Chelsea are reportedly close to signing former Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum, who is currently without a club.
The London club is negotiating with the 35-year-old Netherlands international over a one-year contract, according to El Chiringuito TV. The proposed agreement would also include an option to extend the deal for a further season.
The report claims the potential transfer is around 90% complete, suggesting Wijnaldum could soon become a Chelsea player. However, no agreement has officially been confirmed by the club or the midfielder.
Wijnaldum became a free agent after his contract with Al-Ettifaq came to an end. The Saudi Arabian club decided to part company with the midfielder at the conclusion of last season, leaving him available to join another team without a transfer fee.
Should the move be completed, Chelsea would be signing a player with considerable experience at leading European clubs. Before moving to Saudi Arabia, Wijnaldum played for PSV, Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain and several other sides during his career.
His time at Liverpool established him as one of the Premier League’s most experienced midfielders. He later continued his career at Paris Saint-Germain before moving to Al-Ettifaq, where he remained until the end of his contract.
The reported proposal from Chelsea would initially keep Wijnaldum at Stamford Bridge for one season, while the additional extension clause could allow the club to retain him for a second campaign. The length of the suggested deal means the agreement would give both sides the opportunity to reassess the arrangement after the first year.
Wijnaldum’s availability on a free transfer is understood to be central to the discussions. With the midfielder no longer contracted to Al-Ettifaq, Chelsea would not need to negotiate a transfer fee with another club if terms can be agreed with the player.
El Chiringuito TV’s report indicates that negotiations have progressed significantly, but the deal remains subject to completion. The final outcome will depend on whether Chelsea and Wijnaldum can reach agreement over the contract and complete the necessary formalities.
For now, Wijnaldum remains unattached following his departure from Al-Ettifaq. Chelsea are said to be the club closest to securing his signature, with talks continuing over the reported one-year agreement and the possibility of an extra season.