Paul Merson has issued a warning to Liverpool FC over letting Gini Wijnaldum leave Anfield for FC Barcelona this summer.
The Dutch midfielder is touted to seal a move to the Catalan giants after recent speculation had indicated that Ronald Koeman wants to sign his former player at his new side. With the 29-year old’s deal expiring next summer, the Reds are understood to be willing to offload Wijnaldum.
However, Merson believes that Jurgen Klopp’s side should aim to retain the player’s services ahead of next season. The ex-Arsenal defender claimed Wijnaldum to be one of the best midfielders at Klopp’s disposal, the sale of whom could send the Premier League champions in a backward direction.
“Liverpool would be mad to sell Georginio Wijnaldum – and he’d be mad to go!
“They’ve just won the league for the first time in forever, they won the Champions League. They’re one of the best teams around.
“If Liverpool let Wijnaldum go they would be losing one of their chief midfield players. That sends them backwards.
An integral part of the Liverpool FC side that stormed to league title-winning glory last season, Wijnaldum scored four goals in 37 outings last season. His tireless work-rate would be sorely missed by the Merseyside giants should they choose to accept an offer from FC Barcelona, expressed Merson.
“The lad gets big goals and his work-rate is immense. He is under-estimated in my opinion. Doesn’t get enough credit.
“They are the engine and Wijnaldum is a very important part of that. They work their socks off. They’re like a machine. They all know their role. It works. Don’t break it up.
