Liverpool FC are reportedly leading the race to sign Newcastle United’s Georginio Wijnaldum.
With Liverpool FC manager Jurgen Klopp entering his first full season with the Merseyside club, it appears he isn’t done bringing in players to fill out the depth of his squad. Liverpool have already signed the likes of Joel Matip, Loris Karius, and Sadio Mane, but the German is keen to bringing in others like Newcastle’s Georginio Wijnaldum and Augsburg’s Ragnar Klavan.
The news comes after The Telegraph’s Chris Bascombe reported that Liverpool are the leaders to sign Wijnaldum over other Premier League sides.
Wijnaldum, who joined Newcastle United for 14.5 million from Dutch club PSV before the 2015 season. Wijnaldum was a key player at times for Newcastle, thanks to his speed and dribbling abilities. He was mostly deployed in the centre as an attacking midfielder last season, but also spent time rotated to the left at times. His 11 goals were a team high and five assists were two off leader Moussa Sissoko.
The move away from Newcastle comes after the club was relegated to the Championship after a difficult season in the English top flight. When manager Rafa Benitez joined the club late in the campaign, things looked good, but were handed a ticket to the second divisions, thanks to rivals Sunderland.
Signing Wijnaldum would be a good fit for Liverpool, who already boast a strong attacking core with Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino, Daniel Sturridge, Adam Lallana and Mane. That could mean Klopp will have to move Couthino or Lallana to the right and slot Wijnaldum in the left. But with Mane also being a threat on the wings, this move could really clog the Liverpool attack.
Wijnaldum is a talented player, without a doubt, but after signing Mane and having other talented players around him, it won’t be easy for the Dutch international to see a lot of playing time with Liverpool.
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However, if Klopp feels he could either move someone, like Lallana, and maybe switch to a 4-3-2-1 formation, Wijnaldum could fit into the clubs plans.
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