Report: ‘Perfect’ £75k-a-week Liverpool ace gives green light for Anfield exit

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Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum has given the green light for a switch to Barcelona, according to Spanish outlet Sport.

The Reds ace is heading into the final year of his £75,000-a-week contract and would be free to speak to overseas clubs from January.

Talks between Wijnaldum and Liverpool over an extension appear to have hit an impasse, although Jurgen Klopp insisted last week he was relaxed about the situation (Liverpool Echo).

Now, Sport – translated by The Mirror – claims the Dutchman has agreed a three-year deal, with Barca now negotiating a transfer fee with the Premier League champions expected to be in the region of £13m to £18m.

Wijnaldum cost Liverpool £25million from Newcastle in 2016, meaning the Anfield side may have to accept a loss of at least £7million under these reported terms.

The 29-year-old has been a mainstay in Klopp’s side since his arrival four years ago, making 187 competitive appearances and registering 19 goals and 16 assists.

TBR View:

Wijnaldum has been a superb servant for Liverpool over the past few years but, with his contract up next year, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him sold this summer so the Reds can get some money for him.

That said, his departure would be a blow for the Reds and Klopp, who told the club website last year: “Is he the perfect midfielder? From the skillset, 100 percent. He has all the things you need.”

But with Ronald Koeman also rating Wijnaldum highly and having coached him in the Netherlands national team, a reunion between the two does make sense.