AS Roma are reportedly eyeing a summer swoop for Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum, upon the request of Jose Mourinho.
After being appointed as the successor of Paulo Fonseca, Jose Mourinho is already playing a key role in Roma’s preparation for the new season. The former Manchester United boss is particularly keen on bolstering his midfield unit, with Georginio Wijnaldum being identified as a key target, reports Calciomercato.
It appears the Portuguese tactician does not want to miss out on the Liverpool midfielder, whose contract at Anfield expires at the end of the summer. He has been strongly linked with a move to FC Barcelona, but it seems Roma are set to provide fresh competition, as they brace themselves for a new start under Mourinho next season.
Wijnaldum has unsurprisingly emerged as one of the hottest prospective free agents available in the market, having enjoyed a terrific spell under Jurgen Klopp. With 235 competitive appearances for the Reds, the Dutchman has played a vital role in helping the club win the Champions League in 2019 as well as their maiden Premier League title last year.
The midfielder, though, is now looking for a fresh challenge elsewhere, especially after the arrival of Thiago Alcantara last summer. In addition to that, the Merseyside giants have been linked with a host of other midfield options in the market including Florian Neuhaus.
Wijnaldum, therefore, is unlikely to pen a contract extension at Anfield – paving the way for AS Roma to sign him on a free transfer. Although the Giallorossi do have a relatively stacked midfield unit, they have largely struggled with injuries while many of the current first-team options face an uncertain future under Mourinho.
Jordan Veretout and Amadou Diawara, in particular, could brace themselves for a move away from Stadio Olimpico this summer. It opens up an opportunity for Wijnaldum to become a key component in the Roma midfield next season, helping them in their quest to re-establish themselves as top four contenders in Serie A.
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As far as Liverpool are concerned, they, too, could be in for an overhaul in the midfield unit, knowing Wijnaldum might not be the only player to leave Anfield in the summer. Indeed, the Reds are open to the departure of Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, meaning Jurgen Klopp must enter the market for reinforcements in the middle of the park this summer.
