KEY POINTS

  • Gini Wijnaldum left Liverpool in 2021 as a free agent
  • He moved to PSG after his deal with Barcelona did not go through
  • Ronald Koeman was keen to sign Wijnaldum at Barcelona

FC Barcelona's former head coach Ronald Koeman has slammed club's president Juan Laporta for not signing Gini Wijnaldum.

When Wijnaldum became a free agent at Liverpool FC at the end of the 2020-21 season, Koeman wanted his countryman to land at Camp Nou to strengthen Barcelona's midfield. However, Barcelona did not go ahead with the deal and Wijnaldum instead moved to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on a free transfer.

Koeman, who was sacked by Barcelona last October, has now blamed Laporta for the collapse of Wijnaldum's deal.

"I tried to sign Wijnaldum for Barça but I failed because the President wanted to annoy me more than bringing in a player. That delayed the operation and for that reason, he opted for PSG. Otherwise, he would have played for Barcelona," Koeman told Dutch media outlet AD, according to Goal.com.

Wijnaldum struggled in his first season at PSG, where he managed to score just three goals and made as many assists in 38 competitive appearances. As a result, PSG loaned off Wijnaldum to Jose Mourinho's AS Roma in the 2022 summer transfer window.

Unfortunately, after he played his first Serie A game for Roma, the Dutch midfielder picked up a serious leg injury and is now doubtful for Netherlands' World Cup campaign in Qatar.

The Dutch midfielder played a key role in the success tasted by Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool between 2019 and 2020, where they won the Champions League and their maiden Premier League title.

Wijnaldum, who made his senior debut in 2007, has played over 600 games over the years, scored 119 goals, and provided 59 assists.

All over: Ronald Koeman during his final match in charge as Barcelona coach, a 1-0 loss at Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday
All over: Ronald Koeman during his final match in charge as Barcelona coach, a 1-0 loss at Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday AFP / OSCAR DEL POZO

After Barcelona sacked Koeman, the Catalans brought in their former captain Xavi Hernandez as their new boss. Under Xavi, the struggling Barcelona ended the 2021-22 season second in La Liga and secured Champions League soccer.

In the underway campaign, Barcelona are still second in the league table and overall, they have lost just one game against Bayern Munich in the Champions League. The international break is ongoing and Barcelona are scheduled to return to action on Oct. 1 when they take on Mallorca.