Wijnaldum contract latest & new links for Origi January exit – Liverpool FC Roundup

December 28, 2020
This Is Anfield

Liverpool fans and players alike are seemingly seething at dropped points against West Brom, but it’s already time to prepare for the next game.

Gini wants more time to consider

The ball appears to be in Gini Wijnaldum‘s court, regarding his Liverpool future.

For months now it has been apparent that there is an impasse between club and midfielder, though the news reports have wavered between no deal being on the table at all and the No. 5 wanting a contract more reflective of his importance to the team.

Either way, it seems likely he’ll be in place until the end of the season – but beyond that, who knows.

The Guardian report that Wijnaldum was offered a new extension in December and he has asked for more time to consider his options – but he’ll let the Reds know what he intends to do before opening talks elsewhere.

Divock off to Serie A?

The rumours continue to grow about a Divock Origi transfer away from Anfield in January, which isn’t an enormous surprise considering his lack of impact this season and last.

However, there’s a new team in the mix now – Inter Milan, surprisingly. That’s according to reports out of Italy who say Antonio Conte wants him as a backup for Romelu Lukaku.

Apparently the bigger club option would appeal to Origi more than Wolves to boost his chances of making the Belgium squad for the Euros, while team-mate Lukau being there would also ‘smooth’ the process of signing him.

He had previously been linked with Club Brugge in his homeland, as well as Wolves, who need cover for injured Raul Jimenez.

Reaction to missed opportunity

No two ways about it, the home draw with West Brom was silly and sloppy – but the Reds do remain top, all the same.

The players have vowed to bounce back as quickly as possible after dropping two points
And Jurgen Klopp was far from impressed with the performance, reminding his players of the work required to win each game
And here’s the media response to the draw at Anfield, which came against all expectation

Quickfire LFC news

Sadio Mane‘s celebration shows the bond between players and fans (TIA)

Thiago Alcantara could return to the Reds’ squad against Newcastle (Goal)

Stephen Warnock has urged the Reds to sign a defender in January as they “can’t rely” on Joel Matip (Sky)

And Paul Tierney will be the referee for our game against Newcastle, with Stuart Attwell on VAR duties (PL)

Around the Prem

Man United already want to extend Cavani’s contract, despite hardly starting him so far this season – there’s that youth policy at work again (BBC)

Arsenal want Tariq Lamptey from Brighton if Bellerin goes to Barcelona. Shouldn’t they want him over Bellerin anyway?! (Mirror)

Wolves want Luka Jovic on loan to replace injured Jimenez, a curious call as he’s barely managed a shot on goal in the last 18 months (Athletic)

And Phil Foden has had enough of watching Ilkay Gundogan and Ferran Torres steal his headlines and wants more game time or to consider a move (Telegraph)

Time-sensitive news of the day

Some clarifications are still needed at the time of publishing, so we’re not labelling anything ‘stupid’ on this occasion just yet.

But tonight’s game between Everton and Man City has been postponed as the away team have reported more positive Covid-19 tests. They already had two players and at least one staff member test positive last week, and more came in just a few hours before kick-off.

Newcastle had loads recently and played on – after their first game against Villa was postponed. So what’s the number, what’s the threshhold? How many games will be called off? We’ll have to wait and see over the coming hours.