Rafa Benitez is ready to battle his former club Newcastle United to see Everton seal a loan transfer for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum, according to 90min.
The Dutchman left Liverpool at the end of last season when his contract with the Anfield side expired. But Wijnaldum has since struggled to establish himself as a key player in the French capital after penning a three-year contract worth in excess of £300k-a-week.
Mauricio Pochettino has only called on Wijnaldum to start 10 of his 20 appearances across all competitions so far. He has also only opened seven of 14 Ligue 1 outings over 17 games.
Wijnaldum’s agent is now already seeking out interest from Premier League and European clubs in the 31-year-old. Pochettino’s reluctance to rely on the midfielder is concerning the Dutchman, who has also addressed his troubles with the Parc des Princes hierarchy.
PSG could sanction a loan for the remainder of the season, but would have to cover some of his wages. Newcastle’s Saudi-led takeover, therefore, appeals to the Ligue 1 giants. The Toon now have the resources available to negotiate a mutually beneficial arrangement.
But Wijnaldum’s agent has also approached Everton and half of the Premier League to discuss a loan transfer for the Paris Saint-Germain ace Benitez worked with at Newcastle.
Benitez is still a big fan of the 85-cap international and will welcome a chance to reunite at Goodison Park. Wijnaldum’s agent will hold further talks with PSG, who have the final say.
Everton to reunite Benitez with ‘sensational’ Newcastle target Wijnaldum?
Benitez will have to battle his former side Newcastle for Everton to seal a loan transfer for Paris Saint-Germain’s Wijnaldum. Reports by AS claim the Toon’s owners, the Saudi Public Investment Fund, have already expressed their interest to his agent.
Wijnaldum spent one season at St James’ Park in 2015/16 after a £14.5m switch from PSV Eindhoven under Steve McClaren. Benitez replaced the former England manager the next March, but could not prevent the Magpies’ relegation into the Championship.
While Benitez stayed at Newcastle, Wijnaldum departed for Liverpool in a £25m transfer. He played 237 times for the Reds, during which Jurgen Klopp described the midfielder as ‘sensational’, via the Daily Mail.
Everton could now reunite Benitez with Wijnaldum, but will need Paris Saint-Germain to pay a substantial part of his wage in any loan transfer as they continue to deal with FFP.
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