Opinion

Koeman pressure could halt Gini Wijnaldum move to Barcelona

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Liverpool are at a crossroads with one player. Gini Wijnaldum’s contract expires at the end of the season. The superclub sharks are circling. The iconic midfielder would be a steal to sign on a free. Liverpool could keep Gini Wijnaldum because Ronald Koeman is under such pressure at Barcelona.

Liverpool could keep Gini Wijnaldum because Ronald Koeman is under such pressure at Barcelona.
Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images

Gini Wijnaldum superstar

The Reds bought Gini Wijnaldum from Newcastle United in 2016.

He had just been relegated with the Magpies but he had been a standout performer for them in that season.

Whilst at St. James’ Park he was a goal grabbing midfielder.

Under Jürgen Klopp he has been transformed into a dynamic, box to box ball winner.

He has become an undroppable cog in the Liverpool midfield machine.

The Dutchman showed just how valuable he is this weekend when he put in a sterling performance against Wolves, curling one into the top corner to double the hosts’ lead.

Gini Wijnaldum contract issue

This summer Gini Wijnaldum entered the last year of his Liverpool contract.

The Dutchman is yet to sign a new deal with the Anfield outfit.

This means that from January he can negotiate a pre-contract with other clubs.

There has been a lot of reported interest, most repeatedly from Barcelona.

Ronald Koeman left the Dutch national side this summer to take over at the Catalan club.

Upon taking the job at the Camp Nou the coach reportedly made Barcelona signing Gini Wijnaldum a ‘non-negotiable priority‘.

Koeman pressure could trigger new contract

Gini Wijnaldum may not move to Barcelona because of the pressure Ronald Koeman is under.

Of course, playing under the iconic Dutchman at a club with such a proud history of Dutch footballers would be enticing.

However, why would Gini Wijnaldum sign for Barcelona to play for Ronald Koeman when he could be sacked before the end of the season?

The Barca boss is under great pressure at the moment – the Blaugrana lost again this weekend, falling to defeat at Cadiz.

The defeat has left the Camp Nou club just three points above the relegation zone.

Liverpool could persuade Gini Wijnaldum to stay by pointing out that Barcelona are on a downward slope whilst the Reds are building a dynasty.