Former Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum will reportedly leave Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq this summer. The Dutchman previously worked with Reds legend Steven Gerrard at the Saudi side.
The 35-year-old left Paris Saint-Germain and joined Ettifaq on a three-year contract in September 2023. Wijnaldum became the latest European star signed by Gerrard after the likes of Jordan Henderson and Moussa Dembele.
The former Feyenoord player has scored 36 goals in 96 appearances in Saudi Arabia, but has yet to win a major trophy in the Middle East. Now, talkSPORT claim that Wijnaldum will now leave the Saudi club as a free agent this summer.
It is claimed that Ettifaq lack the budget to offer an acceptable renewal to the Dutch star and will depart on amicable terms, barring any new injection of funds.
Wijnaldum was a vital part of the Reds side that won both the Premier League and Champions League under Jurgen Klopp. The Netherlands international has previously admitted he wanted to stay at Liverpool before contract negotiations made him look elsewhere.
Speaking to L’Equipe in September 2021, he said: "A few months ago, I wanted to stay at Liverpool, but without going into the details, I didn’t get the feeling they wanted to keep me.
“In these cases, you have to move forward. Barcelona came up.
"I was keen on the idea of signing for Barcelona. But the negotiations lasted a while and eventually PSG came forward.”
Klopp has previously explained how Liverpool's squad and coaching staff gave Wijnaldum a private farewell.
The German said: “As a team we said our goodbyes to Gini at Anfield after the final game of the season. There was the public farewell on the pitch with the guard of honour. But then a more private occasion also.
“It was difficult for all of us because of how much this astonishing person means to the group. He’s been a big part of our lives for so long. There is nothing I won’t miss about him.
“I will miss the player he is like crazy – highest-quality ability, one of the smartest players I have ever had the privilege to coach. His contribution was off the scale, a manager’s dream.
“But as a person he’ll leave just as big a hole. A more giving individual you could not wish to meet. Gini is very strong and opinionated, but his motivation is only to help the team – always. His team-mates adored him and respected him in equal measure."
