Liverpool Transfers: Gini Wijnaldum reportedly close to signing with his new club
Liverpool center midfielder Gini Wijnaldum gave a heartfelt goodbye to Anfield when he was subbed off in the final game of the season, as the Reds defeated Crystal Palace and secured third place in the Premier League after Champions League football seemed to be an uphill battle.
Although Wijnaldum did not have his best season, the Dutch midfielder gave his all in the final match and played very well, making his trademark smart runs and flicks in the final third to help Liverpool build goal-creating moves.
Described as a Liverpool legend by Jurgen Klopp, Wijnaldum will be dearly missed by Kopites after an incredible career with the club. But it seems like his chapter with the team is indeed over after they decided not to meet Wijnaldum’s wage demands on a new contract.
With his contract set to expire, Wijnaldum has been linked with Europe’s elite, including Bayern Munich. However, it looks like he’s already going to make a big move soon, but it won’t be to the record Bundesliga champions.
Gini Wijnaldum is close to leaving Liverpool for Barcelona as a free agent
According to a report from the reliable Fabrizio Romano, Gini Wijnaldum is nearing a signing with FC Barcelona in LaLiga. The new deal would take him through the 2023-2024 season. Romano adds that both PSG and Bayern have tried to sign Wijnaldum, but it appears as if Barcelona are the ones who will reach an agreement first.
La Blaugrana already signed another big star from the Premier League on a free transfer in Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero, who will become Lionel Messi’s new striker to work with as the club attempts to return to the top of the table in Spain.
Wijnaldum can be an asset to them and an upgrade on their midfield situation after they unwisely acquired an over-the-hill Miralem Pjanic from Juventus last season. And over-the-hill aptly describes much of their roster.
Meanwhile, Wijnaldum is still theoretically in his prime at 30 years old, though he won’t be in his prime for long. And that’s precisely why Liverpool realized they could not spend too much money on him on a deal taking him through the next three years. Barcelona, on the other hand, are desperate for help and could only make free-agent signings.
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If this deal is announced soon, Kopites can turn their focus into midfield replacements and how the middle of the park will look in the 2021-2022 season, if they have not already. Things move fast in the transfer window, no doubt. But all the while, we wish Wijnaldum nothing but the best no matter where he ends up, including Barça.