The former Liverpool midfielder is closing in on the next chapter of his career after becoming a free agent.
Georginio Wijnaldum is closing in on his next club after leaving Al-Ettifaq, with the experienced midfielder now set to decide the next step in his career after an impressive spell in Saudi Arabia.
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The Netherlands international joined Al-Ettifaq in 2023 following his departure from Paris Saint-Germain and went on to establish himself as an important figure for the club.
Wijnaldum enjoyed one of his most productive seasons in 2025/26, scoring 16 goals and providing six assists in the Saudi Pro League.
Wijnaldum previously spent five hugely successful years at Liverpool after joining the club from Newcastle United in the summer of 2016.
He made 237 appearances for the Reds, scoring 22 goals, while playing a crucial role in the club’s Champions League triumph in 2019 and Premier League title success the following season.
According to Ben Jacobs, Wijnaldum is now set to join Al-Ittihad on a 1+1 contract, with the player currently undergoing a medical.
The move would see the 35-year-old remain in Saudi Arabia and continue his career in the Saudi Pro League.
A return to England had also emerged as a possibility in recent days, with Chelsea reportedly linked with the former Liverpool midfielder.
The Blues were said to have explored the possibility of adding Wijnaldum to their midfield options following developments in their transfer plans.
However, Chelsea’s interest ultimately failed to result in a move, with reports suggesting that the club were unlikely to pursue a deal for the experienced midfielder.
Wijnaldum’s time at Liverpool remains the defining period of his club career.
He arrived at Anfield under Jürgen Klopp and quickly became an important part of the German’s midfield, earning a reputation for his reliability, versatility and ability to perform on the biggest occasions.
His most memorable Liverpool moment came in the Champions League semi-final against Barcelona in 2019.
Introduced from the bench at half-time, Wijnaldum scored twice in the space of two minutes as Liverpool completed one of the competition’s greatest comebacks.
He also played 38 Premier League games during Liverpool’s title-winning 2019/20 campaign, before leaving the club for PSG in 2021.
Now, five years after departing Anfield, Wijnaldum is preparing for another new chapter, with his medical reportedly the final step before completing his next move.
🚨 Exclusive: Georginio Wijnaldum set to join Al-Ittihad on a 1+1 contract. Player is currently undergoing a medical. pic.twitter.com/ZRay31ZXZC
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) September 6, 2026
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