Former Liverpool star set to complete transfer move amid Chelsea links

Former Liverpool midfielder Gini Wijnaldum is reportedly set to join Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad after a medical assessment. Despite links to Chelsea, the 35-year-old has opted to remain in Saudi Arabia where he has been playing since 2023.
Why it matters
The move reflects the ongoing trend of high-profile European football talent continuing their careers in the Saudi Pro League.
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.
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.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in