Frank de Boer, the Dutch national team coach, has forbidden Georginio Wijnaldum to undergo the medical check-up Barcelona has planned, Voetbal International report.
De Boer will reportedly allow Wijnaldum to undergo the medicals only after the 2020 Euros. The coach has told his players that their focus should be on the competition ahead and not transfers.
Meanwhile, the reputable Fabrizio Romano has reported that Barca planned to send their medical staff to carry out the check-up on Wijnaldum while he is with the national team.
The 30-year-old is expected to sign a three-year deal with the Catalans and join on a free transfer from Liverpool.
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Wijnaldum delivers telling reaction when asked about Barca move
In his fresh interview with ESPN, pending free agent Georginio Wijnaldum had an interesting exchange with the reporter who tried to get the midfielder to confirm the rumours regarding an imminent Barcelona move. Although he didn't say it, his reaction might serve as an indication that a move is imminent.
Reporter: "May we congratulate you [for the Barca transfer]?"
Wijnaldum: "I don't think so..."
Reporter: "It's not fully done yet?"
Wijnaldum: "I can't say anything about it". (laughs)
Reporter: "But it's coming, right?"
Wijnaldum: "It's coming in a way that I will play for a club. But now, I have no news."
Reporter: "Your medical check will take place here before completing the move?"
Wijnaldum: "I get all the news from you guys! I just said I have no news yet." (laughs)
Meanwhile, the reliable Fabrizio Romano reports that if everything goes as planned, Barca will send their medical staff to the Dutch national team camp to complete Gini's check-up.
The 30-year-old is expected to sign a contract with Blaugrana until 2024. Wijnaldum will join on a free transfer from Liverpool.
Will Wijnaldum improve Barca? Comparing Gini's stats to our starting midfielders
With Georginio Wijnaldum reportedly being set to join Barcelona as a free agent this summer, we've decided to take a look at how his stats compare to those of our midfielders.
We've included Frenkie de Jong, Sergio Busquets and Pedri in the comparison as they are the three midfielders who've played the most during the 2020/21 season.
The stats are provided by WhoScored and only league games are taken into account. We will highlight the player with the best record in each department. Here's how things stand.
Overall
Appearances: Wijnaldum — 38, De Jong — 37, Busquets — 36, Pedri — 37.
Minutes played: Wijnaldum — 2,947, De Jong — 3,159, Busquets — 2,530, Pedri — 2,430.
Goals: Wijnaldum — 2, De Jong — 3, Busquets — 0, Pedri — 3.
Assists: Wijnaldum — 0, De Jong — 4, Busquets — 5, Pedri — 3.
Passing (per game)
Passes: Wijnaldum — 46.2, De Jong — 75.3, Busquets — 74.5, Pedri — 45.8.
Key passes: Wijnaldum — 0.6, De Jong — 1.3, Busquets — 0.8, Pedri — 1.1.
Passing accuracy: Wijnaldum — 92.7%, De Jong — 91.9%, Busquets — 91.3%, Pedri — 87.7%.
Long balls: Wijnaldum — 1.2, De Jong — 2.1, Busquets — 3, Pedri — 1.6.
Through balls: Wijnaldum — 0, De Jong — 0, Busquets — 0.2, Pedri — 0.1
Attack
Shots: Wijnaldum — 0.8, De Jong — 0.5, Busquets — 0.1, Pedri — 0.7.
Dribbles: Wijnaldum — 0.9, De Jong — 1.6, Busquets — 0.2, Pedri — 0.8.
Dispossessed: Wijnaldum — 0.7, De Jong — 0.7, Busquets — 0.3, Pedri — 0.9.
Defence
Tackles: Wijnaldum — 0.6, De Jong — 1.2, Busquets — 1.8, Pedri — 1.2.
Interceptions: Wijnaldum — 0.7, De Jong — 1, Busquets — 1.5, Pedri — 0.9.
Fouls committed: Wijnaldum — 0.4, De Jong — 0.7, Busquets — 1.3, Pedri — 0.5.
Clearances: Wijnaldum — 0.4, De Jong — 0.7, Busquets — 0.5, Pedri — 0.1.
Dribbled past: Wijnaldum — 0.6, De Jong — 0.5, Busquets — 1.4, Pedri — 1.5.
Conclusion
As we can see, Wijnaldum is not necessarily better than our starting midfielders but he could be a good utility player. Maybe not a starter, but a good squad player for sure.
For example, Gini records more shots per game than De Jong, Busquets and Pedri, so he could be a good option off the bench in games when the Catalans need a late goal.
The Dutchman has also got respectable stats in terms of defence, making him a safe bet to come as a sub after the break. With Busquets and Pedri typically not being able to complete full 90 minutes, Wijnaldum will definitely come in hand.
