Gini Wijanldum ‘is eager to stay at Liverpool but wants a salary that reflects his key role in Jurgen Klopp’s team’ after helping them win the Premier League despite the Dutchman being linked to Barcelona
- Gini Wijanldum wants to stay at Liverpool but wants a salary rise, reports claim
- Wijanldum is still bound to the same terms he signed four-and-a-half years ago
- Although he helped them become champions of England, Europe and the world
- Wijanldum is also one of four members of their ‘unofficial leadership group’
Gini Wijanldum is eager to stay at Liverpool but wants a salary that reflects his key role within Jurgen Klopp’s side, according to reports.
The Holland international is still bound to the same terms he signed four-and-a-half years ago, despite helping Liverpool become champions of England, Europe and the world.
Wijanldum believes he should be rewarded for not just his contribution on the pitch but for his work off it, as reported by the Liverpool Echo, as he has become one of four members of Liverpool’s unofficial ‘leadership group’ alongside Henderson, Milner and Virgil van Dijk.
Gini Wijanldum (above) is eager to stay at the club but wants a salary that reflects his role
In addition, Klopp reportedly believes it makes more sense to offer the midfield linchpin a new deal, rather than look for a replacement elsewhere.
The reports claims that the midfielder is looking for a salary rise to status within the squad and that it is unlikely he will stay unless his request it met.
The Dutchman is yet to agree terms with the club following their previous contract proposals, but there is still around hope Wijnaldum can thrash out a new offer with Liverpool, before he is free to talk to other clubs.
Although he helped Liverpool become champions of England, Europe and the world
As it stands, Wijanldum is still bound to the same terms he signed four-and-a-half years ago
Wijanldum has established himself as one of Klopp’s first-choice players – featuring more at Anfield this season than any other player.
As a result, Barcelona – who are coached by Wijnaldum’s former national team coach Ronald Koeman – have been tipped as a potential destination should the defender leave Liverpool.
Klopp has, however, stated that he wants Wijanldum to remain at the club for the foreseeable future.
He said: ‘I would be happy if he would stay here,’ Klopp said as recently as last month. ‘I am pretty happy with Gini as you can see when you look at most of the line-ups.’
Klopp also praised the midfielder for his goal in Liverpool’s 4-0 win over Wolves on December 6, saying: ‘I hope (he stays). You can see that he plays all the time, he plays long when he’s on the pitch. We have a very good relationship.’