Wolves have reportedly entered the race to sign Georginio Wijnaldum and are looking to beat Barcelona to the Liverpool midfielder’s signature
As reported by Daily Express, Georginio Wijnaldum is the subject of interest from Wolves over a move in the January transfer window. The Premier League outfit have joined Barcelona and Inter Milan in pursuit of the Liverpool midfielder, who could depart Anfield in the coming window.
Wijnaldum joined Liverpool from Newcastle United in the summer of 2016 and has since been the bedrock of a side that has enjoyed loads of success in the past couple of years. Since making his way to Anfield over half-a-decade ago, the 30-year-old has turned out over 200 times for the Reds while also having become a pivotal figure for the Dutch national side.
However, Wijnaldum’s future is mired in uncertainty, with the player in the final year of his deal with the Merseyside club. So far, there has been very little development on the renewal front, but recent reports have suggested that the Dutchman, who can begin negotiations with foreign clubs at the turn of the year, will take a call on his future this week. Waiting in the wings are Barcelona, who have now been joined by Wolves in his pursuit.
Barcelona have been heavily linked with a move for Wijnaldum since the summer transfer window, when they were widely expected to swoop him away from Barcelona. However, a move failed to materialise, with the player staying put at Anfield. However, the struggles of Philippe Coutinho this term has created the need for a midfield reinforcement at Camp Nou.
To that end, Wijnaldum is a viable target, who can potentially seamlessly slot in Ronald Koeman’s system, having been used efficiently by the Barcelona boss when they worked together at Barcelona. The player himself has shown an inclination to snub a new deal at Liverpool by joining the Catalan giants. The Blaugrana, though, now face stiff competition from Wolves his pursuit.
The interest from Wolves comes as a bit of a surprise, considering they have three top class midfielders in Leander Dendoncker, Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho. Having said that, Wijnaldum, with his abilities could offer something different while being an option for the no. 10 slot, in Nuno Espirito Santo’s newly utilised 4-2-3-1 formation.
The report claims that Wolves are hoping to prise Wijnaldum away from Liverpool in the January transfer window, thereby usurping Barcelona in the race to sign him. Meanwhile, Inter Milan are also closely following the developments and could rival Barcelona and Wolves in his pursuit.
Liverpool and Wolves do seem to enjoy fine working relationship, with the clubs engaging in deals for Diogo Jota and Ki-Jana Hoever in the summer transfer window. However, with Jurgen Klopp keen on keeping hold of Wijnaldum, who has been urged by Peter Crouch to remain at Liverpool, it is unlikely that he will make his way to the Molineux in January.
