Liverpool legend to become free agent this summer with Premier League return on the cards

A former Liverpool star who helped the Reds win the 2019 Champions League could soon return to the Premier League, five years on from leaving the Merseyside club.

Seven years on from Liverpool’s sixth Champions League triumph, most of the squad that beat Spurs 2–0 in Madrid have since moved on, while Mohamed Salah and Andrew Robertson’s summer exits have already been confirmed.

Goalkeeper Alisson and centre-backs Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez are now the only players still at Liverpool who played on that triumphant night in the Spanish capital.

The Reds may not have secured their sixth Champions League crown were it not for Georginio Wijnaldum’s brace in the historic 4–0 comeback against Barcelona in the semi-final second leg.

The Dutchman helped his side overcome a Barcelona team that included Lionel Messi and, in doing so, wrote his name into the club’s history books.

Two years later, Wijnaldum left Liverpool for Paris Saint-Germain. However, his move to the French side did not work out and he was later loaned to AS Roma for a season.

In 2023, the now 35-year-old linked up with fellow former Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard, who was head coach of Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq, while also reuniting with Jordan Henderson.

The former Newcastle midfielder has since performed well in the SPL, producing 36 goals and 16 assists for Al Ettifaq.

However, the 2025/26 season is set to be his last in the Middle East, with Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano issuing an update on Saturday.

“Gini Wijnaldum will leave Al Ettifaq as a free agent in the summer,” he wrote on X.

“It’s over between the Dutch midfielder and the Saudi club. Financial decision by the club, not technical.”

According to Sky Sports, the player is not considering retirement, with Rob Dorsett reporting:

“Former Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum is keen to make a return to the Premier League next season when his contract in the Saudi Pro League expires this summer.

“The 35-year-old has no plans to retire and still feels he has a lot to offer, having scored 14 goals and provided six assists for Al Ettifaq this season.

“As things stand, his priority is a return to playing in England, although no decision has yet been made about his future.”