Eddie Howe will go into next season with only Sean Longstaff, Bruno Guimarães, Joe Willock and Jonjo Shelvey in midfield as Isaac Hayden has been loaned out to Norwich City while Jeff Hendrick is surplus to requirements, so Newcastle United are expected to bring in another addition to the engine room this summer.
Noel Whelan says the Magpies should bring Georginio Wijnaldum back to St James’ Park, telling Football Insider: “He’s a fantastic player. He is one of those who can play that attacking midfield role better than most. If Newcastle can go back in for him and get him next to Bruno Guimaraes – that’s a pretty formidable midfield.
“There is lots of experience and international quality in there. I think he could be that missing cog. He could provide the quality and creativity that Newcastle’s front men will relish.” Wijnaldum initially joined Newcastle from PSV Eindhoven in 2015 and went on to make 40 appearances in all competitions, scoring 11 goals with five assists.
The Netherlands international would go on to play for Liverpool (2016 – 2021) and Paris Saint-Germain (2021 – present), but his future at Le Parc des Princes is uncertain after a disappointing debut season. Wijnaldum has made 38 appearances across the board for PSG, scoring three goals with three assists, but he didn’t always command a starting place under Mauricio Pochettino.
The 31-year-old started 18/36 Ligue 1 games this season and was substituted on 12 occasions, so he’s hardly indispensable in France. Wijnaldum was an unused substitute in three of PSG’s last four Champions League games too, failing to play in their last-16 clashes with Real Madrid, so do Newcastle have a slim chance of signing him?
In other news, Newcastle should take Paddy Kenny’s advice to sell Saint-Maximin
