Liverpool owners FSG playing ‘dangerous’ game that could force them to spend big in summer

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Liverpool’s owners FSG have been told they are playing a ‘dangerous game’ over the future of Georginio Wijnaldum. The midfielder’s contract with Jurgen Klopp’s side is due to expire at the season, and he has been linked with a move to Barcelona in the summer transfer window.

Klopp has so far insisted he is relaxed over the fact that Wijnaldum has not yet penned a new deal – despite the interest from the Catalan giants.

However, the midfielder’s importance to Liverpool is clear to see, with the 30-year-old having played all 23 Premier League matches this term.

Jordan Henderson and Fabinho have had to fill in at centre-half amid the Reds’ injury crisis, while summer signing Thiago Alcantara has had his own fitness issues.

All of this has made Wijnaldum arguably more important than ever to Liverpool’s engine room – and the Reds would likely have to spend big to fill the void if he does leave for the Nou Camp.

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Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has warned the club to guard against losing the midfielder as a free agent this summer.

“We have always said that it’s complicated – really, really complicated,” said Romano on his Here We Go podcast.

“And, now, it’s way more complicated because when you arrive in February, the middle of the season, and you have no agreement it’s becoming more complicated and we can say also dangerous – because you are losing a top midfielder as a free agent.”

Romano said Wijnaldum had not yet agreed a move to Barcelona or any other club – but warned Liverpool they may find it difficult to keep him.

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“There is nothing signed yet with other clubs. I always see rumours about Barcelona and many clubs, but there is nothing agreed or done.

“But, for sure, at the moment, there is no agreement between Wijnaldum and Liverpool.

“So, only if the player will change his mind about the economical part of the contract and he says, ‘OK, I want to stay in Liverpool because of my career and my family’ or these kinds of things – in this case, you have a chance to keep Wijnaldum.

“If not, I think it’s really difficult because the last bid from Liverpool was at the beginning of December – we’re talking about two months ago. So, it’s really complicated.”

If Wijnaldum were to leave, this season has surely shown that Liverpool would have to replace him.

The Premier League champions have been linked with a move for Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma, but the 24-year-old would cost around £30-£40million.

To sign any midfielder of the calibre needed to go straight into the first team, the Reds would likely have to splash the cash, going against their usual prudency.

There is hope, however, that academy graduate Curtis Jones will able to fill the void, with the 20-year-old having gained considerably more first-team exposure this term.

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