Manchester United and Louis van Gaal saw one rumoured transfer target slip out of his grasp on Saturday, as Georgino Wijnaldum secured a move to Newcastle United.
The midfielder had played for the Netherlands under van Gaal, and had been linked with a reunion with his former boss at Old Trafford, while Arsenal were also understood to be keen on his signature [Express].
However, according to BBC Sport, the former PSV Eindhoven captain has completed a move to St. James’ Park, agreeing a £14.5 million move to join Steve McClaren’s revolution.
Wijnaldum, who becomes the new coach’s signing in the north-east, represents Mike Ashley’s biggest single outlay since his unpopular reign as club chairman began eight years ago.
The tyrannical boss has secured the next five years of Wijnaldum’s career, and Magpies fans ought to be very excited about the capture of a player who can play right across the midfield.
As McClaren said, according to the BBC, the addition represents a ‘real statement’ for the Toon.
However, while van Gaal may rue missing out on the purchase of Wijnaldum, the Red Devils are making their own encouraging steps in the transfer market.
Matteo Darmian, the Italian international, is close to confirming his arrival at Old Trafford [Daily Mail], while the 2013 Premier League champions are also on the brink of bringing Bastian Schweinsteiger to United [BBC Sport].
While the Bayern Munich man is six years older than Wijnaldum, he will bring valuable experience to the club, and could well be a key figure in the heart of the midfield as van Gaal looks to return United to the pinnacle of English football.
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