’t work out. Liverpool are a better option than them.”
Barcelona have been hot on Wijnaldum’s trails ever since Ronald Koeman joined the club ahead of the 2020/21 season. The Dutchman has been eager to be reunited with his compatriot at Camp Nou and the interest has not waned following a slow start to the season.
With Sergio Busquets in the twilight of his career, replacing him with Wijnaldum might just be the right step forward for Barcelona, considering it will allow Frenkie de Jong to assume the holding midfield spot for good. Wijnaldum’s versatility should also allow him to be utilised in different positions in Koeman’s 4-2-3-1. As for Real Madrid, the interest in Wijnaldum is a bit bizzare.
While Luka Modric, like Busquets, is approaching the end of his storied career, Real Madrid would be better served by replacing the Croat with a creative midfielder. In Wijnaldum, though, Zinedine Zidane could add some industry in the middle of the park, something Real Madrid might just benefit with.
However, Crouch’s comments make sense as well, seeing as Wijnaldum is a pivotal figure for the Premier League champions and has continued being so despite the arrival of Thiago Alcantara. But, recent reports have suggested that the 30-year-old is ready to snub a new contract with Liverpool, with Barcelona the favourites. It will be interesting to see what the future has in store for him.
