Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum has reportedly agreed a summer transfer to Inter Milan while Kostas Tsimikas is a loan target for Galatasaray.
According to Sport Mediaset, as relayed by FC Inter 1908, Serie A heavyweights Inter Milan have a deal in place to sign Liverpool midfield star Georginio Wijnaldum on a free transfer at the end of the season.
The 30-year-old Dutchman has been with the Reds since 2016, having joined from Newcastle United and has grown into one of Jurgen Klopp’s most trusted lieutenants at Anfield. However, Wijnaldum’s contract with Liverpool runs out at the end of the ongoing campaign and it seems like the midfielder will not be signing an extension.
Wijnaldum’s present situation has led to interest from a host of clubs across Europe, with Barcelona and Juventus also said to be looking at the prospect of signing him on a free transfer once his deal expires, along with Inter. However, it seems like the Nerazzurri have beaten their competitors to the punch.
Inter Milan have a number of central midfielders among their ranks, but Arturo Vidal is not getting any younger and has not made the desired impact since arriving from Barcelona last summer. With Roberto Gagliardini also looking out of depth at times on the pitch, someone like Wijnaldum could be an ideal signing for Antonio Conte.
The report adds that Inter Milan have been monitoring the Netherlands international with Conte said to be very well aware of what the midfielder will bring to his squad. In addition, Italian journalist Sandro Sabatini has also added that the current Serie A leaders have already shaken hands with Wijnaldum over a free transfer last year itself.
It now remains to be seen if a move for the 30-year-old does materialise come the end of the season. As things stand though, it is looking increasingly likely that Wijnaldum could be on his way out of Liverpool once his current contract has expired.
Kostas Tsimikas wanted by Galatasaray
According to Turkish outlet A Spor, as carried by Greek journalist Giannis Chorianopoulos on Twitter, Liverpool defender Kostas Tsimikas has emerged as a target for Galatasaray, who are considering a loan move for the full-back ahead of the next season.
The 24-year-old joined Liverpool last summer from Greek giants Olympiacos but has found game-time hard to come by at his new club.
Injuries and fitness issues have hampered Tsimikas to some extent but Andrew Robertson remains the undisputed first-choice at left-back for the Reds and the Greek international has not been able to challenge him sufficiently.
In all, Tsimikas has managed just five appearances for Liverpool since his arrival in the summer, amounting up to just 225 minutes of on-field action, with just five of those minutes coming in the Premier League. Now, it is being claimed that Turkish heavyweights Galatasaray are considering taking him on for a season-long loan deal next summer.
However, Chorianopoulos goes on to add that Tsimikas is not interested in leaving Liverpool. From the club’s point of view as well, letting him leave, even if it is on a temporary basis, wouldn’t make much sense given that Klopp has little in terms of cover for Robertson.
While James Milner has previously filled in at left-back in the absence of the Scottish international, the veteran Englishman turned 35 last January and needs his game-time managed effectively. So, keeping hold of Tsimikas would be the smart move for Tsimikas.
