Aston Villa fans told to ‘get excited’ after ‘phenomenal’ Gini Wijnaldum update from Spain – pundit
Gini Wijnaldum would be a “phenomenal signing” for Aston Villa this summer, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested fans should be “very excited” about seeing the 31-year-old line up alongside Philippe Coutinho at Villa Park.
According to Spanish outlet SPORT (4 March), Aston Villa have enquired about Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Wijnaldum – and will have to pay £21million in order to prise him from Parc des Princes.
However, the report claims Atletico Madrid remain in pole position to land the former Liverpool midfielder this summer.
Wijnaldum, who has made 85 appearances for the Netherlands, is out of contract in 2024.
Whelan claimed the midfielder’s age will not be a “problem” for Steven Gerrard’s side.
“He looks like a great professional who will have no problems keeping himself fit,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“So I don’t think his age will be a problem for Aston Villa and Steven Gerrard. He’s still effective in that midfield – and we know that he loves to score goals.
“He’s got real quality in the midfield area in both aspects of the game, attacking-wise and defensively. I was very surprised when Liverpool let him go, quite frankly.
“I think he’d be a phenomenal signing. Just imagine him and Coutinho in that midfield – wow.
“If I was an Aston Villa fan, I’d be getting very excited about seeing that happen.
“£21million? For that kind of player, not to be sniffed at.”
Wijnaldum made 237 appearances during his time at Liverpool, winning the Premier League and Champions League.
Big-spending Aston Villa sit 11th in the English top flight.
In other news, pundit predicts Gerrard is “on his knees pleading with the board” to seal “sensational” deal.