Georginio Wijnaldum was a transfer target for Barcelona in the last window after they appointed Ronald Koeman as their manager in August.
The La Liga side couldn’t complete the signing of the Liverpool player and the Netherlands international is still at Anfield, where he has less than a year left on his contract.
A failure from the Reds to tie him down to a new deal would then allow the midfielder to leave the Merseyside club as a free agent next summer.
The 30-year-old is currently with the national team, and prior to Oranje’s friendly match against Spain, he spoke to the Dutch media regarding his contract situation at the Merseyside club.
“I can’t say anything about that. Ask those questions to Liverpool. Don’t they answer? I can’t say anything about it, not even whether or not there is talk of a new contract between me and Liverpool. Sorry,” the 30-year-old told Het Parool.
Within the report, it’s stated the Blaugrana’s ‘financial difficulties’ restricted them from signing Jürgen Klopp’s star.
Two days ago, Koeman said his compatriot “may be a good option” for the Spanish giants in the future.
Sport have also relayed quotes from Wijnaldum and the Barcelona manager, and suggest the Liverpool star was included in Koeman’s transfer list.
They also echo Mundo’s claim and explain the deal never materialised because of Barca’s ‘financial difficulties’. At the end of their report, the newspaper states ‘the doors are opened wide’ for the Liverpool player to land at the Camp Nou.
However, neither Mundo and nor Sport have indicated whether Barcelona are looking to sign Wijnaldum in January or after the end of the season. 
The possibility looks more likely for next summer because the Dutchman will be available on a free transfer, and Barcelona don’t want any conflict with the Reds.
