Georginio Wijnaldum’s future with Roma is in doubt following a disappointing night in the Europa League final, with many fans believing that the Dutchman’s performance on Wednesday night was not up to the required standard.
La Gazzetta dello Sport writes that the former Liverpool midfielder could be entering his final weeks as a Roma player on account of the fact that the Giallorossi are unwilling to pay his hefty salary after a disappointing season in the capital over the course of 2022-23.
The 32-year-old has made 22 appearances across all competitions since joining on loan from Paris Saint-Germain last summer, but missed over five months of action through a fractured tibia sustained in training shortly after making his Serie A debut.
Wijnaldum eventually returned to the fray in February, but supporters, particularly after the loss to Sevilla in the Europa League, have started to question his commitment and many have suggested that he leave the club at the earliest possibility.
During the penalty shoot-out on Wednesday evening, some fans noted that Wijnaldum was the only Roma player in the centre-circle not to have his arms wrapped around one of his teammates, leading to further questions over his attitude and closeness with the squad.
Some fans online have been critical of Wijnaldum’s output given the support he had received from the supporter base during his lengthy injury layoff.
La Gazzetta reports that Roma retain the option to make Wijnaldum’s loan deal permanent for a fee of €8m in the summer, but with a wage packet of €7m plus €3m in bonuses, extending his stay would be an expensive exercise.
The outlet also writes that Wijnaldum would have to significantly reduce his salary if he were to be kept on by Roma beyond the end of this season.