Jurgen Klopp favorite who 'wanted to stay' at Liverpool set for Saudi Arabia exit
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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesLiverpool FCFormer Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum is reportedly set to leave Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq this summer, having originally linked up with Steven GerrardGini Wijnaldum was hugely valuable to Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.(Image: Photo by MICHAEL REGAN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)Former Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum is set to depart Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq this summer, according to reports. Now, journalist Ben Jacobs reports that Wijnaldum will depart the Saudi club as a free agent this summer.READ MORE: Arne Slot names 'first aim' of Liverpool summer transfers with two additions already confirmedREAD MORE: Everton chairman 'kicked' Liverpool icons out of stadium after late dramaIt is claimed that Ettifaq cannot afford to present an acceptable contract extension to the Dutch star and he will leave on good terms, unless fresh investment arrives, reports the Liverpool Echo.Wijnaldum was an integral member of the Reds squad that secured both the Premier League and Champions League under Jurgen Klopp.
The Netherlands international has previously revealed he wished to remain at Liverpool before contract talks led him to explore other options.Speaking to L'Equipe in September 2021, he said: "A few months ago, I wanted to stay at Liverpool, but without going into the details, I didn't get the feeling they wanted to keep me.Former Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum looks set to be on the move this summer(Image: Getty Images)"In these cases, you have to move forward. But the negotiations lasted a while and eventually PSG came forward."Klopp has previously described how Liverpool's players and coaching team gave Wijnaldum a private send-off.The German said: "As a team we said our goodbyes to Gini at Anfield after the final game of the season.
He's been a big part of our lives for so long. His team-mates adored him and respected him in equal measure."Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Liverpool FCJurgen KloppSteven GerrardGeorginio Wijnaldum