Almost everyone in the Catalan press had taken it for granted that Gini Wijnaldum would join Barcelona this summer, especially when Ronald Koeman’s continuity was confirmed. But Paris Saint-Germain joined the race late, and according to Marca are close to stealing the Dutchman from beneath Barcelona’s noses by virtue of a better contract offer.
Barcelona’s hope had been that the sporting project on offer at Camp Nou would have proven enough to convince Wijnaldum to choose La Liga over Ligue Un, as they knew they could never compete financially with the French club. Mauricio Pochettino is said to have been important in turning Wijnaldum’s head and convincing him to choose Paris.
PSG are now ready to hijack Wijnaldum deal – while Barça were already planning for medicals! 🇫🇷
Gini now open to accept PSG proposal, salary doubled – Pochettino called him too.
If Barcelona don’t raise their bid, Wijnaldum will join PSG.
Official decision in the next hours.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 5, 2021
It’s understood that Wijnaldum will join PSG if Barcelona don’t move on their economic offer, as the Blaugrana have offered a relatively small fixed salary. They were hoping that the presence of compatriots Ronald Koeman and Frenkie de Jong, as well as Lionel Messi, would have been enough of a pull, but it’s looking more likely he’ll join PSG.
