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Our View: Michael Edwards could be in conundrum amid Liverpool midfielder rumour

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Georginio Wijnaldum of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Liverpool FC at Craven Cottage on March 17, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

According to The Mirror, Barcelona are interested in signing Georginio Wijnaldum from Liverpool in the January transfer window.

It has been reported that Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman wanted to sign the Netherlands international midfielder in the summer transfer window, but the Spanish and European giants could not come up with the cash.

However, according to the report, Koeman has not given up on securing the services of the 29-year-old midfielder and have urged Barca to make a move for his Dutch compatriot in January.

With Wijnaldum out of contract at Liverpool at the end of the season, from a business perspective, it would make sense for the club’s sporting director Michael Edwards to cash in on the Dutchman, especially as they signed Spain international midfielder Thiago Alcantara from Bayern Munich in the summer transfer window.

However, Virgil van Dijk’s injury could play a big role in any decision regarding Wijnaldum. According to The Guardian, the Netherlands international central defender could be out for the rest of the season because of the knee injury he suffered against Everton in the Merseyside derby at the weekend.

Van Dijk is one of the best centre-backs in the world, and the former Celtic star will be sorely missed by the Reds. Liverpool would not be able to sign any potential replacement until January, but for now, Fabinho could slot into defence, like he did so admirably against Chelsea.

Georginio Wijnaldum of Liverpool celebrates at full time during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final second leg match between Liverpool and Barcelona at Anfield on May 7, 2019 in Liverpool,… (Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)

According to WhoScored, the Brazilian had a pass accuracy of 96.7%, took 102 touches, and made four tackles and four interceptions.

If Fabinho plays in defence, then Wijnaldum could retain his place in midfield, at least until January, and it would not make sense for Edwards to sell the Dutchman in the middle of the season and put the defending champions’ chances of winning the Premier League title this campaign in jeopardy.

However, that would mean that Liverpool would run the risk of losing the 29-year-old on a free next summer, which would be bad business, unless the club are able to convince him to sign a new deal.

Photo by ANP Sport via Getty Images