Transfer Centre

PSG's Georginio Wijnaldum 'favours Roma over Premier League return'

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 27 July 2022

Wantaway Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum is reportedly leaning towards a move to Roma rather than a return to the Premier League.

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum has reportedly earmarked Roma as his number one destination for a summer transfer.

The Netherlands international flattered to deceive during his first season at the Parc des Princes and was only used sparingly from the first whistle under Mauricio Pochettino.

Wijnaldum did manage to register three goals and three assists from 38 appearances in all competitions, but he only started 18 matches in his side's triumphant Ligue 1 campaign.

Furthermore, the 31-year-old was left out of PSG's squad for their pre-season tour of Japan, where Christophe Galtier experimented with a 3-4-1-2 formation after Pochettino favoured the 4-3-3.

Such a system would further restrict Wijnaldum's opportunities for starts in the middle, and PSG have already made one midfield signing this summer in the form of Vitinha.

Georginio Wijnaldum celebrates scoring for Paris Saint-Germain in December 2021 © Reuters

A move for Lille's Renato Sanches is not dead in the water just yet either, and Wijnaldum is therefore widely expected to head for the exit door in the next few weeks.

The ex-Liverpool's man success in the Premier League has understandably seen him linked with a return to England amid reported interest from a number of top-flight clubs.

Everton and West Ham United have been linked with a move for the 31-year-old, although he may be reluctant to move to the blue half of Merseyside given his affiliation with Liverpool.

Now, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano states that Jose Mourinho's Roma are at the head of the queue to sign Wijnaldum, and all parties are open to the player moving to the Stadio Olimpico.

The two clubs are understood to be in "direct contact" over a move for Wijnaldum, but the former Newcastle United man is yet to agree personal terms with the Europa Conference League champions.

Roma coach Jose Mourinho celebrates after the match on April 14, 2022 © Reuters

Romano adds that Wijnaldum has attracted interest from elsewhere, but he is leaning towards a switch to Roma, who have already made one marquee summer signing in the form of Paulo Dybala.

Wijnaldum only has two years left to run on his contract with PSG, who could also part ways with another midfielder this summer in the form of Juventus-linked Leandro Paredes.

Xavi Simons has already left the club to join PSV Eindhoven as a free agent, and he has been followed out of the exit door by Angel Di Maria, Marcin Bulka, Alphonse Areola and Colin Dagba, the latter of whom has signed for Strasbourg on loan.

Vitinha, Hugo Ekitike and Nordi Mukiele represent a trio of summer signings for PSG, who resume competitive action with Sunday's Trophee des Champions clash against Coupe de France winners Nantes.