Georginio Wijnaldum has reportedly chosen to sign for Paris Saint-Germain over Barcelona as the 30-year-old decided to leave Liverpool as a free agent after five seasons at Anfield after joining from Newcastle in 2016.
The midfielder played 237 times for the club winning the Premier League and Champions League and was given a guard of honor by his teammates in his final match against Crystal Palace last month.
Although Jurgen Klopp supposedly made an emotional plea for the Dutchman to stay, he decided his future lies elsewhere.
“It is emotional for me, I lose a friend and we’ll miss him but it’s normal in football,” said the manager. “He will find a great place for whichever club is interested.”
Wijnaldum has been linked with Barcelona for a considerable period of time in the expectation that he would link up with his former Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman, who is known to be very appreciative of the former’s talents.
Barca were hopeful of signing him and compatriot Memphis Depay on free transfers, but have since hit a stumbling block.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims PSG have made a huge offer to the Dutch international, something that Barcelona are unwilling, more like unable, to match.
He wrote on Twitter: “Georginio Wijnaldum has decided to join Paris Saint-Germain. Barcelona have NO intention to raise their bid after they agreement ready by 2 weeks and medicals planned.
“Gini is now set to accept PSG proposal until 2024 with salary more than doubled [compared to Barça bid].”