Gini Wijnaldum has responded to a social media post attempting to pull him into the Alexander Isak saga by using his comments about leaving Newcastle almost 10 years ago.
Isak’s desire to leave Newcastle continues to dominate column inches leading into the transfer deadline on September 1 and ahead of Liverpool’s visit on Monday.
The Swede released a statement earlier this week stating promises had been broken and trust lost, meaning “the relationship can’t continue.”
His actions in attempting to force a move has, understandably, angered Newcastle supporters, and Wijnaldum’s move to Liverpool has since been used to serve a purpose to online accounts.
ESPN UK, among others, have dusted off Wijnaldum’s explanation of his transfer to Anfield in 2016, when he said: “When the previous season ended, I said that I wouldn’t force a move.
“When Liverpool came in for me, I made up my mind that I wanted to come here, but I wasn’t going to force it because I appreciated what Newcastle and their fans did for me.”
It has been sought to be used as the shining example of how to handle the desire to leave the club, but Wijnaldum himself wants to be kept out of the Isak discourse.
Writing in response to ESPN UK’s Instagram post, the former Liverpool midfielder penned: “This is something I said almost 10 years ago before my move to Liverpool.
“Why post it like it’s my opinion about Isak’s decision? This is something between Isak and Newcastle/Liverpool please keep me out of it. Thank you.”
At the time of Wijnladum’s move to Liverpool, Newcastle had just been relegated and thus, he did not need to force a transfer like Isak sees himself needing to do.
There will be few who encourage players to behave like Isak when they want a move, but the 25-year-old’s statement explained “why change is in the best interest of everyone, not just myself.”
According to the Chronicle‘s Lee Ryder, “industry insiders expect Liverpool to strike with one last bid” after their trip to St James’ Park and with enough time for Newcastle to buy his replacement.