‘That is all I can say’: Klopp responds to Barcelona’s reported interest in Liverpool star

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Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp faced the media ahead of his side’s Community Shield clash with Arsenal on Saturday.

The defending Premier League champions will look to add more silverware to their trophy collection. But the focus in Klopp’s press conference was more on the future of a few of his players.

Liverpool’s domination in the league last term and in the Champions League the year before has forced the world to stand up and take notice of their key stars.

The Reds’ front three are untouchable but one of their midfielders has been linked with a big move to Barcelona. Algemeen Daglad claimed last week that Ronald Koeman, the new boss at the Camp Nou, is looking to sign Georginio Wijnaldum this summer.

The Dutchman has been an integral part of Liverpool’s side over the last two years but he has entered the final year of his contract. The Reds are yet to tie him down to a new deal, which could open up an opportunity for interested clubs to make their move.

Klopp was quizzed about Wijnaldum’s contract situation and the Liverpool boss didn’t seem too worried about the fact that he has less than 12 months left on his current deal.

He was quoted by the Liverpool Echo saying: “An open contract situation, we don’t talk about it. It’s all between us and the player. All good at the moment. Gini looked good in pre-season, played some good seasons for us. That is all I can say.”

Koeman knows Wijnaldum very well thanks to their time together with the Dutch national team. That explains the reported interest in Wijnaldum and Barcelona really could have a chance this summer.

Liverpool have been heavily linked with a move for Bayern Munich’s Thiago Alcantara. If the Spaniard does arrive, Wijanaldum may well be allowed to leave but, if that doesn’t happen, he is likely to stay at Anfield for another season.