Jurgen Klopp favorite who 'wanted to stay' at Liverpool set for Saudi Arabia exit

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Former Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum is reportedly set to leave Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq this summer, having originally linked up with Steven Gerrard

Gini Wijnaldum was hugely valuable to Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.(Image: Photo by MICHAEL REGAN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Former Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum is set to depart Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq this summer, according to reports. The Dutchman previously linked up with Reds legend Steven Gerrard at the Saudi outfit.

The 35-year-old left Paris Saint-Germain and signed a three-year deal with Ettifaq in September 2023. Wijnaldum became another European star recruited by Gerrard, following the arrivals of Jordan Henderson and Moussa Dembele.

The ex-Feyenoord player has netted 36 goals in 96 appearances in Saudi Arabia, though he is yet to claim a major trophy in the Middle East. Now, journalist Ben Jacobs reports that Wijnaldum will depart the Saudi club as a free agent this summer.

It is claimed that Ettifaq cannot afford to present an acceptable contract extension to the Dutch star and he will leave on good terms, unless fresh investment arrives, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Wijnaldum was an integral member of the Reds squad that secured both the Premier League and Champions League under Jurgen Klopp. The Netherlands international has previously revealed he wished to remain at Liverpool before contract talks led him to explore other options.

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.

Former Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum looks set to be on the move this summer(Image: Getty Images)

"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 described how Liverpool's players and coaching team gave Wijnaldum a private send-off.

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."