Liverpool eye up Wijnaldum return

Liverpool are interested in re-signing former Reds midfielder Gini Wijnaldum on loan this summer, according to a surprise transfer rumour.

The Lowdown: Wijnaldum struggles after Anfield exit

The 31-year-old was a hugely influential figure at Anfield between 2016 and 2021, winning both the Champions League and Premier League during his time at the club and contributing to 38 goals in 237 appearances, notably being a reliable presence who constantly avoided any long-term injury.

Wijnaldum left to join Paris Saint-Germain last summer but his time in the French capital has been an undoubted disappointment, with Get French Football News even describing him as the Ligue 1 Flop Signing of the Year, claiming that he looked ‘lost’ at times.

With Liverpool arguably in need of a midfield addition this summer, a shock rumour is now doing the rounds.

The Latest: Liverpool linked with shock Wijnaldum move

According to The Irish Daily Star [via Liverpool Echo], there are ‘whispers’ that Liverpool want to bring Wijnaldum back on a temporary basis this summer, with the latter’s report describing it in their headline as a ‘shock loan move’.

It is seen a stop-gap solution ahead of a potential big-money signing of a midfielder next year, with Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham being one possible candidate.

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The Verdict: Sign him up

This could be an ideal piece of business by Liverpool, seeing how it looks increasingly unlikely that they will be able to sign Bellingham this summer.

Wijnaldum may have struggled at PSG but that arguably has more to do with their use of him than anything else, with the Dutchman a system player who thrives under a manager who uses him correctly – such as Jurgen Klopp, who called him a ‘sensational’ player upon his departure from Anfield 13 months ago.

The midfielder would surely jump at the chance to make a short-term return to Liverpool, who signed him for £25m six years ago, and he remains a force who could add some much-needed extra depth in the middle of the park.

While the Reds have plenty of options in that area, the likes of Jordan Henderson, Thiago and Naby Keita are all too capable of picking up injuries – something which rarely happened to Wijnaldum during his time on Merseyside.

In other news, Liverpool are ready to move for a Premier League player. Find out who it is here.