Jurgen Klopp has refused to give into media speculation regarding Gini Wijnaldum’s future at the Anfield giants beyond this summer. The Liverpool FC boss was posed questions regarding the Dutch international being a rumored target for FC Barcelona following the hiring of Ronald Koeman as the Spanish club’s new manager.
However, the German coach was quick to dispel any tittle-tattle concerning Wijnaldum being close to an Anfield exit. The 29-year old midfielder’s current Liverpool FC deal expires next season, and the player will be free to sign for another club on Bosman transfer as early as in January.
With the Reds in the market for Bayern Munich’s Thiago Alcantara, it had been speculated that Wijnaldum may be allowed to leave the Merseyside club. But Klopp has asserted that no such decision has been taken on part of the Premier League champions.
“That’s an open contract situation, obviously,” the German said. “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.”
According to the emphatic statement given by the Reds’ coach, it is clear that Wijnaldum remains very much an integral part of the Liverpool FC squad. The Dutchman will be in contention to start the Merseyside giants’ upcoming Wembley showdown against Arsenal on Saturday when the sides face off against each other for the FA Community Shield.
