Chelsea have made a shock transfer within the free-agent market by opening talks with Georginio Wijnaldum after failing to safe a alternative for Enzo Fernandez earlier than the switch deadline.The 35-year-old is out there following his departure from Al-Ettifaq and may nonetheless be part of Chelsea regardless of the Premier League window being closed.
That makes him a horny short-term choice for Xabi Alonso, significantly after the Blues misplaced Fernandez to Manchester Metropolis and noticed their late transfer for Lamine Camara collapse.
Chelsea make contact with Georginio Wijnaldum
Sources near the brokers trade have knowledgeable CaughtOffside that Chelsea have formally contacted Wijnaldum’s representatives to debate a doable return to the Premier League.
The previous Liverpool and Newcastle midfielder has been with out a membership since leaving Al-Ettifaq earlier this summer time.
He stays vastly skilled, having received each the Premier League and Champions League throughout his time at Anfield, in addition to gathering 96 senior caps for the Netherlands.
Chelsea’s curiosity has been pushed by their deadline-day frustration. Fernandez accomplished a £125m transfer to Man Metropolis, whereas a proposed deal for Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara collapsed on the ultimate stage.
That has left Chelsea contemplating the free-agent marketplace for additional depth. Sports activities Mole studies that Wijnaldum is being seen as a short-term choice who may add expertise and a better purpose risk to Alonso’s midfield.
Wijnaldum may very well be a smart quick time period gamble
At first look, signing a 35-year-old midfielder appears fully completely different from Chelsea’s conventional recruitment mannequin.
However which will truly be the purpose.
Chelsea have already got loads of younger expertise. What they presently lack after Fernandez’s exit is expertise, reliability and management in midfield.
Wijnaldum wouldn’t be anticipated to start out each week. As a substitute, he may present cowl, assist handle troublesome matches and provides Alonso one other participant who understands Premier League soccer.
There may be additionally little or no monetary threat if Chelsea can agree a smart one-year contract.
The larger query is whether or not Wijnaldum nonetheless has the bodily stage required for English soccer. At his age, anticipating him to breed his Liverpool peak can be unrealistic.
Nonetheless, Chelsea don’t want that model of him.
They want a reliable squad participant who can contribute instantly and assist bridge the hole till a youthful long-term midfielder turns into obtainable.
Enzo Fernandez sends pointed message to Chelsea as he discusses Manchester Metropolis switch
