Transfer News: Liverpool in three way race to sign PSG midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum
According to FourFourTwo (h/t Liverpool Echo), Liverpool are set to battle Arsenal and Newcastle United in a battle to sign former Reds midfielder Gini Wijnaldum.
Wijnaldum swapped Anfield for Parc des Princes last summer, but it has now emerged in recent days that he may not be happy in the French capital and could seal a return to the Premier League.
The 31-year-old Dutch star is being lined up by Arsenal in a “shock” loan deal this month which would see him return to the Premier League almost 6 months after he left for France.
The Gunners are poised to pounce for the midfielder, who is looking for a loan move away from Paris St. Germain. With the North London club set to lose Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny to national team duty at the Africa Cup of Nations, manager Mikel Arteta would certainly look for reinforcements.
Newly rich Newcastle United are also looking to rebuild their squad to compete with the best of the rest in the Premier League, and could entice their former Dutch star to seal a return to St. James Park with an impressive loan offer.
Gini Wijnaldum was excellent for Liverpool during his time at Anfield, fitting well in Klopp’s midfield three and providing technical and physical prowess in the middle of the park. The German manager could always rely upon the Dutchman for putting in a shift, and his availability for selection was just an added bonus.
An Anfield favourite who will forever be remembered by Liverpool fans for sparking their amazing 4-3 comeback against Barcelona in the Champions League, Wijnaldum would largely be welcomed back by the Kop with open arms.
Liverpool’s midfield has failed to fire on all cylinders this season, and average performances in the middle of the park have played their part in us dropping precious points in recent gameweeks.
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Having a familiar and reliable face in the Dutchman in midfield could just be what Liverpool need to get their season back on track. Thiago Alcantara’s availability has been spotty, Jordan Henderson has recently looked like he may well be on the wane, and James Milner is in the twilight of his glorious career.
In such a situation, we need a sturdy midfielder to solidify the centre of our pitch. We infamously did not bring in a replacement for Wijnaldum from the market but as it turns out, he could well be his own replacement at Liverpool.
