Barcelona have reportedly reached a pre-contract agreement with Liverpool star Georginio Wijnaldum over a free transfer at the end of the season.
According to a report from Spanish publication Todo Fichajes, Barcelona have taken a huge step forward in their attempts to land Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum. The Dutch international is reported to have signed a pre-contract agreement with the La Liga giants over a summer transfer.
Wijnaldum has been with Liverpool since 2016, having signed from Newcastle United. Over the years, the Dutchman has grown into an integral member of Jurgen Klopp’s side, playing a pivotal role in their recent success in England and Europe. Till date, the midfielder has made 212 appearances for the Reds, bagging 21 goals and 16 assists.
Wijnaldum’s future at Liverpool has been a subject of constant speculation over the past few months as he has entered the final leg of his contract with the Reds. Talks over a new deal have taken place, but the 30-year-old has reportedly turned down offers from the Merseyside giants in order to secure a dream move to Barcelona.
The Catalans, for their part, have been hot on the trails of the Dutch midfielder ever since Ronald Koeman took over the reins at the club last summer. Having worked with Wijnaldum during his stint as the Netherlands head coach, Koeman has been intent on bringing him to Camp Nou.
While a move never materialised last summer, Barcelona finally seem to have landed their man, if the aforementioned report is to be believed. It is stated that the Blaugrana have reached a pre-contract agreement with Wijnaldum to make a switch to the club at the end of the season when his contract with Liverpool runs down.
Barcelona lost a couple of their experienced midfielders in the form of Ivan Rakitic and Arturo Vidal last summer. And while Miralem Pjanic did arrive, he was brought in more as an alternative for the ageing Sergio Busquets. In Frenkie de Jong and Pedri, along with Busquets, Koeman has recently landed on a midfield combination that is working well for him.
However, adding someone of the experience of Wijnaldum, who has been there and done it at the biggest of the stages would only boost the quality of the entire squad. The fact that he can essay multiple roles in the middle of the park will also provide the manager options to work with, thus enhancing the dynamics of the squad.
So, signing someone of his calibre, on a free transfer no less, would certainly be a coup for the Catalan giants. As for Liverpool, they seem to be resigned to losing their Dutch midfield star, having recently been linked with a move for Inter Milan star Nicolo Barella.
