According to a recent report by Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol, newly-appointed Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman is said to be a ‘big admirer’ of the talents of Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum. The report suggests that the tactician shares a strong relationship with the Dutch midfielder, having been in charge of the Netherlands national team recently as well. While it has been confirmed that the playmaker’s current Anfield tenure at the club runs out next summer, it’s perhaps surprising to note that no contract talks have occurred between the parties so far.
Although it has been clarified that Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman is an admirer of Liverpool’s Georginio Wijnaldum, the report states that the player loves plying his trade for Liverpool. Barcelona are said to be planning a major overhaul of their entire footballing system this summer after they had been outclassed in the 8-2 thrashing by Bavarian giants Bayern Munich.
The technical director role has been vacated by Eric Abidal, with Ramon Planes entering the ship in his stead. More importantly, Quique Setien was shown the way out as well, with the aforementioned Ronald Koeman taking charge.
What Does Georginio Wijnaldum Offer As A Player?
The Dutch midfielder first joined Liverpool from Newcastle United in the summer of 2016, and he has since gone on to become one of the most vocal and important members of Jurgen Klopp’s team. The former PSV Eindhoven man has featured in a little under 200 appearances for the Reds over the last four seasons, which even included 32 appearances and five goals in the Champions League. With 15 further goals to show for his 61 international caps, it’s safe to say that there’s no need to question his experience and reliability at the biggest stage. (Transfermarkt)
The intelligent box-to-box midfielder has mastered the role under the able guidance of Jurgen Klopp, and his ball carrying skills tend to be quite useful in possession as well. Not only is he capable of drifting into spaces in the final third of the pitch, but he offers a good variety of long-range passing and shooting options too. While he is adept at making late runs into the box and linking up play in the core of the team, it must be conceded that the Dutchman also excels when performing his defensive duties. Capable of sitting in front of the back-line offering protection, Wijnaldum serves a variety of purposes in the Reds’ midfield.
What Is Barcelona’s Squad Current Situation?
One of the most important issues currently facing this Barcelona side is the matter of eventually replacing their ageing core. Gerard Pique, Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Arturo Vidal are all 33 and added to that, the fact that Ivan Rakitic and Sergio Busquets are 32 would be a concern. There’s no denying that they have all begun to slow down, and over the last few seasons, the incomings consistently haven’t been able to make the desired impact on the side. At 29, Wijnaldum still has a few good years left in him, and stability in midfield is something that the midfielder would be able to offer in abundance.
Ronald Koeman Is An Admirer Of Liverpool’s Georginio Wijnaldum: Should Barcelona Look To Sign Him?
With a massive squad overhaul reportedly on the horizon at the Nou Camp, it must be said that next season could be the start of a new era for Barcelona Football Club. Despite their ageing stars, the names of players like Frenkie De Jong, Ansu Fati and Riqui Puig offer a different, more enticing perspective on what’s to come. Rakitic, Vidal and Busquets form the absolute crux of this Barcelona midfield, and with Arthur now gone too, things are looking a little bit stretched in that area. Jurgen Klopp has gradually transformed Wijnaldum into the kind of player who would give his life for the team, and that’s exactly the kind of material that this tiring Barcelona side have been calling out for since the last few campaigns.
