Barcelona ‘stopped’ from sealing Wijnaldum transfer amid medical setback
Barcelona have reportedly suffered a frustrating setback as they look to complete the signing of Georginio Wijnaldum on a free transfer from Liverpool.
Barca boss Ronald Koeman is closing in on Wijnaldum after a season spent pursuing his compatriot.
The central midfielder’s contract at Anfield expires this summer, paving the way for him to move to Camp Nou for no fee.
Wijnaldum sent a heartfelt message to Liverpool fans after his five years of service came to an end with last Sunday’s victory over Crystal Palace.
The 30-year-old appears all but certain to join Barcelona before long, but he and the Catalan club are being made to wait to rubber stamp the signing.
That’s according to Dutch outlet Voetbal International , which claims Netherlands boss Frank de Boer is not allowing Barcelona staff to conduct a medical in his side’s Euro 2020 training camp.
“Those players will have to be patient until after the tournament [to undergo their medicals],” said De Boer.
Wijnaldum arrived at the Oranje’s base on Sunday and wrote on Twitter : “After a week of rest, I arrived at the Dutch national team today. Ready for our next adventure.”
The Netherlands face Scotland on Wednesday and Georgia next Sunday in warm-up games before they begin their Euros campaign in a group with Ukraine, Austria and North Macedonia.
Wijnaldum, meanwhile, gave away little regarding his future but confirmed his representatives are in contact with Barcelona.
Personal terms have reportedly been agreed with Camp Nou chiefs, leaving the medical as the last obstacle to be overcome.
“My agent has been there and is in the picture,” said the former Newcastle United star. “There is no denying that. But I can’t say anything else about it yet.”
After a week of rest, I arrived at the Dutch national team today. Ready for our next adventure 💪🏾🦁 #euro2020 pic.twitter.com/oumACJmHiP
— Gini Wijnaldum (@GWijnaldum) May 30, 2021
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Although his move to Barcelona is edging closer by the day, Wijnaldum is also believed to have attracted interest from Bayern Munich.
Addressing his link to the Bundesliga champions, he said: “I’ve played a number of good seasons, which helps.”
Wijnaldum also insisted his move to Barcelona is not dependant on Koeman’s future at the club, which is uncertain after the Blaugrana finished a disappointing third in La Liga.