Georginio Wijnaldum reportedly does not intend to rejoin Newcastle United in the January transfer window as he assesses other options.
According to Football Insider, Georginio Wijnaldum is uninterested in returning to Newcastle United in the January transfer window despite being open to moving away from Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain.
Georginio Wijnaldum created ripples around the transfer market last summer when he made contentious choices regarding a Bosman move. After a successful few years with Liverpool being a part of one of the club’s most successful period, the Dutchman looked close to joining Barcelona on a free transfer.
However, he eventually chose Paris Saint-Germain, who reportedly offered better financial terms than Barcelona at the last minute. While the decision received widespread criticism, it did look logical for the Ligue 1 giants to add a player of the Dutchman’s experience to secure the Champions League this term.
At the Parisian club, Wijnaldum has been constant but is yet to nail down a regular role under Mauricio Pochettino. The Argentine manager has deployed the midfielder across the central areas and even in the advanced midfield role, which the former Liverpool ace has struggled to reprise. In some games, the 30-year-old was even used as a winger, which has not gone well with him.
Hence the 31-year-old midfielder is looking to secure a temporary move away from PSG to get things on track for himself. Arsenal have been keen on signing the Dutchman this month and could be in the chase still despite a few days without any new update.
There were rumours of a move back to Newcastle United, with the Magpies looking to secure the services of an experienced central midfielder. Eddie Howe is seeking someone solid this month as he attempts to fight the relegation battle the club currently finds itself in.
The Magpies are equipped to cover his lucrative wages for the rest of the season and pay a significant loan fee if PSG demand the same. However, Wijnaldum is doubtful about a move. The Dutchman has reservations about going to a club fighting relegation when he could very well win honours with PSG.
While Wijnaldum remains open to signing for a top Premier League club such as Arsenal, he does not want to fight a relegation battle with Newcastle, irrespective of the money on offer. It will come as a big blow for the Magpies, who were keen on adding a midfielder of the Dutchman’s quality.
It remains to be seen what happens with Wijnaldum’s future this month. While Arsenal could be an option, nothing has progressed on that front yet. As for Newcastle, the Magpies will have to start looking at other options that could help them with their relegation battle.
