Gini Wijnaldum Looks Increasingly Likely to Join Barcelona

Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images

Get ready to say goodbye.

So it’s hardly news that Liverpool are interested in Thiago, but throughout that transfer saga, we were all waiting for the penny to drop on why the club wanted him. Then more recently, the penny did drop.

Gini Wijnaldum looks on his way out of Anfield.

It’s old news that he only has a year left on his deal and hasn’t been particularly interested in signing a new one. What’s slightly more recent is Ronald Koeman’s arrival at Barcelona leading to the Catalan club’s interest in the midfielder who starred for the same manager at international level.

The big story at Barcelona has, of course, been Lionel Messi’s u-turn and decision to stay at the Camp Nou. This seems to have accelerated plans for the Koeman rebuild, with Wijnaldum a key figure.

Simon Mullock of the Sunday Mirror reports that Liverpool have accepted Wijnaldum will not be staying at the club, but are looking for a £15 million fee, whereas Barcelona would like it to be more like ten. That feels awfully low to me, but he is in his last year of his contract.

Kevin Palmer of the Sunday World reports broadly the same thing, which suggests it’s coming from a real source and not just being made up.

Wijnaldum looks to have played his last game for Liverpool. Thiago might be coming and he is, in my opinion, really good. But that’s a story for another day. Let’s not forget just how good Wijnaldum has been, and how important he has been in really pivotal games for the club.

If this is the end, hope you enjoy your time in the sunshine, Gini.

Source: liverpooloffside.sbnation.com