Liverpool must tie Gini Wijnaldum down to a new deal this summer, according to The Athletic’s James Pearce.
The 29-year-old was an influential presence for the Reds on Wednesday evening, heading home the opener against Atletico Madrid.
While Liverpool ended up bowing out of the Champions League on the night, Wijnaldum showed his big-game mentality once again.
The Dutchman’s current deal at Anfield expires at the end of next season, with nothing new signed as of yet.
Pearce believes that extending Wijnaldum’s stay is of the utmost importance, saying it should be ‘at the top of sporting director Michael Edwards’ in-tray’.
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Pearce is spot on with his assessment, as Wijnaldum continues to be a priceless asset for Liverpool.
Although his brilliance can sometimes go under the radar, the Netherlands international has become one of the first names on Jurgen Klopp’s team-sheet.
His positional intelligence, physical strength and quality on the ball – he has a 90.9 per cent pass completion rate in the Premier League this season – are so key in the Reds’ midfield, with everything done in subtle, understated fashion.
At 29, Wijnaldum isn’t getting any younger, but such are his levels of fitness and dedication, there is no reason why he can’t remain in his prime for another two or three years if he signs a new deal.
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