Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Gini Wijnaldum could be about to put an end to his nightmare spell in France after just a year in Ligue 1.
The Dutch international switched Liverpool for the Parc des Princes last summer following the expiration of his contract at Anfield, but despite PSG winning the top-flight title after failing to do so in the previous season. But Wijnaldum did not have the biggest role to play for the French giants in their eighth title win in the space of nine seasons.
GOAL have reported that the Dutchman is set to sign for Italian giants Roma in a loan deal that comes with an obligation to buy next summer. If that deal does go through, it would see the 31-year-old get his first taste of football in Italy’s top-flight and be competing in next season’s Europa League.
Here is a look at five clubs Wijnaldum could realistically sign for this summer if he leaves PSG.
Roma
Reports suggest that the Dutchman’s exit will take him to Serie A and a Roma side who won the Europa Conference League in the 2021/22 campaign. A move to the Stadio Olimpico would see him link up with a number of ex-Premier League players including striker Tammy Abraham, centre-back Chris Smalling and midfielder Nemanja Matic.
So far, the Italian club have made four signings, but they have acquired Matic, former Juventus striker Paulo Dybala and goalkeeper Mile Svilar on free transfers, with their only fee coming for Turkish defender Zeki Celik from Lille for €7million (£6m).
Roma finished sixth in Serie A last season and will hope that the acquisition of Wijnaldum, alongside experienced duo Dybala and Matic, will get Mourinho’s side back in the Champions League places for what would be the first time since the 2018/19 season.
Newcastle United
Should Roma’s move for Wijnaldum not go through as reported, a potential alternative for an exit could involve the Dutchman return to one of his former sides in money-rich Newcastle United.
The midfielder spent only one season at St James’ Park but scored 11 goals in 38 Premier League appearances after leaving PSV Eindhoven, proving to be a big hit in the north east.
With the midfielder available either on loan or for a cut price fee, Newcastle re-signing Wijnaldum could be a shrewd move, adding experience and quality to a Magpies side who have been on the up in 2022 so far.
Who should try and sign Gini Wijnaldum if Roma miss out? Have your say in the comments section.
Liverpool
Wijnaldum spent the following five seasons after leaving Newcastle with Liverpool, a successful stint that included winning the Premier League and the Champions League.
Reds boss Jurgen Klopp was a massive fan of the midfielder and played him in 179 of the club’s 190 Premier League matches between the 2016/17 and 2020/21 seasons, with the midfielder making 237 appearances for the Reds in all competitions and scoring 22 goals prior to his exit.
Liverpool have plenty of quality options in central midfield already at the club, but the chance to add his experience and talent on loan to bolster the squad ahead what is expected to be a busy campaign may be worth considering.
Manchester United
Manchester United have been in hot pursuit this summer in their attempts to sign midfielder Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona, although it is turning into one of the transfer sagas of the summer, with United not certain to land the 44-time Dutch international.
If a move for De Jong does not go through, then a potential alternative and a much cheaper one could be by trying to sign Wijnaldum on loan as an experienced addition.
With Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard all departing in midfield and only Christian Eriksen arriving so far this summer, the acquisition of Wijnaldum could suit all parties, with the midfielder linking up with United’s Dutch boss Erik ten Hag and international colleague Tyrell Malacia if he did move.
Barcelona
If, however, De Jong was to leave the Camp Nou and head to Old Trafford, Barcelona may see Wijnaldum as a good option to replace him. Historically, Barca have a history with Dutch stars, with Johan Cruijff, Ronald Koeman and Patrick Kluivert among the former Dutch greats who have previously shone for the Spanish giants.
Due to the club’s recent financial position, while they have spent big this summer, they are attempting to be creative with their finances this summer after spending big on the likes of Robert Lewandwoski and Raphinha this summer.
In midfield, Barca have already signed Pablo Torre and Franck Kessie this summer, but a departure for De Jong before the window shuts may tempt Xavi Hernandez’s side to a look at another midfield acquisition.
