Barcelona have made a transfer U-turn, say reports, and it’s exactly what Liverpool need. The Reds must cross their fingers it’s true.
Sport claims that Barcelona no longer want Liverpool midfielder Gini Wijnaldum. Their interest is ‘practically’ off the table as they head in a different direction.
That comes as a surprise as we’ve been putting up with ‘Wijnaldum to Barcelona’ reports for nearly a year, now. But they have different ideas.
The report claims that Barcelon are so high on Ilaix Moriba that they don’t want to sign a new midfielder. Instead, the teenager will get a bigger role.
The result is Wijnaldum instead focusing on a Liverpool renewal.
Now, we do have our doubts and you can read them here. But if it’s true, Liverpool can breathe an enormous sigh of relief. This is exactly what they needed.
Change of plans
When everyone is fit and available, Liverpool have a great midfield. Fabinho and Jordan Henderson are world-class holding players. Thiago is an elite on-the-ball midfielder.
Curtis Jones looks like a potential superstar himself as a ball-carrier in the final third. Then options like Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner are very useful.
Then there’s Wijnaldum. In a lot of ways, he’s the glue. The Dutchman is very capable of playing any midfield style, meaning Jurgen Klopp can just throw him in there with anyone else.
Wijnaldum will make it work.
So reason no.1 for wanting Wijnaldum to stay? That’s very difficult to replace. There aren’t many elite box-to-box midfielders available.
But the reasons go deeper than that. As we say, Liverpool have a strong midfield – but you can’t say that about the attack and defence.
The issues at centre-back are obvious. Liverpool need at least one more in case of a injury crisis. Similarly, there are problems up top as the Reds struggle to score goals.
That’s two potentially key players to arrive this summer. Liverpool will surely prefer to focus their investment on those two areas, rather than signing a replacement for Wijnaldum.
On top of that, we suspect that Klopp will fancy another go at the top trophies with this group. Once players return from injury, the side will look strong again going into next season.
Thus he may not want a great amount of turnover. Wijnaldum, as one of the most reliable and consistent players available, helps limit the upheaval this summer if he stays.
All in all, Liverpool benefit after a tumultuous campaign if Wijnaldum remains at Anfield. We’ll certainly keep our fingers crossed that this report is accurate. It would be a major win.
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