FC Barcelona has agreed terms to sign free agent Gini Wijnaldum on a 3-year contract which will keep him at the Camp Nou until 2024.
According to reports, Barcelona president Joan Laporta is ready to give Ronald Koeman the necessary signings in the summer. The Dutch manager is expected to continue at the Camp Nou for at least another season. Koeman had a mixed first season with Barcelona. The Catalans started the season well winning their first 4 La Liga games but eventually started struggling in the league as they ended the year 2020 in 6th position.
On the other hand, Barcelona convincingly won their first 5 UCL games which included a victory away at Juventus. But lost their final group stage game 3-0 against Juventus at home and ended up finishing Runners up. Barcelona then won the Spanish Super cup Semi-final against Real Sociedad in the penalty shootout. In the final Barcelona conceded a last-minute equaliser against Athletico Bilbao and eventually lost the title in extra time.
Also check | Luka Modric extends Real Madrid contract until 2021
The UEFA Champions League once again ended early as Barcelona lost 5-2 on aggregate against PSG in the Round of 16. Barcelona turned the tide around in the league as they went 19 games. At one point Koeman's team looked favourites to win the league despite losing to Real Madrid but a draw against eventual champions Atletico Madrid and Levante along with unexpected losses against Granada and Celta Vigo meant Barcelona ended up finishing 3rd on the La Liga Table. Koeman did manage to guide the club to its 31st Copa Del Rey title.
Koeman managed to get some consistent Performances with Barcelona but failed to win the big games. Barcelona are still a few players short of being the best team in the world at the moment. This may be the reason why Laporta is willing to back Ronald Koeman for another season.
Check here Five takeaways from La Liga 2020/21
Wijnaldum whose contract with Liverpool has expired this season was being linked with Barcelona for quite some time. On Monday the Midfielder announced that he will not be a Liverpool player anymore confirming his exit from the Merseyside club. Nothing has been made official yet but Barcelona are expected to announce the signing in the next few days. Wijnaldum has previously played under Koeman for the Netherlands when they reached the UEFA Nations League final. Koeman is a fan of Wijnaldum and is eager to bring him to the Camp Nou. Wijnaldum 2 goals against Barcelona in the infamous 4-0 Liverpool victory are still fresh in Barcelona fans' memories. The Midfielder has been the engine of Jürgen Klopp's Midfield for the last 5 years. Wijnaldum brings the physicality that no other current Barcelona Midfielder has. The Dutchman will have to work in order to earn his place in the Catalan lineup ahead of fellow countrymen Frankie, Sergio Busquets and Pedro. Wijnaldum's arrival could well and truly confirm the departure of Miralem Pjanic who has been a shadow of the player he was in Juventus this season.
Wijnaldum along with Dutch teammate Memphis Depay, Sergio Aguero and Eric Garcia are all expected to be signed by Barcelona for free this summer. These signings will definitely allow Koeman to improve his side's performance next season and challenge for all 3 titles once again.
Must Read | La Liga Team of the Season 2020/21
