---
title: "Aston Villa: Luke Hatfield reacts to Georginio Wijnaldum links"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/avfc-gini-wijnaldum-transfer-links-hatfield/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Charlie Smith"
section: "Aston Villa"
published: "2021-12-21T14:15:29Z"
modified: "2021-12-21T14:15:29Z"
---

# Aston Villa: Luke Hatfield reacts to Georginio Wijnaldum links

**Journalist Luke Hatfield has been reacting to reports linking Aston Villa with a move for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum, as per [GIVEMESPORT](https://www.givemesport.com/1805100-aston-villa-transfer-news-85cap-star-would-be-huge-statement-signing-for-gerrard).**

### The Lowdown: Villa offered Wijnaldum on loan

Wijnaldum has struggled in France since leaving Liverpool over the summer. The 31-year-old, who is thought to be earning more than [£300,000 per week](https://www.90min.com/posts/gini-wijnaldum-offered-on-loan-several-premier-league-clubs) at the Parc des Princes, has made just [11 starts](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/georginio-wijnaldum/leistungsdaten/spieler/49499) in all competitions under Mauricio Pochettino.

The midfielder’s representatives are looking at a possible loan exit in the New Year, with Aston Villa [one](https://www.90min.com/posts/gini-wijnaldum-offered-on-loan-several-premier-league-clubs) of several clubs who have been approached.

It is believed that Villa are yet to [dismiss](https://www.90min.com/posts/gini-wijnaldum-offered-on-loan-several-premier-league-clubs) the idea of signing Wijnaldum, with NSWE [promising](https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/inside-steven-gerrard-aston-villa-25429141) Steven Gerrard a big January transfer kitty.

\[freshpress-poll id=”382324″\]

### The Latest: Hatfield’s comments

[Express & Star](https://www.expressandstar.com/news/authors/luke-hatfield/) journalist Hatfield was giving his thoughts to [GIVEMESPORT](https://www.givemesport.com/1805100-aston-villa-transfer-news-85cap-star-would-be-huge-statement-signing-for-gerrard) over the reports linking Wijnaldum with a move to Villa Park.

This is what he had to say in reply, describing it as a ‘huge statement’ and labelling the midfielder as a player with ‘boundless quality’:

> “That would be a huge statement signing, for sure.
>
> “Obviously, it hasn’t really worked for him at PSG since leaving Liverpool but he’s someone who has got boundless quality and energy in midfield.”

\[freshpress-quiz id=”375426″\]

### The Verdict: Avoid

Although Villa’s owners may well be able to afford to sign Wijnaldum on a temporary basis, it could be wise for sporting director Johan Lange to snub a winter deal for the 31-year-old.

Villa’s highest earner is Danny Ings on [£120,000 per week](https://www.spotrac.com/epl/aston-villa-fc/payroll/) and there’s no guarantee that splashing the cash on Wijnaldum’s wage would instantly make Gerrard’s side better. He has struggled in France and has failed to become a regular in PSG’s starting line-up, with Villa having a [number](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/aston-villa/kader/verein/405) of central midfield options already in any case.

Prioritising an out-and-out defensive midfielder could be a smarter idea, with [Marvelous Nakamba](https://theathletic.com/news/aston-villas-marvelous-nakamba-likely-to-miss-rest-of-the-season/WCyCyO0tpHU6/) set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Wijnaldum has occupied a defensive role on just [38](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/georginio-wijnaldum/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/49499) occasions during his career compared to [250](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/georginio-wijnaldum/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/49499) appearances as a central midfielder, so perhaps it’s best to skip a January move for him and look at the long-term project by signing a player under the age of 30.

***In other news: [‘On my knees’ – Many Aston Villa fans erupt as Lange makes ‘bold’ January transfer bid](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/aston-villa-transfer-rumours/avfc-fans-joe-gomez-transfer-offer/)***