Liverpool sure like targeting players with a penchant for scoring against them.
Jurgen Klopp said he wouldn’t be pursuing big-name players this transfer window, but Georginio Wijnaldum isn’t exactly an obscure player.
The Magpies were always going to struggle to keep a hold of the Dutch attacking midfielder. Despite his side finishing 18th and being relegated to the Championship, Wijnaldum shone during his maiden season in England.
The 25-year-old moved to St James’ Park last summer from PSV Eindhoven for £14.5 million, and had a considerably better time adjusting to the English top flight than the other outgoing high-profile PSV player that window, Memphis Depay.
While Depay has openly admitted that his first season at Old Trafford was disappointing, Wijnaldum would have been more than happy with his 11 goals and five assists last campaign.
Liverpool have made a move for Georginio Wijnaldum, the Newcastle United midfielder, and are hoping a fee can be agreed this week.
— Tony Barrett (@TonyBarrett) July 17, 2016
Wijnaldum has a lot of potential suitors, but Liverpool have emerged as the front-runners to sign him with rumours on Monday lunchtime that the player is on his way to Melwood for a medical.
Georginio Wijnaldum is said to be travelling to Merseyside ahead of his proposed move to Liverpool.
— This Is Anfield (@thisisanfield) July 18, 2016
Newcastle have set an asking price of £27m, but the Reds are confident they can lower the price down to around the£20m and according to reports from several mainstream British outlets including the Telegraph, the Express and the Times, to name but a few.
Liverpool are also confident of completing the deal in double-quick time, with the deal expected to be wrapped up before the week’s end.
However, Wijnaldum will face stiff competition for a starting place in the Liverpool team. The attacking midfield area behind the striker is where Liverpool have arguably the greatest depth with Philippe Coutinho, Adam Lallana, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino already in the squad.
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