Former Premier League footballer Noel Whelan has suggested that it would be a real surprise to see Liverpool allow Georginio Wijnaldum to depart the club in the near future.
The Netherlands international moved to the club from Newcastle United in the summer 2016, in a deal which has turned out to be one of Jurgen Klopp’s shrewdest moves in the transfer market, ever since he took over from Brendan Rodgers at Anfield.
Even though Wijnaldum has continued to play an important role for the Reds, who look on course to win the Premier League title this term, the midfielder is yet to be handed a new contract.
As per a report by The Athletic, Liverpool could potentially let go of Wijnaldum, who now has just 18 months left on his contract at the club.
Speaking to Football Insider, pundit Noel Whelan has stated that he would be ‘shocked’ to see the ex-Newcastle star leave Anfield after contributing so much to the team’s progress over the past couple of years.
“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.”