Report: Barcelona confident of signing Georginio Wijnaldum from Liverpool

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Barcelona are confident of prising Liverpool midfield Georginio Wijnaldum to the Nou Camp before the transfer window closes, according to Goal.

Ronald Koeman has earmarked the maestro as his primary target this summer and is hopeful that a deal can be struck.

Wijnaldum’s contract at Anfield will expire in the summer of 2021 and if they aren’t willing to extend it they might as well sell him.

The report claims Liverpool don’t want to lose the player for free and are therefore left with a decision to make this summer.

There has been no firm offer from the Catalan giants just yet but with Ivan Rakitic leaving for Sevilla and Arturo Vidal also surplus to requirements, Koeman is in need of a midfielder.

The new Barca boss is a big fan of Wijnaldum having worked with him during his time managing the Dutch national team.

Wijnaldum, 29, signed for Liverpool for £25 million from Newcastle United in 2016 (BBC). During his four years with the club, he has been part of an illustrious chapter in the club’s history.

The man with 61 caps for his country is paid £75,000-a-week (Spotrac) by Liverpool and his departure might allow the Reds to ramp up their interest in Thiago Alcantara.

TBR View – Liverpool are savvy with transfer and that’s why Wijnaldum must be sold

During his time at the club, Wijnaldum has won the Premier League, Champions League and Club World Cup and he’s contributed to Jurgen Klopp’s team along the way.

This interest from Barcelona does make it seem like the end of the road for the Dutchman at Anfield, however.

Liverpool are savvy customers in the market and that’s why it seems unlikely they will allow the midfielder to run his contract down.

Cashing in on Wijnaldum looks like the only viable option and if Thiago could be added with the money, it would arguably represent another Michael Edwards masterclass.