Chelsea ‘join Barcelona, PSG and Juventus in race for Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum as Thomas Tuchel prepares for his first full transfer window at Stamford Bridge’
- Chelsea have reportedly joined the race to sign Liverpool’s Georginio Wijnaldum
- The Dutchman could leave Anfield as a free agent after five years at the club
- Barcelona lead the race for the 30-year-old, with Ronald Koeman an admirer
- However, Marca reports that Chelsea, PSG and Juventus are also interested
Chelsea have joined the race for Liverpool star Georginio Wijnaldum, with reports in Spain suggesting the Blues will rival Barcelona, PSG and Juventus for the Dutchman’s signature this summer.
The Reds midfielder’s contract expires this summer, with Anfield chiefs unable to yet strike an agreement with the 30-year-old over terms to extend his stay in Merseyside.
Wijnaldum has appeared destined to reunite with former national team boss Ronald Koeman at the Nou Camp, but the cash-strapped Catalonians may face a tough battle to land the dynamic midfielder.
Chelsea have reportedly joined the race to sign Liverpool’s Georginio Wijnaldum this summer
Wijnaldum’s contract with the Premier League champions expires at the end of the season
Spanish outlet Marca reports that Chelsea are looking to keep Wijnaldum in the Premier League next season and the Blues have joined a lengthy list of clubs vying for the Dutchman.
Wijnaldum certainly has the experience that would benefit Chelsea’s young squad as Thomas Tuchel looks to use his first full transfer window in charge to good effect and close the gap on runaway title leaders Manchester City.
The German has turned to the likes of Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso since taking over at the end of January, with the pair helping shore up the Blues’ leaky defence and contribute to their unbeaten run under the new boss.
Marca outlines that Barcelona still lead the race for the Dutchman, although Liverpool are yet to concede hope of keeping Wijnaldum next season.
The 30-year-old has appeared destined to link up with old coach Ronald Koeman at Barcelona
However, Marca reports that Chelsea, Juventus and PSG could battle it out for Wijnaldum
The 30-year-old has enjoyed a trophy-laden five years at Anfield, winning the Premier League, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup in that time.
Wijnaldum remained coy over his future when asked last month. He said: ‘It’s not as easy as everyone thinks it is to make some decisions about your future.
‘You have to think about everything and then first negotiate with the clubs and it’s so difficult and it’s why it takes so long.’
Former Reds star Jamie Redknapp has backed Liverpool’s stance in refusing to buckle in negotiations, insisting that Wijnaldum is not irreplaceable.
He has enjoyed a great five years at Anfield, winning domestic and European honours
‘Wijnaldum has been a brilliant signing for Liverpool: his energy levels are fantastic but they have a feeling that, long-term, giving a player that much money until he is 33 or 34… they don’t want to do it.
‘I am sure Jurgen Klopp won’t want to lose him as you can’t deny he is a fantastic player but he is not irreplaceable, you can find players like him, and Liverpool will be in the market trying to find the next Wijnaldum.
‘Time will tell whether it is the right decision but I do understand what Liverpool are trying to do.’
