PSG Hijacks Deal For Barcelona Target Georginio Wijnaldum

Liverpool's star Georginio Wijnaldum has turned down a potential move to Barcelona after Paris-Saint Germain hijacked the deal in the last minute.

Wijnaldum had seemed destined with a move to the Camp Nou since it became clear that he would not renew his contract with Liverpool after it ended last season.

The Dutch midfielder, have been offered a far more lucrative salary by the French club compared to the one proposed by the Spsnish club Barcelona. 

He will earn more than €10m per year at PSG compared to the £4.6m he earned per year at Liverpool.

Italian Journalist Fabrizio Romano reports that Wijnaldum's contract has been doubled by PSG's offer and that, if Barcelona do not make an improved offer, he will sign for the Ligue 1 runners up.

“Georginio Wijnaldum has decided to join Paris Saint-Germain. Barcelona have NO intention to raise their bid after they agreement ready by 2 weeks and medicals planned,” he wrote.

“Gini is now set to accept PSG proposal until 2024 with salary more than doubled [compared to Barça bid].”

Wijnaldum was one step away from joining Barca last year, as he was a crucial player on Ronald Koeman’s transfer wish list following his appointment as manager.

A deal to bring the 30-year to the Camp Nou on a free transfer looked to be all signed, sealed and delivered, with the club ready to send their staff to the Netherlands training camp to complete a medical until PSG intervened. 

Barcelona who are currently in dire financial situations are looking to rebuild their squad following seasons of underachievements both domestically and internationally.

The Blaugrana side have been forced to sign Sergio Aguero and Eric Garcia as free agents from Manchester City last week.

Wijnaldum is now set for a PSG medical, after talks with Mauricio Pochettino, as they look forward to win their first ever Champions League title next season, and also the Ligue 1 crown which they lost to Lille in the just concluded season.