Former Liverpool star set to complete transfer move amid Chelsea links

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By Kevin Brown
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Liverpool Favourite Gini Wijnaldum Set for New Move After Chelsea Interest

Former Liverpool midfielder Gini Wijnaldum appears to have settled his future, with the 35-year-old reportedly undergoing a medical ahead of a move to Al-Ittihad.

Wijnaldum became a free agent following his departure from Al-Ettifaq and briefly found himself linked with Chelsea. A return to the Premier League would certainly have added another intriguing chapter to a career already packed with major moments.

Instead, the Netherlands international looks set to remain in Saudi Arabia.

Wijnaldum Closing in on Al-Ittihad Move

According to Ben Jacobs, Wijnaldum is set to sign for Al-Ittihad on a 1+1 contract, with a medical currently taking place.

There is some logic to the decision. Wijnaldum already knows the Saudi Pro League extremely well after joining Al-Ettifaq from Paris Saint-Germain in 2023, and his performances last season suggested there remains plenty left in the tank.

The midfielder scored 16 goals and registered six assists during the 2025/26 Saudi Pro League campaign. Those are substantial numbers for a player who has built much of his reputation around tactical intelligence, positioning and midfield discipline.

At 35, Wijnaldum has seemingly found an environment where he can continue playing regularly while maintaining an impressive level of productivity.

Chelsea Interest Fails to Produce Premier League Return

Chelsea had reportedly explored the possibility of bringing Wijnaldum back to England as they considered their midfield options.

Such a transfer would have been fascinating from a Liverpool perspective. Wijnaldum spent five years at Anfield and became one of the most dependable components of Jürgen Klopp’s great Liverpool side.

Ultimately, Chelsea’s interest failed to develop into an agreement, with reports indicating that the London club were unlikely to pursue a deal.

That leaves Al-Ittihad positioned to secure an experienced midfielder who knows precisely what is required at the highest level.

Liverpool Years Defined Wijnaldum’s Career

For Liverpool supporters, Wijnaldum will always be associated with one extraordinary night at Anfield.

Signed from Newcastle United in 2016, he made 237 appearances for Liverpool and scored 22 goals. His contribution went considerably deeper than the raw numbers.

Wijnaldum played a crucial role as Liverpool won the Champions League in 2019 before ending their 30-year wait for a league championship by winning the Premier League in 2019/20.

His defining performance arrived against Barcelona in the 2019 Champions League semi-final.

Introduced at half-time, Wijnaldum scored twice in two minutes as Liverpool produced one of the most remarkable European comebacks Anfield has witnessed. Those goals ensured his place in Liverpool folklore.

He was equally valuable across the relentless demands of a league campaign, featuring in all 38 Premier League matches during Liverpool’s title-winning season.

Another Chapter Beckons for Former Liverpool Midfielder

Wijnaldum eventually left Liverpool for PSG in 2021, bringing an understated but hugely significant Anfield career to an end.

Five years later, his journey continues.

Chelsea provided the possibility of an unexpected Premier League return, but Al-Ittihad now appear to have won the race for his signature.

Should the medical proceed as expected, Wijnaldum will begin another Saudi Pro League chapter with an impressive 2025/26 campaign behind him and a Liverpool legacy that remains secure.

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