Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman spoke to Spanish outlet Sport about the possibility of signing Liverpool star Georginio Wijnaldum in the January transfer window.
The Dutch midfielder has entered the final year of his contract at Anfield, and there have been no signs of an extension. Wijnaldum and Koeman know each other very well thanks to their time together in the Holland national team, and the speculation has increased considerably as a result.
The Daily Mail claimed last month that Wijnaldum is set to join Barcelona – either for a small fee in January or on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of this season.
Koeman: Wijnaldum could be an option for Barcelona
Koeman was quizzed about the possibility of signing Wijnaldum in the upcoming January transfer window, and the Barcelona boss admitted that his compatriot could be an option.
He said: “He’s (Wijnaldum) very good but he’s playing for Liverpool. He could be an option in the future. I can’t say more. Everyone knows the positions I have said I would like to strengthen but it all depends on the club’s financial situation.”
Wijnaldum joined Liverpool in the summer of 2016 from Newcastle United for £25 million (BBC). He is just one game away from 200 appearances for the Reds and has played an integral part in the club’s Premier League and Champions League wins over the last two seasons.
He has only missed one game so far this campaign, and it is clear that he is a key part of Klopp’s system. However, Liverpool have a lot of options in the middle of the park at the moment.
Jordan Henderson and Fabinho are undisputed starters more often than not, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita and young Curtis Jones are very good options as well.
Summer signing Thiago, when fit, will start every game for Liverpool. The Spaniard is one of the best midfielders in the world, and his arrival minimises the need for Wijnaldum in this Reds squad.
That might just explain why the Dutchman hasn’t received a new contract, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him join his former international boss at the Camp Nou as early as January.
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