Georginio Wijnaldum to set a weekend deadline to decide on Barcelona transfer
The role that Georginio Wijnaldum plays in this Liverpool side isn’t one that can be fulfilled by many. The Dutchman tends to utilise his energy and enthusiasm to effect matches in multiple areas of the pitch, and it would take a gambling man to predict where his next contribution is going to come from.
Despite Liverpool’s dependence on the midfielder, a report from SPORT (h/t Express) is claiming that he is set to issue a weekend deadline to Jurgen Klopp to get his future as a Liverpool player sorted.
The report claims that Wijnaldum is going to tell Klopp that he wants his future decided before the Premier League kicks off this weekend.
Wijnaldum will reportedly use this as a tactic to try and force a move to Barcelona, as talks about a potential switch have been ongoing for a while now. Given that the Dutchman’s contract at Anfield is set to expire next summer, this transfer window would provide Liverpool with the only opportunity to sell him for a price.
With the possibility of Wijnaldum signing a pre-contract agreement in January if he stays, Liverpool’s desire to cash in on him is understandable. (h/t Express)
Not only would he presence act as a deterrent to the morale within the squad, but it would also mean that they miss out on the £15m that’s being spoken about as a transfer fee. Barcelona though, are refuting that price, because Wijnaldum is set to turn 30 before the turn of the year. (h/t Express)
Although the two teams are yet to agree on a price for the midfielder, he’s set for crunch talks with the Liverpool hierarchy to decide on his immediate future at the club. (h/t Express)
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Having only just returned from international duty with Netherlands, Wijnaldum would probably have been a starter for Klopp on the weekend. The manager will now have to reconsider his plans, especially if the Dutchman decides that he wants the transfer sealed before that fixture.
Ronald Koeman has seemingly made the former Newcastle United man his primary target since taking over the Barcelona role. The midfielder too, is keen to link up with a manager that he has formerly enjoyed a good spell with. (h/t Express)
With Klopp trying to replace him with Thiago Alcantara, we could be in for an entertaining week of transfer action if everything goes according to the gaffer’s plans.
