Liverpool have reportedly narrowed down on Udinese midfielder Rodrigo De Paul as their replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum who edges closer to Barcelona.
According to a report from Spanish publication Diario Gol, Premier League champions, Liverpool are lining up a move for Udinese’s Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul as they prepare for the departure of Georginio Wijnaldum.
Wijnaldum has been with Liverpool since the summer of 2016, having arrived from Newcastle United. During his spell at Anfield, the Dutchman has grown into one of Jurgen Klopp’s most trusted lieutenants and has played a critical role in the recent success that the Reds have enjoyed.
However, Wijnaldum’s time at Anfield seems to be fast approaching a close as his contract nears expiry. Indeed, the 30-year-old will be out of contract at the end of the season and negotiations over a new one have not gone as per plans. In fact, if reports are to be believed the Netherlands international’s next destination has already been decided.
Reports this past weekend claimed that Wijnaldum had reached a pre-contract agreement with La Liga giants Barcelona over a free transfer at the end of the season. And, even though those claims were denied by the Catalans it seems like Liverpool are resigned to losing their midfield mainstay and have started to prepare for life after his exit.
Brighton & Hove Albion’s Yves Bissouma has been touted as a possible replacement but as per the aforementioned report, it is Udinese’s Rodrigo De Paul who is best placed to come in at Anfield to fill in the shoes soon to be left vacant by the departure of Wijnaldum.
The Argentine international has been with the Serie A outfit since 2016, having joined from Valencia and has grown into a pivotal player for the Zebrette. The captain of the Udinese team, De Paul has made 175 appearances for them scoring 31 goals and setting up 32 more.
Able to play as a No.8 or a No. 10, the Argentine international has enjoyed a promising 2020/21 campaign thus far, managing six goals and seven assists from 29 matches in all competitions. De Paul’s all-round ability has attracted attention from Spanish champions Real Madrid as well, apart from Liverpool.
De Paul is contracted with Udinese till the summer of 2024. But with the club mired in the mid-table in Serie A, a chance to join Liverpool could certainly appeal to the midfielder. It now remains to be seen whether the Reds launch a move for the 26-year-old star come summer.
