Liverpool have been tipped to complete a shock loan move for former Red Georginio Wijnaldum, just a year after he left the club.
The Dutchman departed Anfield last summer on a free transfer and joined Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain. However, the move hasn't quite gone to plan as he's struggled to establish a starting spot in the team.
In a recent report from The Irish Daily Star, it has been suggested there are 'whispers' of the Reds looking at a loan move for Wijnaldum as a stop-gap signing.
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Liverpool did hold an interest in Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, until it became clear the 22-year-old only wanted to move to Real Madrid. However, after completing the signing of defender Calvin Ramsay this weekend, it is understood the club have finished their incoming transfer business for this window.
Wijnaldum would certainly present a positive short-term option as the club assess their long-term targets. The 31-year-old is familiar with the Premier League and the club having spent five years on Merseyside.
He played an integral role in Liverpool's Champions League and title winning campaigns prior to his move to France. Yet, he has been continuously linked with a return to England as his minutes at PSG have dwindled.
Wijnaldum was also voted by fans as Ligue 1's 'flop signing' of the season. It's been far from the start to life in Paris he would have hoped for.
However, any move for Wijnaldum would come as a surprise seeing as stop-gap signings have become few and far between for Liverpool in recent years. It seems there is no desperate need to bolster the midfield, with the club happy to wait until next year.
Liverpool were forced to dip into the market back in the 2021 January transfer window as they were down to the bare bones at centre-back. Ben Davies signed from Preston North End, while Ozan Kabak joined from Schalke on loan for the remainder of the 2020/21 season.
The club were then able to pursue their long-term target Ibrahima Konate in the summer, who joined from RB Leipzig for £36m. At present, however, Liverpool do have plenty of midfield options.
Fabinho, Thiago, Jordan Henderson and Naby Keit a will all have a big part to play next season. James Milner signed a one-year contract extension and youngsters Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott could be handed more minutes next term. While his future is still uncertain, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could yet fight for his place at the club.
There has also been widespread reports PSG are set to part ways with manager Mauricio Pochettino. Should this be the case, Wijnaldum may fancy his chances to increase his game time under a new coach.
He's definitely one to keep an eye on this summer as speculation over his future continues to make the headlines.
