Georginio Wijnaldum to Liverpool: Latest Transfer Details, Reaction and More

Liverpool have snapped up Georginio Wijnaldum from Newcastle United on a new long-term deal.

The capture was announced by the Reds on Friday via their official website:

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“I’m really excited because Liverpool is a big club with a great history and it’s always a dream to play for as big a club as Liverpool.”

He also commented on the prospect of working alongside Jürgen Klopp, adding: “[He seems] a great man—from the outside—because I don’t know how he works yet and I have to work with him.

“[But] I always love to watch him, his passion as a trainer, I like how he enjoys the game. He gives something back to the group [with his passion] so I look forward to working with him.”

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Wijnaldum leaves the relegated Magpies after just a year at St James' Park.

The Dutchman notched 11 goals and five assists with Newcastle last season—respectable tallies on a team that went down—though it's important to note that four of the goals came in one match against Norwich City and two came against Tottenham Hotspur after the Magpies' relegation had been confirmed.

Nevertheless, the 25-year-old is a fine player who can bring goals and creativity to Liverpool—he netted 56 goals from midfield in 154 outings for former club PSV Eindhoven, in principle due to his excellent positioning, intelligent movement and desire to break forward frequently.

According to Squawka, he was Newcastle's second-most effective creator last year with 48 chances laid on for his team-mates. Had they been more clinical finishers, his assist tally could have been significantly higher.

His defensive work ethic leaves something to be desired, though—he's not a player who will look to harry his opponents into giving up the ball or track back with regularity. 

If deployed in a more effective team and partnered with a hard-working holding midfielder to cover the space he leaves behind, he could really thrive.

At Liverpool, manager Jurgen Klopp demands his players work hard and cover plenty of ground in a high-energy pressing system, so Wijnaldum will need to adapt to his new surroundings if he's to establish himself in the team.

The Dutchman could provide an alternative to Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino or Sadio Mane in the Reds' attacking midfield trio, which would be more suitable to his desire to get forward, or he may be deployed in a central midfield three.

Using him in a central duo could be dangerous, as the Reds may find they get overrun, but if he's willing to help press—and if he's partnered with a workhorse like James Milner or Jordan Henderson—it could work out.

After a disappointing season at Newcastle, the Netherlands international will have an excellent opportunity to reignite his career and prove why he was so highly rated in his home country.