BARCELONA believe they have all but secured the signing of Liverpool star Georginio Wijnaldum with the deal reportedly ’95 per cent done’.
Wijnaldum has been one of the stars of Jurgen Klopp’s Anfield revolution but looks certain to depart on a free transfer this summer.
Georginio Wijnaldum’s deal at Liverpool expires this summer with Barcelona ready to swoopCredit: Rex Features
The 30-year-old’s contract expires in June and Liverpool chiefs have not been able to agree new terms with the Holland international.
Wijnaldum is thought to want to fulfil boyhood dreams of playing in Barcelona’s famous colours, with Football Insider reporting the Catalan club are in pole position.
The report states Barca boss Ronald Koeman has put Wijnaldum as one of his five key transfer targets in the summer with the cash-strapped La Liga giants looking to snap up the best free transfers.
Wijnaldum remained cagey on his future even last week, stating there was ‘no news’ on where he would be playing next season.
He said: “It’s not as easy as everyone thinks it is to make some decisions about your future.
“You have to think about everything and then first negotiate with the clubs and it’s so difficult and it’s why it takes so long.”
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Ronald Koeman has made Wijnaldum one of his five key transfer targets this summerCredit: AFP or licensors
Barcelona chiefs will take that non-committal to Anfield as the green light for a summer deal.
The Dutchman has been a key part of Klopp’s side again this season, making 39 appearances including Wednesday’s Champions League win over RB Leipzig.
Klopp made a point after Wednesday’s game of praising Wijnaldum’s contribution in a deeper midfield role in previous matches, with the star able to return to a more attacking role with Fabinho coming back in.
He said: “Gini Wijnaldum did an incredible job on that position, to be honest. An incredible job. But there are two things. If you have Gini on the ‘six’ you miss him on the ‘eight’ as well.”
Now it seems like Barcelona will benefit from Wijnaldum’s versatility with them left reeling from a Champions League exit against PSG and preparing for life under returning president Joan Laporta.
Liverpool, meanwhile, lie a hugely disappointing ninth in the Premier League table after last season’s heroics and face Wolves in a vital Monday Night Football clash.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
