Barcelona are ready to promote Ilaix Moriba into the first team on a regular basis instead of pursuing a deal for Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum, according to reports.
The Netherlands international is out of contract at the end of the season and there appears to be a stalemate in talks between the Reds and the midfielder.
Wijnaldum has been a key component in the successful team Jurgen Klopp has built at Anfield over the past couple of years but could now be heading to pastures new.
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Barcelona and Chelsea have been linked with free transfers for Wijnaldum as the Dutchman considers his next move, despite saying he would be “devastated” if he left Liverpool.
It was expected he would move to Barcelona but Sky Sports now claim that the Catalan giants ‘are considering making youth star Ilaix Moriba an important first-team player next season instead of signing’ Wijnaldum.
Sky Sports added:
‘Wijnaldum has been waiting on new Barca president Joan Laporta’s comprehensive financial audit to see if they will make him an offer – but that is now in doubt amid debts of more than £1billion.
‘Laporta’s new officials are instead discussing with [Ronald] Koeman’s technical staff whether to promote the 18-year-old Moriba permanently, following his impressive first-team breakthrough this season.’
It is also understood that Liverpool ‘still want to keep Wijnaldum’ and that ‘the offer of a new contract remains on the table’.
Former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp recently insisted that Wijnaldum is not irreplaceable and the club are fully justified in the stance they have taken over his contract.
“They do run the club in a stats-based way and you have to trust what they are doing here,” Redknapp said.
“I understand what they are trying to do, they are not just going to throw money away and give players long contracts.
“That is their model and it has worked so well for them so you have to believe in what they are trying to do. You also can’t be held to ransom by players.
“Wijnaldum has been a brilliant signing for Liverpool: his energy levels are fantastic but they have a feeling that, long-term, giving a player that much money until he is 33 or 34… they don’t want to do it.
“I am sure Jurgen Klopp won’t want to lose him as you can’t deny he is a fantastic player but he is not irreplaceable, you can find players like him, and Liverpool will be in the market trying to find the next Wijnaldum.
“Time will tell whether it is the right decision but I do understand what Liverpool are trying to do.”
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