Liverpool offer to Georginio Wijnaldum revealed as Serie A giants join race
Georginio Wijnaldum will be given his choice of three clubs to play for as his contract at Liverpool enters its final throws.
The Dutchman has entered the final year of the five-year deal he penned when joining from Newcastle.
But despite his invaluable presence in Jurgen Klopp’s engine room, there seems to be silence over his future.
Indeed, that lack of movement has come amid Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman identifying the 29-year-old as a firm transfer target.
Wijnaldum will be able to sign a pre-contract agreement with another club in January. As such, with just 45 days to go until the market opens, he has been quick to bat off questions about his future.
Despite Barcelona’s interest, Jurgen Klopp remains determined to keep Wijnaldum at Liverpool. The Dutchman has become a vital cog in his side and his departure will leave a hole to fill.
As such, Calciomercato claims Liverpool have offered Wijnaldum a 40% increase on his current £75,000 a week deal.
That will take Wijnaldum’s salary to £105,000 a week – a deal which the Italian outlet claims has been matched by Barca.
Having spoken to Ronald Koeman over a prospective move, Wijnaldum would be given more of a free reign to get forward. At Liverpool, thanks to the exploits of their front three, Wijnaldum plays a far more disciplined midfield role.
There is also the question of whether, after six years in the Premier League, Wijnaldum wants a new challenge. At 30 years old, he knows this will likely be his last chance to sign for another big club.
However, it no longer appears a straight choice between the two sides.
As per Calciomercato, Inter Milan have also entered the running to sign the midfielder. They claim the club’s director Giuseppe Marottais ready to make contact with the player and present a lucrative package to the player.
Whether their interest is enough to pique his interest remains to be seen. Either way, Wijnaldum is likely to be seen as one of the most desirable stars available as a free agent come summer 2021.
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Wijnaldum cautious on future
The midfielder has done his best to keep the focus away from himself as he bides his time over a decision.
When on international duty last week, Wijnaldum appeared to offer a spiky response to the latest round of questions.
Speaking to Dutch source Het Parool, he said: “I can’t say anything about that. Just ask Liverpool those questions. Don’t they answer?
“I cannot say anything about it, including whether or not there is talk of a new contract between me and Liverpool. Sorry.”
Liverpool boss Klopp has spoke on occasion about the situation. Asked in August, the German insisted that it was an “open” situation, hence the lack of comment.
He added: “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.”
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