Al-Ettifaq's technical director, Steven Gerrard, shed light on the future of Dutch star Georginio Wijnaldum with the team, revealing the administration's stance on renewing his contract, which has become the focus of attention for the fans of "Faris Al-Dahna" and the Saudi League in general.
In his remarks during the press conference following the team's valuable 1-0 victory over Al-Taawoun, Gerrard confirmed that the club has a clear and strong desire to keep Wijnaldum. He said, "There's nothing new on the table. We want the player to stay, and the matter is currently with the recruitment committee." This statement reflects the new dynamic in the Saudi league's transfer market, where the recruitment committee plays a pivotal role in signing and renewing contracts for top international players.
Wijnaldum's immediate impact in the Roshan League
Al-Ettifaq's victory over Al-Taawoun was more than just three points; it was further confirmation of the significant technical value that Georginio Wijnaldum brings to the team. The Dutch midfielder scored the only goal of the match, leading his team to an important victory in the 20th round of the Saudi Professional League. The 35-year-old's statistics highlight his impact: this season, he has participated in 19 matches, scoring 11 goals and providing three assists, proving himself to be one of the most successful signings made by Saudi clubs last summer.
Background of the deal and its importance to the Saudi League
Wijnaldum joined Al-Ettifaq in the summer of 2023 from Paris Saint-Germain, in a deal that was part of a historic transfer revolution in the Saudi Professional League. The arrival of a player of Wijnaldum's caliber, whose illustrious career includes winning the UEFA Champions League and the Premier League with Liverpool, is part of Saudi Arabia's strategy to raise the level of competition and make the Saudi Professional League one of the strongest leagues in the world by 2030. The continued presence of players of this quality is not only important for their on-field performance, but also for enhancing the league's international brand and attracting more global talent.
Expected impact of the renewal decision
The decision to renew Wijnaldum's contract holds strategic importance for Al-Ettifaq, who, under Steven Gerrard's leadership, are striving to build a sporting project capable of strongly competing for domestic and Asian titles. Wijnaldum is considered a cornerstone of this project thanks to his vast experience and leadership qualities. Regionally and internationally, retaining a global star of his caliber in the Saudi league reinforces its image as an attractive and stable destination for top players, rather than a mere stopover, thus enhancing its credibility and negotiating power in the future.
