Now that the European Championships are over, we could soon learn from Georginio Wijnaldum why he never renewed his Liverpool contract.
The Dutchman has joined Paris Saint-Germain on a free contract and, according to De Telegraaf, he will earn £160,000 per week after tax.
He signed with the Parisians until 2024 and while it’s well known that part of the reason for his refusal to agree on an extension had to do with a disagreement over the length of the contract, there seems to be more.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – MAY 07: James Milner of Liverpool and Georginio Wijnaldum of Liverpool celebrates at full time during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final second leg match between Liverpool and Barcelona at Anfield on May 7, 2019 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
Before the start of this summer’s EURO tournament, he told ESPN Netherlands: “I am still busy saying goodbye to Liverpool. I am still emotional because I got a goodbye that not many players got before me.
“Why I left, you will hear again. It will [come out].
“The club also has to do with the fact that I am gone.”
It’s uncharacteristic of Gini to be cryptic and talk to the media about anything other than strictly football business and so it was a surprise to hear him talk about his departure from Anfield in that way.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – MAY 23: ( THE SUN OUT,THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Georginio Wijnaldum of Liverpool receive his applause from the crowd and the players at the end of the Premier League match between Liverpool and Crystal Palace at Anfield on May 23, 2021 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Now, with the EUROs over and his Liverpool contract expired, he is free to talk about whatever he wants without fear of retribution.
I doubt Wijnaldum will talk badly about the club but I am curious to hear what he has to say is the reason for his departure.
The 30-year-old is going to be a big miss and given how so many of Liverpool’s midfielders struggle with injuries, his fitness is going to be a massive miss.
