Gini Wijnaldum’s future could depend on whether or not Lionel Messi stays at Barcelona, according to Paul Robinson.
The 30-year-old is expected to make a decision about his next move later this week, with his current Liverpool contract expiring at the end of the season.
Wijnaldum must decide whether to exit on a free transfer or extend his stay at Anfield, where he is now in his fifth season at the club.
The Netherlands international has been strongly linked with a move to Barcelona in the past, potentially joining up with former international boss Ronald Koeman.
Speaking to Football Insider, former England goalkeeper Robinson tipped Wijnaldum to stay, but said Messi could sway the Liverpool star’s thinking:
I think he stays. The fact that he has said he will give it a couple of weeks… I think he will sign a new contract.
Lionel Messi will be able to talk to other clubs in January, will he be there next season? That could sway Wijnaldum.
Liverpool will not want uncertainty and unrest midway through the season so they will have a conversation with him because either way it needs to be put to bed. Klopp will not want it hanging over the team.
We have seen how important he is to him with the injuries they have had. He has been one of their outstanding players this season.
I think Liverpool will have offered him a contract that is better than what he can get anywhere else.
He has been linked with Barcelona but they are in financial trouble so I do not think they would be able to match Liverpool’s offer.
Read Liverpool Verdict
While Barca are clearly a special club, they don’t have the appeal they once did, even with Messi around.
Liverpool are the more stable, successful side at the moment, being managed by arguably the best in the business in Jurgen Klopp.
A fresh challenge may appeal to Wijnaldum, but to move on from such a great Reds side, when he is an undisputed key man, would be a real shame.
He still has so much to offer, averaging an incredible 92.3 percent pass completion rate in the Premier League this season, so the hope is that he signs a new deal at Liverpool.
