Liverpool’s move for Georginio Wijnaldum seems to have hit a snag as Newcastle United are not willing to let go of their star player without a fight. Instead of just wanting cash, the Championship team want a player as part of this deal.
Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez knows the club really well and seems that he wants to reunite with one of his signings from the Liverpool era, Lucas Leiva. The 29-year-old midfielder didn’t really fit into Jurgen Klopp’s plans last season and could be one of the players to leave the club this season but is this the right move for him and the club?
The right deal for all parties involved
The merits of this deal far outweigh any of the negative points as both clubs will be getting what they need the most. Liverpool would get an attacking midfielder who can play in a range of positions and who can only get better if he plays at the top level while Newcastle would get a central midfielder that can do really well as a cover for most of the first teamers but can also play in the heart of defence if required.
Many will remember that Rafa Benitez is the manager who signed Lucas Leiva from Gremio all those years ago and this could be a happy reunion for both the player and Rafa. In fact, some of the best performances for the Brazilian came under Rafa and he could find his mojo under the Spanish manager once again.
While the Liverpool star might not want to move down a league, it could be beneficial to his career as playing in the Championship can be better for a player who is losing his speed. Lucas Leiva was played in the heart of the defence as well last season and even though he isn’t physical enough to survive as a central defender but he was adept enough to put up a few good performances for the Reds and could do the same for Rafa as well.
Looking at the other end of the deal, Wijnaldum would want to play at the highest level and with Liverpool looking to bring in more creativity in the team, the Dutch attacking midfielder is a perfect choice for the role.
The 25-year-old wasn’t the most consistent player last season or the Magpies but a new atmosphere could be the perfect setting for him to showcase his abilities. This would also be his second season in England and his first season would provide a perfect backdrop to launch himself to the Premier League world.
With just a few days remaining to the start of the season, both clubs would want to ensure that they have their teams all set and the sooner this deal is done, the better it would be as both clubs would be getting a player that they really need to plug up a few holes and hopefully help their sides achieve what they set out for this season.