There was an element of sadness for Liverpool on Sunday.
Jurgen Klopp’s side beat Crystal Palace 2-0 to finish third in the Premier League and ultimately seal a place in the Champions League next season.
But the man who helped them win that competition two years ago – Georginio Wijnaldum – won’t be there.
Prior to kickoff there were strong suggestions that it was going to be Wijnaldum’s final game for Liverpool and the guard of honour that his teammates formed for him after the game pretty much confirmed that he was leaving Anfield on a Bosman.
But could he wind up staying in the Premier League?
It is no secret that Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman wants him at Camp Nou but a report from Spain has intimated that remaining in England may be possible too.
According to Sport, two Premier League clubs have reached out to Wijnaldum about continuing his career in English football.
The report does not mention who but the reason the Netherlands international is leaving Anfield is because he wasn’t happy with the Reds’ contract offer.
We’re talking about a player who already earns £90,000 per week at Liverpool – and one who has won the Champions League and Premier League.
The former Newcastle United midfielder turns 31 in November and it seems plausible that only one of the Premier League’s bigger clubs – like perhaps an Arsenal or a Tottenham – would be willing to give a player of this experience and standing over the age of 30 a big-money contract.
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