Report: Ronald Koeman confirms he still wants Liverpool midfielder Gini Wijnaldum

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Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman has confirmed that he maintains an interest in Liverpool midfielder, Gini Wijnaldum.

The Dutch coach tried to bring the Reds star to the Nou Camp over the summer but, ultimately, failed in his attempts to prize the Premier League winner away from Anfield.

But, with Wijnaldum still to sign a new deal with Liverpool and January just two months away, Koeman has confirmed that he still hopes to land the 29-year-old if possible. (quotes via the Mirror.)

“Our interest for Wijnaldum is strong. I wanted to bring him here in the summer because he has the ability to make fantastic runs from midfield and turn up in the box at the right moments. I am convinced he can really add something to the team. But the financial situation of Barcelona was known at his club.

“There is a chance for sure that we are going to have another go for Garcia. But right now I cannot know how the finances of the club are in January, so I have to wait and see.”

Wijnaldum – who earns £75k-a-week, per Spotrac – has seemingly lost his place in the Liverpool team to new signing Thiago. But with Virgil van Dijk now injured, a slot may open up again if Fabinho is tasked with dropping in to replace the big defender.

Liverpool might as well keep Wijnaldum regardless – TBR View

Koeman can go on all he wants about wanting to sign Wijnaldum but the fact is that the ball remains firmly in Liverpool’s court.

There’s no need for them to sell, in all honestly. Even if it’s clear Wijnaldum won’t sign a new deal, they might as well keep him until the end of the season unless Barcelona come up with a mammoth cash sum.

He’s an important player for Jurgen Klopp, so moving him on in January should, really, be out of the question.