Real Madrid have reportedly held talks with the representatives of Georginio Wijnaldum over a move in the summer transfer window
Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb, have reported that Real Madrid are eyeing Georginio Wijnaldum as an alternative to Eden Hazard, and have held talks with the Liverpool midfielder’s agent over a possible switch to the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer transfer window.
Wijnaldum progressed through the ranks at Feyenoord before enjoying four fruitful seasons with the senior side. Four successful years with PSG followed before he subsequently moved to Newcastle United. The Toons’ relegation prompted Wijnaldum to join Liverpool last summer and the move has been a success so far.
That is because the Dutch international took no time to become a fixture in the starting XI at Anfield and has established himself as a go-to man for Jurgen Klopp. And while he was mostly played as an attacking midfielder at Newcastle, he is now excelling a deeper box-to-box role at Liverpool.
Wijnaldum has played all but two Premier League games for Liverpool this season, and has a decent return of five goals and six assists to show for his efforts. And his performances have now resulted in him emerging as a shock summer target for Real Madrid.
Los Blancos have been heavily linked with a summer move for Chelsea talisman Eden Hazard, but recent reports have also indicated that the Blues are willing to make the Belgian attacker the best paid player in the Premier League to keep hold of him.
It has now emerged that Real Madrid are starting to identify possible alternatives for Hazard if the move fails to materialise. And the search for alternatives has led them to Anfield, where they have zeroed in on Wijnaldum for a possible summer move.
However, Wijnaldum is in no way a like-for-like replacement for Hazard, who was being primed for a place in the front trio. Wijnaldum’s qualities make him unsuitable to play up front, and he is best suited to slot in the midfield trio.
However, with the likes of Toni Kroos, Casemiro and Luka Modric still going strong, the Dutchman could find it tough to break into the Real Madrid first team as a regular, especially with the likes of Mateo Kovacic and Isco already vying for a regular spot in the eleven.
Wijnaldum won’t come cheap either, with more than four years still left to run on his current deal with Liverpool. It remains to be seen whether the Reds themselves will be willing to let go of the player easily, and if the move materialises in the summer.
