Newcastle United target Gini Wijnaldum is reportedly interested in a loan move in January.
That’s according to Sky Sports, who state the Dutchman is keen on a temporary move away from Paris Saint-Germain.
Wijnaldum joined the Ligue 1 giants in the summer following the expiration of his Liverpool contract. It was a huge move for him – another example of the progress he’s made since relegation with the Magpies.
He’s won the Premier League, the Champions League – now he calls Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi teammates. But he might not for much longer.
Wijnaldum has struggled for consistent minutes since his move to France. He’s started seven of a possible 17 Ligue 1 games, while he did play the full 90 minutes versus Club Brugge in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
And Sky Sports claim that he is open to a move back to the Premier League on loan.
They state that Arsenal are an option. There is no mention of Newcastle, who have previously been linked by TEAMtalk.
Does loan talk boost Newcastle’s hopes of a Gini Wijnaldum comeback?
TEAMtalk stated last month that the Magpies’ new owners are keeping tabs on the midfielder. The report added that Newcastle will make a move if he becomes available.
But is he available? Sky Sports’ Kave Solhekol had initially tweeted that PSG were open to loaning him out. But Sky Sports’ actual report states that Mauricio Pochettino’s side are unlikely to let him go.
However, if Wijnaldum does become available on loan then that surely boosts Newcastle’s hopes of re-signing the centre-midfielder.
Wijnaldum joined Newcastle in 2015, and impressed during his one and only year at St James’ Park.
He’s a better player now too, and much more suited to Eddie Howe’s midfield. He would fit in well alongside Jonjo Shelvey, who he played with in 2016.
Wijnaldum was a big fan of Shelvey, telling the Chronicle after his debut: “We already know he (Shelvey) is a good player because I played against him.
“We are all happy he is here because he can bring more football to the team.”
We saw at Liverpool that Gini has a defensive side to his game, while in his Newcastle spell he was a box-to-box star.
And if a loan move is on the cards, then Newcastle should be in the conversation.
A permanent move would be difficult. It would be a challenge to convince a player on a big contract to leave a European giant for a Premier League relegation battle midway through the season.
But a loan move might suit all parties – if PSG decide to let him go. Wijnaldum could return a hero, without the fear that he might have to stay if we drop down to the Championship – much like his first spell with the club.
It would be wildly ambitious, but news of Wijnaldum wanting a Premier League comeback will certainly interest Amanda Staveley and co.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
