According to the latest reports, Georginio Wijnaldum is set to join PSG ahead of Barcelona after the Parisiens made him an economic offer the Catalans couldn't match. Tribuna.com believe that there are certain CONs and PROs to Blaugrana missing out on the 30-yea-old. Here they are.
CONs
1. Short-term solution
A Champions League winner with Liverpool, Wijnaldum would've been a good addition to Barca's squad for the 2021/22 season because of his experience. Besides, since he can play in any position in midfield, the Dutchman would've offered some relief to Sergio Busquets and Pedri, who both played 50+ games last term.
2. Koeman's request
Considering that Barca have decided to trust Ronald Koeman for another season, it would've been great to sign the players he requested, and Wijnaldum is said to have been one of them. Unfortunately for the coach, he will now have to search for other options or make do with the players at the club.
PROs
1. Trusting the youngsters
In the long term, Barca missing out on Wijnaldum could be a blessing in disguise, as the youngsters at the club are likely to get more chances next season if no new midfielder arrives. Pedri is already a starter, while the likes of Ilaix Moriba, Riqui Puig and Nico Gonzalez would all benefit from getting more minutes on the pitch.
2. Saving money
Barca are in a tough situation in terms of finances, so every cent counts. If we are being honest, we currently need a centre-back more than we need a midfielder, so the money saved on not having to pay Wijnaldum's salary could be used elsewhere.
3. Profile and style
Although he's a great player, Gini's profile doesn't exactly suit Barcelona's style of play. Thus, not signing him could serve as an additional reason for Koeman to play in a more attacking manner, as Joan Laporta is demanding.
4. Motivation
The legendary Johan Cruyff once said: "If you have second thoughts on playing for Barcelona, you are no longer of service to us."
Wijnaldum choosing PSG's money over us serves as an indication that wearing Barca's shirt wasn't the most important reason why he wanted to join us. Meanwhile, Sergio Aguero and Eric Garcia both accepted pay cuts to sign with Barca.
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'Barca are a sinking ship', 'Gini f****** them for the 2nd time': Liverpool fans react to Wijnaldum choosing PSG over Barca
Ever since Barcelona bought Philippe Coutinho, the Liverpool fans have had the Catalans on their list of the most hated clubs.
Now, with their player Georginio Wijnaldum picking PSG over Barca due to the astronomical salary offered by the French side, the Reds have got a reason to celebrate, it would appear. Here's what the Liverpool fans have said on the matter.
hordesofevil: "Gini f****ng over Barcelona for the second time. Love to see it."
imustbethedevil: "So funny to see Barcelona fans acting like they don't want him but in actual fact, it was Gini who didn't want them."
yournerd2307: "Barca need someone like him too, but Barca fans have been absolute idiots about it, considering 18-year-old academy products the answer."
Porkybeaner: "He was brilliant for us, Barcelona is a rival and old enemy so I'd be happier to see him at PSG (who are irrelevant to me) and happier for Gini screwing Barca... again."
RevMLM: "Much prefer this for him. Even if PSG gave him the same offer for wages I think it would be the easier choice for his sanity and his family."
Tribuna.com
Jon Bon: "Barca can even get the players we release on a free transfer! How the a***holes have fallen."
Andrew Harrison: "Barcelona are a SINKING SHIP who think they can still pay whatever to get who they like but in truth, they can't due to the massive debt weighing them down, lol."
Alan Edward Robson: "Hate Barca, hate Real Madrid. Both Spanish vultures who hover over a free transfer. Well done, Gini, and good luck to you."
Daniel Harpham Gist: "Finally players can see that Barcelona is not the holy grail for all."
5 alternatives to Wijnaldum Barca could find at home or abroad
With Georginio Wijnaldum reportedly being set to join Paris Saint-Germain ahead of Barcelona, Tribuna.com have drawn a shortlist of alternatives the Catalans should consider.
The 27-year-old is definitely a more attacking option than Wijnaldum, but Barca would definitely benefit from his set of skills. Many fans want our midfielders to shoot from outside the box, and Calhanoglu is quite good at it.
In the 2020/21 season, Hakan recorded nine goals and 12 assists in 43 matches for AC Milan, as per Transfermarkt. His contract at the club expires on June 30, meaning that Blaugrana could get him for free.
Not the most obvious choice, but the 32-year-old could be a great squad player as he's capable of playing both as a defensive midfielder and centre-back.
Martinez's contract at Bayern Munich expires on June 30, and offering him a short deal for one or two seasons could be a decent idea. Javi's experience would serve us well in the short term, and he won't be blocking the progress of our La Masia midfielders in the long term.
It's said that the Uruguayan is one of the Juventus player Barca would be interested in swapping for Miralem Pjanic. Possessing a wide range of attributes, Bentancur can be used as both a central and defensive midfielder.
The 23-year-old has a good passing accuracy (90%) while also recording 0.9 key passes per game. He's also very solid defensively, amounting 1.4 interceptions and 1.9 tackles per 90 minutes. And finally, he can carry be ball forward pretty well, having a dribbling success of 69%.
In the 2020/21 season, Rodrigo was the 5th most-used player at Juve, playing 45 matches and recording four assists.
The 18-year-old was involved in the first-team dynamics in the 2020/21 season already (18 matches, 1 goal, 3 assists), but he could have a more important role next season. Thanks to his physicality, he's already able to compete against most rivals in La Liga.
Moriba is good on the ball as well, and can be a threat going forward thanks to his good shooting and aerial abilities .Ilaix might be lacking in terms of creativity, but considering his age, he's sure to improve.
Ronald Koeman staying at Barca might not be good news for Puig, but Wijnaldum choosing PSG ahead of us definitely is. He might not be the most physical player, but he's shown he can play against aggressive teams like Atletico Madrid back in the 2019/20 season.
It's said that the club wants the coach to give Riqui more chances next season, and in case no other midfielders arrive, the 21-year-old is sure to get them.
