Georginio Wijnaldum: ‘Nothing concrete’ in Barcelona talks as Liverpool contract continues to run down

Netherlands midfielder played down the strength of Barcelona’s interest in the summer but has not committed his future to Liverpool and could sign a pre-contract elsewhere from January

Arvind Sriram
Wednesday 07 October 2020 03:22 EDT
Comments
Georginio Wijnaldum played down a move to Barcelona in the summer
Georginio Wijnaldum played down a move to Barcelona in the summer (Reuters)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum has played down reports linking him with a move to Barcelona.

The 29-year-old was reported to be one of Ronald Koeman's primary targets in the close season but Wijnaldum said there was "nothing concrete".

"I don't think it was that serious," he said. "Otherwise you would have read a bit more, or more would have happened.

"The way it looks now, I will stay in Liverpool. My contract is valid for another 10 months and that can change. You never know in football."

Wijnaldum has played in all four of Liverpool's Premier League games this season, but under his current terms he is free to negotiate a move away from Anfield from January should any European clubs make a move for the Netherlands international.

Wijnaldum held positive talks with Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp last month over his future, and insisted that his focus remains on helping the side retain their Premier League trophy.

That campaign took a blow at the weekend in the form of the 7-2 defeat against Aston Villa, but Wijnaldum said that they must use that unfamiliar experience to press on for the rest of the season.

"We have to go on with that," he added. "Of course, it was a painful experience that we are not accustomed to in Liverpool.

"But it happened and we have to learn from it. Now I am here and hopefully we will achieve good results and simply go on with it."

Reuters

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in