Rio Ferdinand suggests Liverpool have made a summer transfer mistake.
Rio Ferdinand’s generous praise for Georginio Wijnaldum has laid bare just what a talent Liverpool left to go for free this summer.
Wijnaldum is leaving the Reds at the expiry of his deal this month despite claiming he wanted to stay at Anfield “for many more years”
The Dutchman drew interest from a host of top clubs across Europe including Barcelona and Bayern Munich before approving a three-year contract with Paris Saint-Germain.
Liverpool were reluctant to hand Wijnaldum – who turns 31 in November – a three-year continuation due to his venerable years, as this would disclaim the recent transfer policy of sporting director Michael Edwards.
But Wijnaldum confirmed yet again he has the technical expertise and the engine to run the show with a dazzling performance in the Netherlands’ 2-0 victory over Austria, which ensured the Oranje’s qualification to the last 16 of Euro 2020.
Ferdinand gave a glowing verdict on the former Newcastle United star after the match which may well leave Anfield chiefs distrusting their decision not to bow to the player’s needs at the negotiating table.
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“I think they have got players that can play on this stage and think about the importance of their midfield, both (Frenkie) De Jong and Wijnaldum have to perform for this team to perform well,” the Manchester United legend told BBC Sport .
“Wijnaldum I thought was the driving force behind his team. They are always going to get chances from the way they put the press on, they win the ball and the transition was good today.
“Then it is about execution on the end of it and they have to do that if they want to go further in this tournament.”
Liverpool supporters’ heartache over Wijnaldum was added to on Wednesday when he sent a message to Jurgen Klopp to mark his former manager’s birthday.
“You’ve been an inspiration to me these last five years and a fantastic boss,” wrote Wijnaldum on Twitter.
“Thanks for always believing in me and supporting me in the amazing way you did! Wishing you a happy birthday and all the best #JurgenKlopp.”
Klopp’s farewell message to Wijnaldum after it was confirmed he was departing in late May towed on the Anfield faithful’s heartstrings even more.
The German said: “Where can I start? It’s very emotional for me because I lose a friend, that is how it is, but it’s normal for these kind of things to happen.”
“Everything will be fine, nobody can take away our memories from us, we will share them together,” added Klopp. “I told him that after the game, he sees it the same way.”
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Rio Ferdinand suggests Liverpool have made a summer transfer mistake.
