‘You don’t realise’: Ryan Babel sends frank Liverpool warning to Gini Wijnaldum

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Former Liverpool winger, Ryan Babel, has warned current midfielder Gini Wijnaldum about the perils of leaving the club, with his future still unresolved.

Wijnaldum has yet to put pen to paper on new terms with the Reds and has this week asked for more time to dwell over his decision, with Barcelona said to be waiting in the wings to sign him.

The midfielder remains a key part of Jurgen Klopp’s plans but the German boss will not hesitate to move onto other players if he feels the Dutchman is not 100% committed to the cause.

And Babel, speaking to The Mirror, says Wijnaldum needs to tread very carefully when it comes to his future.

“I spent almost four years at ­Liverpool under Rafa Benitez and Kenny Dalglish. When I left to go and play in Germany, where TSG ­Hoffenheim had become a big force, it was to become the ­biggest regret of my career,” Babel said.

“The only reason I left was because I wanted to have more playing minutes to keep my place in the Holland team, but you don’t realise how dominating the playing style is at Liverpool until you play in a different team and league.”

Wijnaldum moved to Liverpool from Newcastle and has been instrumental in helping the Reds to European glory and Premier League success. His current deal, however, expires in the summer.

Wijnaldum needs to decide, and quickly – TBR View

While it’s not directly impacting things on the pitch, the Dutchman needs to make his mind up with this one before it does.

He’s still a top player and Liverpool would obviously love to keep him but if he drags it out any longer, the club might just withdraw the offer and choose to cut their losses.