According to Sky Sports, Georginio Wijnaldum wanted to join Manchester United this summer, just a year after leaving Liverpool.
What’s the story?
Well, this would have been a very unpopular move amongst the Anfield faithful.
Wijnaldum left Liverpool upon the expiry of his contract in July 2021, after making 237 appearances for Liverpool across a five-year spell on Merseyside.
During that time, the 31-year-old lifted the Premier League title, while also winning the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.
However, the Netherlands international was prepared to ruin his reputation at Liverpool by joining their bitter rivals Manchester United.
Sky Sports believe Wijnaldum wanted the move to Old Trafford, but Erik ten Hag was not keen to have him.
Eventually, the Dutchman joined José Mourinho at Roma on an initial season-long loan from Paris Saint-Germain, and the Italian giants hold the option to make it permanent in 2023.
Should Liverpool have taken a look at Wijnaldum?
In our view, Jürgen Klopp could do with Wijnaldum at the moment.
Of course, the Reds rarely – if ever under Klopp – dip into the bargain bins to find short-term options or sign players on loan, but after Thiago suffered a serious hamstring injury, Liverpool are light in midfield.
Liverpool targeted a deal for Aurelien Tchouameni before he joined Real Madrid, so Klopp is clearly aware that he needs more depth in that department.
However, the German seems reluctant to make any signings simply to cover those absent through injury, although a loan move for Wijnaldum would not have been a huge commitment to make.
Hopefully, Thiago can return quickly, and Wijnaldum has an enjoyable season in Rome after a difficult spell in Paris.
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