Why a new contract for Georginio Wijnaldum is a right move by Liverpool

According to Daily Star, Liverpool are in negotiations to extend the contract of midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum that would see him stay at Anfield until 2023 with an option to extend it for a year.

Wijnaldum, 29, came through Feyenoord Rotterdam’s youth system and made 135 appearances for the club’s senior team before moving to PSV Eindhoven. He became an instant hit at Eindhoven, scoring 56 goals and providing 24 assists in 156 games.

His impressive performances earned him a move to England with Newcastle United first and then Liverpool signed him in the summer of 2016. He made a wonderful start to his Liverpool career with 6 goals and 11 assists in his first season at Anfield and since then, he has become a vital cog in the Reds’ midfield.

Meanwhile, Jurgen Klopp’s men have been in terrific form in the last two seasons, winning the Champions League and dominating the Premier League. The manager has taken them to where they belong at a higher level and they are on course to lift the league title this term.

With the front three of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah, the Reds’ attack has been unstoppable. At the same time, the defensive unit has been top-notch with the presence of Virgil Van Dijk, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez.

However, one thing that Klopp has transformed in the team over the years is the midfield. Jordan Henderson struggled to lead in his initial captaincy days but the manager made sure he got the best out of his captain, with Wijnaldum partnering him in the middle of the park.

The £75k-a-week Dutchman has been excellent for the Reds in the past three years and has helped them on several occasions. His brace against Barcelona is the highlight of his Liverpool career as they went on to stage an epic comeback and eventually lift the trophy.

Wijnaldum has been a driving force in the team and has established himself as a key member under Klopp. And his services will be required in the seasons to come. In the midfield, James Milner has fallen down the pecking order and Naby Keita has been injured most of the time.

And Liverpool don’t have enough central midfielders in their ranks. Therefore, keeping hold of the 29-year-old Dutch international would be a wise decision. He has featured in all league games this season and was also instrumental in their Champions League fixtures until they were knocked out by Atletico Madrid in the last 16 Round.

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Verdict

Klopp needs to strengthen his midfield for the new season as they have limited midfielders who can go on throughout the season without injury issues or any other problems.

Therefore, handing fresh terms to Wijnaldum is a good move by the club and they should be able to get the best out of him in the next few years.