Liverpool are searching for a Wijnaldum replacement as the Dutchman is yet to decide his future and Teun Koopmeiners could replace him.
Sources close to Anfield Central report that Liverpool have a standing contract offer to Gini still on the table and while the Dutchman has yet to sign it, he’s also yet to accept offers from other clubs.
Barcelona is his first choice outside of Merseyside but the Catalonians are also lowballing him. Their financial situation is dire and they can’t afford to offer a big contract to another ageing midfielder and reports in the last week suggest they could find a solution internally.
Sky Sports report that Barcelona are considering promoting Ilaix Moriba instead of signing Georginio Wijnaldum this summer.
PAMPLONA, SPAIN – MARCH 06: Ilaix Moriba of FC Barcelona celebrates with his teammates Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona after scoring his team’s second goal during the La Liga Santander match between C.A. Osasuna and FC Barcelona at Estadio El Sadar on March 06, 2021 in Pamplona, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
Koopmeiners, who Calciomercato cite as Liverpool’s man to replace Wijnaldum, has scored 17 goals and grabbed 7 assists this season. While that attacking output wouldn’t translate the same way in the Premier League, it’s obvious why he is of interest to the Reds.
Our sources claim that Liverpool enquired about Koopmeiners last season but didn’t feel as though the time was right to make a move. Now, however, with Wijnaldum potentially leaving the club and a spot opening up in midfield, it could be time.
He’s the epitome of a box to box midfielder and while stats don’t do his defensive game justice, this YouTube video will show you everything you need to know about the AZ Alkmaar midfielder.
ALKMAAR, NETHERLANDS – AUGUST 26: Teun Koopmeiners of Alkmaar Zaanstreek scores his team’s first goal from the penalty spot during the UEFA Champions League qualification match between AZ Alkmaar and FC Viktoria Plzen at AZ Stadion, Alkmaar, Netherlands on August 26, 2020 in Alkmaar, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
For those that have never seen him play, his greatest strength is springing a counter-press trap and driving with the ball before either taking a shot from range or spreading the ball to an advancing full-back or winger.
While Jurgen Klopp hardly needs to sign a Dutchman to replace Wijnaldum, it seems as the Liverpool no.5’s compatriot has all the tools required to replace him.
