Ronald Koeman makes Barcelona transfer admission amid Georginio Wijnaldum interest

Published on: 24 January 2021

Ronald Koeman has conceded Barcelona are in no position to sign players this month unless they are available on a free transfer.

The La Liga giants are in a perilous and ongoing financial situation amid the coronavirus pandemic which has severely hamstrung their recruitment.

Koeman was keen on taking Man City's Eric Garcia to the Nou Camp this month, but the club will not sanction a bid when the defender is out of contract in the summer.

A similar situation befalls Liverpool star Georginio Wijnaldum, who has been identified by Koeman as a key target in his rebuilding process.

Both players could still potentially complete moves to Barca in the summer, and Koeman insists new additions are imperative if the club want to win more trophies.

"My position is known: we lack people, but the economic situation of the club is an influence," Koeman said.

"I think we all think the same. If no one arrives, I accept it and we continue the same, but if we want more we must sign."

Asked about the decision of the Barca hierarchy to block a move for Garcia in January, Koeman replied: "We cannot demand that the Management Board make decisions like this.

"We have concluded that if he is a player whose contract is ending, we must wait.

"If we moved now we would have to pay the transfer fee plus the player's salary."

That is the case for Barca in their pursuit of Wijnaldum, who appears no closer to agreeing a contract extension at Liverpool.

The Dutchman demanded he receive a contract offer which would reflect his status as one of the world's leading midfielders, though Liverpool are refusing to budge on their latest offer.

Wijnaldum has now put pressure on the club this week when asked on his future.

"There is no update yet," he told Sky Sports on Thursday.

"I also think I am not the one who should give the update, the club should.

"If there will be an update the club will give it."

Wijnaldum is already free to enter pre-contract negotiations with foreign clubs.

And it is thought he would relish the opportunity to link back up with his former international boss Koeman at "dream" club Barcelona.

Source: m.allfootballapp.com

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