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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Mark Wakefield

Gini Wijnaldum 'dream transfer' from PSG lined up one year after Liverpool exit

Gini Wijnaldum could be on the move from Paris Saint-Germain just a year after leaving Liverpool.

The ex-Reds midfielder called time on his spell on Merseyside last summer when he left the club as a free agent. After five years at Liverpool, Wijnaldum decided to move to PSG.

However, things have not gone fully to plan for the Dutchman since then. His debut season in France saw him make 38 appearances and score three goals.

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But despite featuring nearly 40 times in his first year in the French capital, he was not viewed by then manager Mauricio Pochettino as the important player he was at Liverpool. For instance, Wijnaldum did not play in either of PSG’s last-16 fixtures against Real Madrid in the Champions League.

As a result of his relatively disappointing campaign, reports from his homeland are linking the Netherlands international with a move away from Paris. According to Eindhovens Dagblad, PSV Eindhoven have explored the possibility of signing Wijnaldum.

The 31-year-old made 154 appearances for PSV before moving to Newcastle United in 2015. The idea of Wijnaldum returning to Holland is considered an "absolute dream” for PSV.

It has been added that the main issue with signing Wijnaldum would be his wage demands. The report also states the Anfield hero's desire desire to play in the World Cup this winter could influence his decision.

Wijnaldum was dropped from the Netherlands squad by manager Louis van Gaal for this summer’s Nations League matches. The ex-Manchester United boss cited a drop in form as a reason for not including previously one of his key men in the squad.

“Because Georginio did not deliver,” said Van Gaal in May, when asked why he dropped Wijnaldum. “I read in the media that other players have made more minutes or whatever, but I already said in my last press conference that I cannot stick to that principle.

“It’s about the form of players. We played six games in qualifying, Georginio played five and I substituted him three times. I think you have to deliver when you play in the Dutch national team. It is neither a rehabilitation centre nor a psychotherapeutic centre.

“I just have to invite the best players, otherwise, I’ll fall through the basket with all the other players who are now invited. When he regains his form, I immediately select him, it’s not like he’s obliterated from me. But apparently, he’s in a situation in Paris that he can’t handle.”

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