Newcastle could have a path to sign Gini Wijnaldum this summer after ex-Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal dropped the midfielder from his latest Netherlands squad. Wijnaldum has been an everyday for his country during the last eight years but now faces an uncertain international future amid his struggles at Paris Saint-Germain.
Wijnaldum enjoyed a stellar profession within the Premier League after joining Newcastle from PSV in 2015. After only one 12 months at St James’ Park, he was snapped up by Liverpool and went on to win the Champions League, Premier League and Club World Cup during his time on Merseyside.
Wijnaldum was a key player for Jurgen Klopp’s side during his five-year spell at Anfield and captained them 11 times last season. But he surprisingly decided to finish his time on the club last summer to hitch PSG.
Things haven’t gone to plan for the 31-year-old in France, nevertheless, and he has struggled to carry down an everyday foundation on the Parc des Princes. He began just three of PSG’s Champions League games this campaign and did not even get on the pitch during either leg of his side’s defeat to Real Madrid within the last 16 of the competition. And he has cut a frustrating figure at times.
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“Unfortunately, little has modified in Gini’s situation at his club since our last two international matches in March,” Van Gaal explained as he spoke about his latest Netherlands squad ahead of their two clashes with Wales and their matches against Belgium and Poland. “Because of this, I’m forced to make other decisions, regardless of how difficult and regrettable I personally find it.”
Wijnaldum has scored 26 goals in 86 games for his country. And he will likely be eager to get back into the squad as soon as he can.
