A growing number of players from around Europe are being persuaded to join the Saudi Arabia project, but Georginio Wijnaldum might have priced himself out of a deal.
The 32-year-old midfielder, who spent the 2022/23 campaign on loan at AS Roma, has returned to parent club Paris Saint-Germain this summer, although his future at the Parc des Princes remains uncertain.
Back in 2021, after much speculation around his next move, he finally joined the Ligue 1 club on a free transfer from Liverpool.
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But the Dutch international struggled in his debut term and was shipped to Italy, where he missed six months of action after suffering a tibia fracture in training.
Since returning from Rome after making 23 appearances for Jose Mourinho's side, Wijnaldum has been heavily linked with a transfer.
In fact, a number of clubs have already expressed their interest, including Eredivisie clubs Feyenoord and PSV Eindhoven, according to Foot Mercato.
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The former Newcastle midfielder recently commented on those links while on international duty with the Netherlands.
“I've read all sorts of things about PSV and Feyenoord over the past few days,” he said. "I will keep all options open this summer. But a return to the Netherlands is not my first option now.”
The above report from France also mentions the possibility of Wijnaldum joining the Saudi Pro League, although he is demanding 'well above' his salary at Ligue 1 side PSG, which is said to be £8.5million annually.
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If Wijnaldum were to join a team in Saudi, then he would play with or against French pair Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kante, who will both earn a serious amount of money in the Middle East.
Benzema, who has signed a three-year deal at Al Ittihad, will take home £172 million per year, while Kante will earn £21.5 million per season with Nuno Espirito Santo's side.
Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, picks up more than any player in the world at Al Nassr. The 38-year-old nets £173 million a year, according to Saudi Arabian state-owned media.
Despite links with a move to Saudi, Wijnaldum recently told L'Equipe: “If they [PSG] say they want to keep me, then I’ll stay”.
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Thoughts on Wijnaldum's wage demands? Let us know in the comments.
Topics: Gini Wijnaldum, Paris Saint-Germain, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Pro League, Eredivisie, PSV, Feyenoord
Jack Kenmare