Liverpool must do everything in their power to convince Georginio Wijnaldum to commit to fresh terms at Anfield, according to Paul Robinson.
Wijnaldum has been going from strength to strength since joining Liverpool from Newcastle United in 2016. The 30-year-old midfielder has become an integral part of Jurgen Klopp’s set-up at Anfield over the years.
However, he has entered the final 12 months of his contract at the club. Surprisingly, the Merseysiders have yet to persuade their star performer to commit his long-term future to the red colors.
In light of Wijnaldum’s contractual uncertainty at Liverpool, Barcelona and Real Madrid have both set their sights on the Netherlands international.
Ever since taking charge of Barca in the summer, Ronald Koeman has been trying to lure his compatriot to join him at Camp Nou. The Blaugrana made a few attempts to fulfill their manager’s wish ahead of the season.
However, the Catalans’ efforts to land Wijnaldum fell through as Klopp wants to preserve his indispensable first-team member in England.
But, the reigning Premier League champions are running out of time and could face the risk of losing the ex-Feyenoord man for free next summer.
Indeed, Wijnaldum will be free to discuss personal terms with foreign clubs and sign a pre-contract agreement to depart already in January. So, Liverpool must hurry to tie their prized asset to a new deal.
Well aware of the fact that Barcelona’s interest is still present, Paul Robinson has urged Klopp’s side to step up extension talks with Wijnaldum.
“If Wijnaldum went in the summer, they would have been really short on Sunday,” he told Football Insider.
“He proved against Leicester that he is still a top-class player.
“There was a big onus on his shoulders because of the injuries Liverpool have had, and you can see that if he was to leave at the end of the season, he would leave a huge hole.
“Liverpool will throw another contract at him and try to get him to sign because if he does leave, they will need to find a replacement.”
Despite spending big to bring in Thiago Alcantara in the summer, Liverpool are still very much reliant on Wijanldum in the middle of the park.
The Dutchman has been an omnipresent figure for the club this term, often filling in for sidelined Naby Keita and Thiago.
He has racked up eight Premier League starts this season after just nine rounds of fixtures.
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