The Reds free agent has set his sights on joining the Catalans
Barcelona are reportedly closing in the signing of Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum.
According to a report from Fabrizio Romano, the Reds free agent’s representatives are in advanced talks with the Catalan club over a potential summer move. The Italian journalist also reports that Barca will offer a two-year deal for the Dutch midfielder, who in turn is open to receiving a lower salary.
Barca, perhaps, have been pursuing Wijnaldum since last summer at the request of manager Ronald Koeman as both had worked previously in the Dutch national team. This would suit Dutchman better than other clubs like Bayern Munich, which Romano earlier hinted.
The 30-year-old was also said to be keen on a reunion with Koeman after his terms comes to an end at Merseyside club.
There have been reports of late that Bundesliga giants were said to be interested in taking Wijnaldum on a free transfer however he has now set his sights on joining the Blaugrana.
Wijnaldum will be one of the prospective arrivals for the Catalans this season alongside Sergio Aguero, Eric Garcia and Memphis Depay. He could be good replacement for Sergio Busquets, as the Spanish saw diminishing game-time at Camp Nou.
The Dutch midfielder joined the Reds in 2016 and has since been a key cog in their midfield. He was also pivotal in Jurgen Klopp’s men winning the Champions League in the 2018/19 season and the Premier League in the following campaign.
Wijnaldum bid an emotional farewell
Wijnaldum also bid an emotional farewell on the final matchday of the recently-concluded Premier League season.
Wijnaldum said: I’m fighting against tears right now. The people in Liverpool have shown me love during the five years. I will miss them, you know?”
“I hope to have played many more years for the club but unfortunately things went different. I have to start a new adventure.
“I knew I went to a big club. I remember that I was sitting in the living room and the manager said when I come to Liverpool we would win prizes. I am happy it went that well. It would have been really painful to leave the club without any.
Klopp, who placed more trust on the Dutch international over the years, also paid a touching tribute.
The German manager said: “Where can I start? I met this wonderful player for the first time in my living room, in the first moment it clicked with us, he was a very friendly, very smart, very open person. “It’s very emotional for me because I lose a friend, that is how it is, but it’s normal for these kind of things to happen. I am really sure that he will find a great place. Each club that is interested in him should call me and ask about him, then you will definitely take him because I couldn’t be more positive about what he did here.