Ronald Koeman no longer considers signing Georginio Wijnaldum from Liverpool a priority, with the midfielder likely to stay at Anfield instead.
That’s what Sport report today, following up claims yesterday that the player was no longer someone Barcelona are looking at.
Wijnaldum has been heavily linked with a move to the Camp Nou since last summer, with Koeman having made him a target not long after his arrival at the club.
Ultimately Barcelona’s financial situation put an end to any chances of a deal last year, but with his contract at Liverpool expiring and no sign of an extension, it was felt he could make the move this summer instead.
Sport now say that is unlikely, as Barcelona ‘no longer consider it urgent’ to reinforce their midfield for next year.
It’s explained that the emergence of Ilaix Moriba has caused the club to take stock and prioritise other positions in the squad, with it felt that the youngster fulfils many of the requirements that Koeman was looking for in Wijnaldum.
This is something the Dutchman is aware of, and his ‘priority’ is now to extend his stay at Liverpool instead.
At the moment, ‘the conversations are stopped’, but all signs points to him staying at Liverpool as the likely scenario this summer.
His ‘dream’ of playing for Barcelona is slipping away, with the potential finances and the emergence of a talent from La Masia, meaning the Catalans have simply turned their attention elsewhere.
