Danny Murphy believes Liverpool are allowing Georginio Wijnaldum to leave the club this summer due to the emergence of Curtis Jones.
Wijnaldum’s contract at Anfield is due to expire this summer, and it is seemingly inevitable that he will end his five-year stay with the Reds.
The 30-year-old made his 237th appearance for Liverpool in their 2-0 win over Crystal Palace to secure Champions League football for next season on Sunday.
The Dutchman was withdrawn with around 15 minutes left to play and received a standing ovation from the Anfield faithful.
And Murphy believes that the club decided not to renew the 30-year-old’s contract due to youngster Jones breaking into the first-team squad at Anfield.
Jones was involved in 34 games for the Reds this season, of which he started 22, having made his first-team debut back in January 2019.
“Probably the reason why they have not moved heaven and earth to keep him is the emergence of Curtis Jones,” Murphy told Stadium Astro.
“What I understand, and the evidence is there in terms of the games he’s played, but there are high hopes for Jones playing in that position, left of a three, rather than a front player.
“Probably the emergence of him has made them decide that they’re going to let him go.”
Speaking after Sunday's game, Wijnaldum revealed he wanted to stay at the club but couldn't come to an agreement over a new deal.
"I'm fighting against tears right now," he told Sky Sports. "The people in Liverpool have shown me love during the five years.
"I will miss them, you know? I hope to have played many more years for the club but unfortunately things went different. I have to start a new adventure. I didn't sign somewhere else.
"I knew I went to a big club. I remember that I was sitting in the living room and the manager said when I come to Liverpool we would win prizes. I am happy it went that will. It would have been really painful to leave the club without any.
"Since I've joined the fans have sung my name. Week-in, week-out they saw I was giving 100% to give everything for this club. That's what the supporters want to see and that's what they appreciate from me. It is something I'm going to miss."
