According to Dutch newspaper, Algemeen Dagblad (AD), Ronald Koeman is eying a move for Georginio Wijnaldum. The new Barcelona coach is keen on rebuilding his team following a thumping 8-2 loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Wijnaldum is one of the players identified as a top target for Koeman. He could be an “affordable target” for Barcelona as the midfielder is yet to sign a new contract with Liverpool.
Brining The Dutch Essence
Just a little over 24 hours after being announced as the new Barcelona manager, Koeman is already introducing a Dutch essence to his proposed setup.
The ex-Southampton boss will, no doubt, cherish having a player like Frenkie de Jong at his disposal, with the young midfielder being identified as a key member of Barcelona’s future.
Along with that, Koeman has already suggested the signing of de Jong’s former Ajax teammate, Donny van de Beek and in the shape of Wijnaldum, the 57-year-old will find much more “Oranje” chemistry, as the duo has worked in the past, with the Dutch national team.
Their solid relationship and understanding lay out a nice theme and identity for Barcelona’s supposed revolution, especially as all of them are quite familiar with the common possession-based philosophy that is often implemented at Ajax.
How Wijnaldum Could Be Useful For Barcelona
The apparent demise of Barcelona’s old guards including Sergio Busquets and Ivan Rakitic have already been well documented, following the club’s shocking defeat to Bayern Munich.
Wijnaldum, in that regard, should be an ideal protagonist in Barcelona’s post-Busquets era, where new signing Miralem Pjanic is likely to shift into a deeper role to fill the void in the number six slot.
While the ageing Bosnian international can provide the technical astuteness in the middle of the park, it is Wijnaldum and de Jong who are likely to add the necessary bite and variety in midfield.
Honed by Jurgen Klopp and his intense Gegenpressing style of play, Wijnaldum has made himself quite an asset in Liverpool’s second line of press. His tremendous work-rate, tenacity and composure are sure to make him a class apart from technically gifted midfielders, yet slow individuals like Rakitic or even Busquets.
It is also fair to consider the fact that Wijnaldum, unlike other highly rated midfielders, is a market-friendly option for a Barcelona club who are expected to undergo a massive squad overhaul this summer.
The Dutchman is yet to pen a deal with the Reds that is set to expire at the end of next season, and a chance to move to one of the most successful clubs in the history of European football could indeed be an appealing proposition for the ex-Newcastle United ace.
