Liverpool: How much do they need Champions League football?
Bayern Munich have held positive discussions over the possibility of signing Gini Wijnaldum and the player wants to move to the Bundesliga giants, reports in Germany claim. The Dutchman's Anfield contract has slowly trickled down and there has still been no indication that the club will be extending his stay.
Gini Wijnaldum has held talks with Bayern Munich as he prepares to leave Liverpool (Image: GETTY)
Former Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman was keen to reunite with his old player in Catalonia but now he is likely to face the sack at the end of the season.
Speaking on SPORT1's podcast two weeks ago, Wijnaldum's advisor Humphry Nijman admitted his client would be open to a move to Bayern Munich.
He said: "FC Bayern is a great club. If you are interested in it, please feel free to speak to us."
Now the same outlet report that Bayern have initiated contact with Wijnaldum's team and that talks were very much positive.
Furthermore, it's believed Wijnaldum has now made it clear that Bayern are the club he wants to join.
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Beforehand, he was always open to the idea of staying at Liverpool but the club were unable to match his contract expectations.
Speaking two months ago, Wijnaldum made it clear the ball was firmly in Liverpool's court.
He said: “The only thing I can say is that I am really happy at the club, really happy with the team and the staff and really happy with the fans for whom I play.
“It is not that I am not happy and I have to leave but it is not that easy as everyone thinks it is to make some decisions for your future.
“First you have to negotiate with the club and it is so difficult to deal with all kinds of things and that is why it takes so long and also, the situation we are in, it is not the most important thing right now.
Gini Wijnaldum is set to leave Liverpool at the end of the season (Image: GETTY)
“The most important thing is to get back on track and winning games again and then we will see. I am really happy here and my family is happy here but there is no news.
“But I would be devastated [if] I didn’t play with this team anymore, that’s for sure.”
Liverpool are expected to bring in another midfielder in his place this summer.
One man who has been earmarked as a potential replacement for Wijnaldum is Brighton's Yves Bissouma.
The box-to-box midfielder has impressed for the Seagulls under Graham Potter and the South Coast club would listen to offers at the right price.