Klopp shuts down probing Wijnaldum question; cracks Messi signing joke

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was quick to cut short discussion about Georginio Wijnaldum’s contract situation in his latest press conference, amid speculation over the midfielder’s future.

Dutchman Wijnaldum has entered the final year of his Anfield deal and reports claim he is a target for Barcelona. Indeed, Barca head coach Ronald Koeman worked with Wijnaldum at the Netherlands national team.

What’s more, further speculation claims Liverpool have decided not to pursue contract talks with the midfielder, with the Reds linked to a move for Bayern Munich’s Thiago Alcantara.

Speaking in Friday’s press conference, Klopp offered little update on the situation.

Asked to comment, he said: “That’s an open contract situation, obviously. Otherwise, you would know. And that means we don’t talk about that. I never did in press conferences so why should I change that?

“It’s all between us and the player, it’s all good in the moment. All fine. Gini looked very good in pre-season, played a couple of good seasons for us.

“So that’s all I can say about that.”

Klopp was also coy when asked about the potential of new marquee arrivals at Anfield this summer. Greek left-back Kostas Tsimikas is the club’s only signing so far.

“We have brought players in already. The kids are coming closer and closer and they look really good in pre-season, so I don’t know what will happen,” he added.

“There’s a long time to go until October 6 so it will be interesting to see what other teams are doing. But we will deal with our situation like we always did.

“I think the philosophy of this club’s pretty clear, we always did that. We will see how much we can or want to spend.”

KLOPP QUIZZED ON MESSI FUTURE

Klopp also faced questions about Lionel Messi‘s future. The Barcelona superstar revealed earlier this week that he wanted to leave Camp Nou after a turbulent season.

Asked if Liverpool wanted to sign him, Klopp said: “Yeah, who doesn’t want Messi in their team?

“But no chance. The numbers are absolutely not for us. But… good player!”

Klopp was speaking ahead of Liverpool’s Community Shield clash with Arsenal on Saturday.