(Football news) AS Roma had a very successful first season under Jose Mourinho. The Italian club finished 6th on the Serie A table and won the Europa Conference League. Mourinho will now be very keen on taking the next step and getting Roma back into the top 4. Roma have been busy in the transfer window as they have completed the signings of Nemanja Matic, Mile Svilar, Mehmet Zeki Celik and most importantly Paulo Dybala. Now Mourinho has his eyes set on Paris Saint Germain midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum. The deal is likely to be on loan initially with an option or obligation to buy later.
Wijnaldum left Liverpool in 2021 after a successful spell in England. Wijnaldum was destined to go to Barcelona but PSG hijacked the deal by offering him more money. The Dutchman's first season at PSG was an absolute disaster as he couldn't make his mark on the club. He did score 3 goals and 3 assists 38 appearances which doesn't look bad on paper for a box to box midfielder. On the pitch Wijnaldum looked like a shadow of the player he was at Liverpool. PSG now under new manager Christophe Galtier are reportedly planning next season without Gini Wijnaldum. The player himself will be very keen to secure a move away from Paris where he can get regular game time. Now at the age of 31 the midfielder needs to be at a club where he will be playing regular football.
If Mourinho himself is pushing to sign the player it means that he has a specific plan for him. A midfield consisting of Wijnaldum and Matic would be filled with raw physical strength. The pair will compliment each other really well along with players like Lorenzo Pellegrini and Bryan Cristante who are already at the club. Roma are completely backing Mourinho and the expectations will rise next season. Realistically winning a trophy and securing a top 4 spot will be considered a great season for them and the signing of Wijnaldum will be very crucial.
Also read: What will Jules Kounde bring to Barcelona after move from Sevilla