Georginio Wijnaldum has revealed he was keen on moving to Tottenham in 2016 after holding positive talks with then Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino.
The Dutchman has lifted the lid on almost making the move to North London after a stellar campaign with Newcastle United in the 2015/16 season.
The Toon Army’s relegation five years ago prompted mass interest in Wijnaldum with Spurs particularly keen, but the midfielder elected to make the move to Liverpool instead, despite speaking with Pochettino about potentially playing in N17.
The 30-year-old finally linked up with the Argentine coach this summer, though, signing with Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer after rejecting a new deal with Jurgen Klopp’s side in June.
Wijnaldum has now revealed that talks were brief with Pochettino over the summer having previously spoken with each other in 2016, and the midfielder gave an insight into what transpired between the two of them when he almost signed for Spurs.
Wijnaldum told L’Equipe (as relayed by Sport Witness): “When we spoke in 2016, he told me about the match between Tottenham and Newcastle where I was on the left-wing of a 4-4-2, and I was good.
“He told me: ‘I am not a coach who wants to put his players in a permanent position. Of course, there are the basic tasks, but I want you to feel free to contribute whatever you can do.’ It suited me perfectly. I don’t like to be stuck in a fixed spot.”
Spurs Web Opinion
The speculation regarding Wijnaldum five years ago will prove to be another player that got away from Spurs. He would go on to establish himself as a very important piece in Klopp’s side, which dominated the European and domestic stage in recent years. Pochettino always held Wijnaldum in high regard, and now he has finally got his man, albeit at PSG.
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