Ronald Koeman has already developed something of a pattern with his transfer messages since becoming Barcelona manager. The Dutchman has spoken to his home country’s media on several occasions, making it clear he’s keen on at least two of his compatriots.
Those are Lyon’s Memphis Depay and Liverpool’s Georginio Wijnaldum. Both have contracts expiring at the end of June, and that gives Barca the real chance to secure the pair on free-transfers, helping their delicate finances and potentially allowing money to be spent elsewhere instead.
Koeman has again spoken about the Liverpool player, in comments carried by Mundo Deportivo. The manager said Wijnaldum wasn’t one of the highest priority targets in the last window and given the lack of transfer money, other options were brought in first.
Barcelona and their coach are making no secret of their desire for the midfielder, and that creates potential trouble for Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool. Should they be keen on keeping the player and extending his contract, Wijnaldum’s agents will know they can use interest from the Catalan club to get the best deal possible from the Reds.
counting on his free-transfer status to secure a switch to the Camp Nou next summer.Either scenario presents an issue Liverpool could do without, but unless there’s a surprisingly quick renewal, that looks like the way things will go.
Koeman and Barca are using the media, both in Spain and the Netherlands, to tempt the Premier League winner.
