Liverpool offer Gini Wijnaldum new contract with big wage increase to block Barcelona move
Posted Wednesday, November 18, 2020 by Express.co.uk
Liverpool are running out of time to secure Georginio Wijnaldum's future at Anfield.
Liverpool have reportedly opened the chequebook to offer Georginio Wijnaldum a huge new contract to fend off interest from Barcelona and Inter Milan. Wijnaldum joined Liverpool back in 2016 from Newcastle, signing a five-year contract on Merseyside.
He's slowly been running down his contract though with the hope of an extension being offered.
There was nothing tabled in the summer though, leading to strong speculation that he was going to leave.
With his contract expiring in 2021, Wijnaldum was attracting strong interest from Barcelona with Ronald Koeman keen to link back up with the Dutch midfielder.
Liverpool's capture of Thiago Alcantara was also thought to be a sign that they were preparing for life without Wijnaldum.
Georginio Wijnaldum is being linked with Barcelona (Image: GETTY)
However, the 30-year-old ended up staying at Anfield and has once again been a mainstay in Jurgen Klopp's starting line-up this season.
Liverpool though are running out of time to make a decision on Wijnaldum's future and it appears as though they've made it.
According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, Liverpool have tabled a new three-year contract for the Holland international.
And they're prepared to give Wijnaldum a huge pay rise from his current salary.
It is claimed that Wijnaldum earns roughly £75,000-a-week and Liverpool are willing to increase that by 40 per cent.
Wijnaldum is yet to respond to the contract offer though with just a matter of weeks until the January window opens.
He will be able to talk to interested clubs in the New Year given there will be just six months left on his contract.
And the report states Wijnaldum remains interested in a move to Barcelona to work under Koeman again.
Ronald Koeman wants to sign Georginio Wijnaldum (Image: GETTY)
But Barcelona will face competition from Inter Milan, who have reportedly requested information on Wijnaldum's availability.
The Serie A side will have to sell first though with Radja Nainggolan, Christian Eriksen and Matias Vecino said to be available.
Wijnaldum gave little away recently when asked about any progress in regards to contract negotiations with Liverpool.
"I can’t say anything about that," he said. "Just ask Liverpool those questions. Don’t they answer?
"I cannot say anything about it, including whether or not there is talk of a new contract between me and Liverpool. Sorry.”
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