Georginio Wijnaldum was on the radar of Manchester United this summer, but Erik Ten Hag reportedly vetoed the move. The former Liverpool man went on to join AS Roma.
Manchester United have been looking for a central midfielder all summer. Frenkie De Jong has been their primary target. However, they are not able to convince the Dutchman to join them. Moreover, he is yet to receive the deferred wages owed to him by Barcelona, which makes the transfer even more complicated.
The Red Devils eyed his compatriot Wijnaldum as an alternative. However, they did not make a move for him.
Manchester United have an urgent need of good midfielders. They lost Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard and Nemanja Matic in the summer. Although they signed Christian Eriksen, they still require a deeper midfielder. Eriksen is more of an attacking threat rather than someone who can win the ball back and recycle possession.
Georginio Wijnaldum would have ideally fit the profile. The Netherlands international is strong and press resistant. He can carry the ball forward, while also having a penchant for goals as demonstrated in the famous semi-final against Barcelona and some of his national team performances.
United’s Options Beyond Wijnaldum
United are currently looking at Adrien Rabiot of Juventus. Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic is also on their shortlist. Ten Hag was not convinced by WIjnaldum, and hence they did not pursue the signing. The 31-year-old may also have not wanted to go to Old Trafford, considering his Liverpool roots.
He has since gone on to join Jose Mourinho’s Roma. A €5 million loan fee was paid to Paris Saint-Germain. Additionally, Roma have a buy option for €8 million.
Wijnaldum spent five years at Anfield before moving on free to PSG last summer. During his time with the Reds, he won four trophies, including the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.
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