Pros and cons of Barca signing Gini Wijnaldum

Georginio Wijnaldum is a request from Ronald Koeman from last summer. The Liverpool midfielder will arrive for free at Barcelona if he accepts their offer. His potential arrival has roused mixed feelings among Barca fans.

PROS

He’s a highly competitive footballer. A solid midfielder, consistent and not injury prone. With Liverpool and Holland he’s stood out for his dynamism in the middle. Koeman values his intensity. It’s an intensity that Barca have called out for since the start of the season. Koeman believes the middle of the pitch lacks something in physique, above all to win the Champions League.

His mentality has always been highly regarded. He’s very professional, a team player and he’ll leave a hole at Liverpool. Some fans consider his exit like the feeling when Xabi Alonso left. A trustworthy player, who steps up in big games and makes his team-mates better.

Wijnaldum would find an ally in Koeman if the coach stays. He worked with him in Holland as a key part of the puzzle, working not just in defence but also breaking into the box. He ended up playing further forward and was a goal threat. He protects the ball well and is reliable with his passing.

CONS

He’s a player with some time left at the top level but he is 30. His cycle has ended at Liverpool and for a physical player, maybe his very best years have passed.

His arrival will make it harder for youngsters to have minutes. Ilaix, Riqui Puig, Nico and Collado are among those who might suffer. In a 4-3-3 he would be one of the players to accompany Busquets and De Jong. 

Koeman wants Wijnaldum but if the Dutch coach is sacked then will the next incumbent on the Barca bench feel the same way? Who is to say.

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