Ex-England international Darren Bent says that is surprised that rumoured FC Barcelona target Gini Wijnaldum did not push for an exit from Liverpool FC this summer despite the La Liga giants being extremely interested in signing the midfielder.
Wijnaldum emerged as a shock but major target for FC Barcelona following the appointment of ex-Holland boss Ronald Koeman as the manager of the Catalan outfit. The 29-year old Dutch international did seem likely to make the move to Camp Nou, however, ended up staying put at the Merseyside club.
Bent, while speaking to Football Insider, stated that Wijnaldum not signing a contract extension at the Reds likely indicates his desire to leave the Anfield giants in the near future, with the former Newcastle United man’s deal with Liverpool FC expiring next summer.
“He clearly wants to move on, he’s not signed a new contract, so you’d have to say why didn’t they get a deal done sooner rather than later? He’s been an outstanding servant for Liverpool and he’s a top, top player.
However, Bent expressed his shock at Wijnaldum choosing to play for Jurgen Klopp’s side this season despite the much-touted arrival of Thiago Alcantara at the club from Bayern Munich, the Spanish playmaker’s position of play being quite similar to Wijnaldum’s.
“It’s a weird situation this because I thought when Thiago came in I thought: ‘Ooh, he must be off then,’ but he’s still there.
“You’d like to see him go somewhere else now. If he’s not going to sign the new contract then get what you can for him but sometimes it’s a bit difficult to do that.”
