Former Red Georginio Wijnaldum is expected to join Liverpool on a season-long loan deal, just a year after leaving the club.
Last summer, the Dutchman joined Ligue 1 leaders Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer from Liverpool. The move, however, hasn’t gone as planned, as he’s battled to earn a starting berth in the team.
According to a recent story from The Irish Daily Star, there are ‘whispers’ that the Reds are considering a loan transfer for Wijnaldum as a stop-gap signing.
Liverpool was interested in Aurelien Tchouameni, a Monaco midfielder until it became evident that the 22-year-old only wanted to join Real Madrid. However, it is believed that the club has completed their incoming transfer activity for this season after completing the acquisition of defender Calvin Ramsay this weekend.
Wijnaldum would undoubtedly be a good short-term alternative as the club considers its long-term goals. After spending five years on Merseyside, the 31-year-old is familiar with the Premier League and the club.
Prior to his departure to France, he played a key role in Liverpool’s Champions League and title-winning seasons. Nonetheless, as his minutes at PSG have diminished, he has been linked with a return to England.
Wijnaldum was also named Ligue 1’s flop signing of the season by fans. It hasn’t been the start to life in Paris that he had dreamed of.
Any move for Wijnaldum, on the other hand, would be surprising given Liverpool’s previous history of relying on stop-gap signings. There appears to be no pressing need to bolster the midfield, with the club content to wait until next season.
Liverpool had to go to the market in the January transfer window of 2021 since they were down to their bare bones at center-back. Ben Davies came on loan from Preston North End, while Ozan Kabak joined on loan from Schalke for the rest of the 2020/21 season.
In the summer, the club was able to pursue Ibrahima Konate, a long-term target who arrived for £36 million from RB Leipzig. Liverpool, on the other hand, has a plethora of midfield alternatives at the moment.
Next season, Fabinho, Thiago, Jordan Henderson, and Naby Keita will all play key roles. James Milner has agreed to a one-year contract extension, and Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott could see greater playing time next season. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain might still battle for his spot at the club, despite his unclear future.
PSG is also expected to part ways with manager Mauricio Pochettino, according to reports. If this is the case, Wijnaldum may be excited about the prospect of getting more playing time under a new coach.
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