Georginio Wijnaldum has revealed that he wanted to return to Feyenoord last summer, but according to the 33-year-old midfielder, that move was not financially feasible. Instead, he opted for a move to Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia.
Netherlands national team coach Ronald Koeman made a big call this week, as Georginio Wijnaldum returned to the squad ahead of friendly matches with Scotland and Germany. During Tuesday’s training session, the 33-year-old told ESPN that he was keen on a return to Feyenoord. “Paris Saint-Germain asked for 10 million euros and then also my salary on top. That was impossible to achieve. Of course, it would have been possible if I gave in a lot, only I didn’t want that. Then I had to make another choice.”
Ultimately, a phone call from former Liverpool legend and Al-Ettifaq manager Steven Gerrard made the difference for Wijnaldum. The Saudi side reached an agreement with PSG, reportedly worth around eight million euros, before tying him down to a three-year deal. “That was the best option I had. There were other options, but they were things I didn’t want,” the former Liverpool and Newcastle United star added.
Georginio Wijnaldum was heavily linked with a return to Feyenoord or PSV last summer, but the midfielder shut down rumours of a return to one of his former sides at the time. The midfielder now says he’s going to keep “all options open this summer,” not ruling out a return to the Netherlands this time around.
