Dutch journalist provides interesting update on player’s meeting with Jurgen Klopp | OneFootball

Dutch journalist Marcel Van der Kraan claims that Jurgen Klopp and Gini Wijnladium have held positive talks over the midfielder’s future.

He says that Klopp has assured Wijnaldum that he will be given opportunities to play if he remains at Liverpool this season, despite the arrival of Thiago Alcantara from Bayern Munich.

Wijnaldum has one year left on his current contract at Liverpool, but is happy to stay at the club until the end of his deal.

Speaking to Sky Sports (0:00), Van der Kraan gave an update on the situation. “I understand the talks he’s had with Jurgen Klopp have been really good.

“Klopp has made it clear to him that there will be lots of playing time for him now if he does not leave now for a big transfer fee to Barcelona, who cannot afford to buy him yet because they’re being stopped by La Liga.

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“I think Wijnaldum is happy to stay there because he feels he is part of the nucleus of the team.”

ANFIELD WATCH VERDICT

The start to the 2020/21 campaign certainly backs up these comments because Wijnaldum has started all three of the club’s competitive fixtures. He has started both Premier League matches and the Community Shield, showing that he is still firmly in Klopp’s plans for the season if he does stay at the club.

However, he is going to need to make the most of his chances in the XI if he wants to keep his place given the fierce competition in the central midfield positions. Naby Keita, Jordan Henderson, Thiago Alcantara and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are all vying for the two spots ahead of defensive midfielder Fabinho in the line-up – so Wijnaldum knows that he if he does not produce quality displays then there are players who could come in and oust him from the side.

It is great to hear, though, that Klopp and Wijnaldum are on good terms and that everything is out in the open between the pair. Wijnaldum knows exactly where he stands and, as far as we know, there is no bad blood behind the scenes.