01 September 2023 , 10:31
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Ex-Liverpool star Gini Wijnaldum is in line for a reunion with Jordan Henderson after agreeing to join Al-Ettifaq on deadline day.
The Dutch midfielder looked likely to be on the move this summer after a frustrating few seasons. He had just one season with French giants Paris Saint-Germain after leaving Anfield at the end of his contract.
Wijnaldum was sent out on loan to Italian side Roma last term but he saw his spell at the Stadio Olimpico hugely disrupted by injury. Now, it appears that his next port of call could be Saudi Arabia. According to reports in Italy, Wijnaldum has agreed to join Al-Ettifaq on a three-year deal, with his current employers PSG set to receive around €9m (£8m) for his services.
The move would see the former Liverpool star reunited with a number of familiar faces. Former Reds’ captain Henderson signed for the Saudi side earlier this summer, bringing to an end his long and successful spell at Anfield to an end in the process. Henderson was signed by Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard, who was appointed as the club’s new manager earlier this summer.
Wijnaldum could potentially make his debut for Ettifaq this coming weekend as they take on Damac at home. The side have had a promising start to the new campaign with two wins, a draw and a defeat.
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Wijnaldum will face Brazilian midfielder Fabinho, who quit Anfield for reigning Saudi champions Al-Ittihad, while Sadio Mane also joined Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Ittihad.
Gini Wijnaldum could join Jordan Henderson at Al-Ettifaq (Getty Images)Who else do you think Liverpool should sign this summer? Share your thoughts in the comments below
The links do not end there. Roberto Firmino put pen to paper on a contract with Al-Ahli after his Liverpool deal expired.
Wijnaldum’s former PSG teammate Neymar also completed a big-money move to Saudi Arabia and he could be followed by Marco Verratti. Clubs in the Gulf State still have a week to complete their business.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has already complained about that fact amid Al-Ittihad’s attempts to sign Egyptian forward Mo Salah. He said: "I think the next two weeks will show how much of a challenge it is, because whatever happens there, obviously, nobody can react any more.
"That's something I think UEFA or whoever should have an eye on. Because we all have to protect the game, and we want [to]. It's not illegal, it's the game, and obviously I love all my players who play now in Saudi Arabia.
“It's not like it distracts me now from my watching habits, but we have to make sure all these European leagues... stay as strong as they are.”