Georginio Wijnaldum has rejected Liverpool contract extension, with the midfielder reportedly keen on joining FC Barcelona.
According to a report by Mirror, Georginio Wijnaldum’s days at Liverpool could be numbered after the midfielder rejected a contract extension offer. He is apparently set his sights on a permanent switch to FC Barcelona as he looks to reunite with former Dutch national team coach Ronald Koeman.
Wijnaldum’s current contract at Anfield expires at the end of the season, meaning the player could be available on a free transfer in the summer. However, Barcelona are determined to sign in the ongoing January transfer window, especially having missed out on the transfer in the summer. In fact, the Catalan club has already made huge strides in their attempt to strike a deal for the Liverpool star.
The Reds themselves will be keen on offloading Wijnaldum if the player does not want to remain at the club, as they look to avoid losing him for free in the summer. It is, however, fair to point out that the Dutchman still remains a key member of Jurgen Klopp’s first-team plans, meaning his potential departure could significantly weaken LFC’s midfield unit.
Fortunately for the English champions, their star summer recruit in Thiago Alcantara has recently returned to full fitness while youngster Curtis Jones is making quite an impression with his performances in the Premier League. His box to box features also makes him an ideal replacement for someone like Wijnaldum.
As far as Barcelona are concerned, they are in desperate need of midfield reinforcements following the summer departures of experienced figures like Ivan Rakitic and Arturo Vidal. Although the club did rope in Miralem Pjanic in exchange for Arthur, both him and Sergio Busquets have failed to exhibit the athleticism they once did in the earlier stages of the respective career.
That is where someone like Wijnaldum could be useful. The Liverpool star, having played under Klopp for quite some time now, is vastly improved on his pressing game and is also quite an athlete. His determination, work-ethic and physicality could thus add another dimension to Barca’s midfield unit.
In addition, Wijnaldum shares an excellent relationship with Koeman while he also has the experience of playing alongside Frenkie de Jong in the Dutch national team. He can therefore prove to be a major coup for the Spanish giants this month.
