Liverpool don’t often make mistakes in the transfer market. Michael Edwards has helped develop the Reds’ recruitment into the envy of the world. However, the club is currently on a collision course for a decisive loss. Liverpool can still have hope of keeping Gini Wijnaldum because Barcelona reportedly can’t afford to boost his wages.
Gini Wijnaldum problem
Liverpool signed Gini Wijnaldum from Newcastle United back in 2016.
The Dutchman was a goal getting attacking midfielder when he arrived.
Jürgen Klopp soon transformed him into a dynamic, box-to-box ball winner.
He has been one of the shining lights of Jürgen’s gegenpressing system.
We’ve seen him hounding opposition players ferociously over the years.
He’s also popped up with some vital goals, he netted a brace in the famous comeback against Barcelona.
Now his future is uncertain. The midfielder’s contract runs out in the summer, meaning he is free to negotiate a pre-contract from January.
As it stands there’s been no movement on a new deal.
Barcelona and Wijnaldum
Ronald Koeman left his post as manager of the Netherlands over the summer in order to take over at the Camp Nou.
From the moment he arrived at the Catalan club there were rumours surrounding his interest in Liverpool’s Dutch dynamo.
Koeman reportedly made Barcelona signing Gini Wijnaldum a ‘priority‘.
Given the history between the two clubs in the transfer market the Spanish side’s interest has remained relatively respectful as they’d rather not cause a further rift after the way they handled moves for Philippe Coutinho and Luis Suarez.
Barcelona finances and Gini Wijnaldum
According to Mundo Deportivo the pandemic has caused ‘horrific damage’ to Barcelona’s financial might.
The Catalan side were already having to cut back on spending after the wage bill grew to a ridiculous size.
The impact has been so great that the club allegedly can’t afford to renew Lionel Messi’s deal.
Given the financial constraints at Barcelona they may not be able to afford Gini Wijnaldum.
Liverpool may still have hope of keeping the Dutchman.
The issue at hand appears to be we can’t afford to pay him what he wants on a long term deal given that he’s now 30-years-old.
However, the landscape at Barcelona may mean that they can’t afford to either.
Fingers crossed the unbalanced books in Spain could help Liverpool tie Gini Wijnaldum down to a new contract.
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