Georginio Wijnaldum is taking drastic steps in an attempt to force through a move to Roma as he bids to end his nightmare spell at Paris Saint-Germain.
The Netherlands international moved to the Ligue 1 giants on a free transfer last summer, arriving in the same window as Lionel Messi, Sergio Ramos and Gianluigi Donnarumma. But the former Liverpool star failed to gain a regular place in Mauricio Pochettino's side.
Having helped Liverpool to win the Premier League and Champions League in successive seasons, Wijnaldum made just 18 starts in the French top-flight last term. It was a serious low point for the midfielder, who had been an ever-present under Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.
He is now taking steps to end his stay at the Parc des Princes after just one season. Roma have emerged as his most likely destination, with Jose Mourinho keen to add Wijnaldum to his star-studded line-up.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Wijnaldum has selected the Stadio Olimpico as his preferred destination. And to complete his desired move, the Dutchman is said to have offered to give up the bonuses in his current contract with PSG.
That will see his salary lower 'significantly' from his current wage of £7.5million per year. His wage is said to have been the most difficult part of Roma's move for the midfielder, with the Serie A side willing to pay £3.5m at most.
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PSG are ready to pay the remainder of his salary for the upcoming season as part of a loan deal with the obligation to buy. Negotiations are said to have been underway for some time, but there has been an 'acceleration' in the last few hours.
Mourinho is said to be waiting with open arms to welcome Wijnaldum to the Italian capital. He hopes to see the midfielder complete his move on Monday, which would see him collect a £2.5m bonus from PSG.
Roma also return to Italy that day, having beaten Tottenham in Israel in their penultimate friendly of pre-season. Wijnaldum has not been afraid to make his unhappiness with life in Paris known, making it clear early last season that he wanted more game-time.
“I can’t say I’m completely happy. Because the situation is not what I wanted. But that’s football, and I’ll have to learn to deal with that. I’m a fighter. I have to stay positive and work hard to turn it around,” he said in October.
“I have played a lot in recent years, was always fit, and also did very well. This is something different, and that takes getting used to. I was really looking forward to the new step, and then this happens. It is very difficult.”
Roma are building a fearsome squad this summer, with Wijnaldum set to be the latest star name to arrive. Nemanja Matic joined on a free transfer from Manchester United, while Mourinho also completed a sensational move for Paulo Dybala, who left Juventus at the end of last season.
