Georginio Wijnaldum says that he laughed at reports linking him with a move away from Liverpool this summer. ESPN reports that the Dutch midfielder was of interest to a Turkish club but Wijnaldum has rubbished such rumours and was quoted (h/t ESPN) as saying:
“That was the speculation of the media. I laughed about it.
“I also read that I asked the club if I could leave. I never had a conversation with the club.”
The former Newcastle midfielder further said that a club like Liverpool would also buy players even if they already have quality stars in the team.
The midfielder also added that the speculation of him moving to Turkey could have been because of a former boss of his being in the country.
“But that was something from the media that I was going to Turkey, maybe because Phillip Cocu is manager and I worked with him for two years. I don’t know who put it in the media, but it wasn’t me.”
Liverpool brought in Fabinho and Naby Keita in the summer to add more quality and depth to our midfield. However, the Dutchman started in our 4-0 win over West Ham United.
Wijnaldum played in a midfield trio partnering James Milner and Keita, and did a pretty good job against the Hammers.
There is going to be a lot of competition for the three midfield slots in the Liverpool team this season, thanks to the two new signings.
Club captain Jordan Henderson was on the bench for the game against West Ham and the likes of Adam Lallana, Fabinho and even Marko Grujic would be looking to get games under their belt.
Read more: Jurgen Klopp blocked the transfer of Liverpool star to Newcastle
Wijnaldum has made a case for staying in the Liverpool team for now and it will be worth noting if Jurgen Klopp rotates the side when we take on Crystal Palace in our next game.
