‘I can’t say’: Liverpool’s Georginio Wijnaldum responds to reports he’s nearing £18m Barcelona move

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Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum has refused to engage in speculation linking him with a move to Barcelona by claiming it is just a rumour, News1 report.

The Dutch midfielder is currently away on international duty.

Following Ronald Koeman’s arrival as Barcelona manager, rumours have been doing the round in the press over a potential move for Liverpool midfielder Wijnaldum.

Catalan editorial SPORT claimed this week that the midfielder has given the ‘OK’ to join Barca, while the La Liga club are willing to pay up to £18 million for his signature.

Wijnaldum, however, refused to accept or deny the latest transfer talk.

“It’s a rumour. I can’t say anything about it yet. Whether I am a building block of Barça? I thought you would say: building block of Orange. It’s a rumour, that’s all I can say about it. If you ask a question about Orange, I can answer it,” the Liverpool midfielder explained.

Wijnaldum, 29, is out of contract with Liverpool in the summer of 2021.

The former Newcastle United man has played a big role at Liverpool, scoring key goals such as his double against Barcelona in the 2018-19 Champions League semi-final.

But the Dutchman hasn’t always been a regular. With Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita and possibly Thiago Alcantara for competition next term, he may struggle for game-time.

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp will surely fight to keep the player.

But approaching 30, Wijnaldum may see an opportunity for more playing time at Barca while the La Liga side could be willing to offer him one last big long-term contract.