Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy believes the decision to allow Gini Wijnaldum to run down his contract at Anfield may have been influenced by the emergence of Curtis Jones.
This comes after the Dutchman said his goodbyes to 10,000 supporters inside Anfield on Sunday as the players and staff seemed to confirm the departure with a guard of honour.
The 30-year-old becomes a free agent on July 1 and has himself confirmed he doesn’t yet know where the future lies.
Despite reports suggesting the Reds were keen to hold onto the tireless midfielder, Wijnaldum’s assurances were not met and a five-year spell looks set to be coming to its conclusion.
Murphy, who played 249 times for his boyhood Reds, has spoken to Stadium Astro about the possible reason why the club didn’t do everything in their power to retain the Holland star.
Probably the reason why they have not moved heaven and earth to keep him is the emergence of Curtis Jones. What I understand, and the evidence is there in terms of the games he’s played, but there are high hopes for Jones playing in that position, left of a three, rather than a front player. Probably the emergence of him has made them decide that they’re going to let him go.
Jones has certainly enjoyed a meteoric rise to prominence in Jurgen Klopp’s plans this season – albeit often advanced due to injuries across the squad.
The 20-year-old played 34 times in all competitions this season, scoring four goals and registering five assists.
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Given what has transpired this season there is little doubt Jones has a role to play next term.
Perhaps in terms of game time, there is a replacement already in situ for the Dutchman, but the duo certainly are very disparate types of players.
Jones is a more attacking midfielder, who likes to get forward and get himself on the scoresheet.
Therefore, the departing Wijnaldum will have to be replaced and to do so Liverpool and Klopp will likely have to enter the transfer market.
Whether the decision to allow the Dutch ace to leave can only be vindicated or otherwise net season – in the meantime Kopites should recognise the service he gave to the club across 237 outings.
