Wijnaldum completes Liverpool move for reported £25M fee
To see a list of completed deals in the summer window thus far, visit theScore's Premier League transfer tracker.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp ended his search for a new midfielder Friday, signing Georginio Wijnaldum from Newcastle United in a deal thought to be worth up to £25 million.
Wijnaldum has signed a long-term contract with the Reds. Liverpool's seventh arrival of the summer, he is now set to join the rest of his new teammates on their U.S. tour.
"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 told the club's website.
His future with the Magpies was always in doubt following their relegation to the Championship in May, but Liverpool only emerged as a serious suitor earlier this week once Udinese's Piotr Zielinski became an unrealistic target.
The 25-year-old Dutchman - who led Newcastle in Premier League scoring with 11 goals last season - has ended his stay in the northeast exactly 12 months since signing for the club from PSV.
Newcastle will make a nice profit from the sale, having paid £14.5 million to acquire Wijnaldum last summer.
Wijnaldum's four-goal stunner against Norwich City last October launched him into the spotlight, but he couldn't keep up the same form over the next few months. He was finally dropped for the February fixture against Manchester City - a result of a string of lackadaisical performances.
But Rafa Benitez hailed the player for his commitment to preseason training with the rest of his Newcastle teammates, despite clear indications that he wouldn't suit up for the team in the upcoming campaign.
Newcastle just couldn't refuse the player's wishes.
"We made it very clear at the beginning of the summer that we had no need to sell for financial reasons, despite relegation, and would only consider selling a player if it was in the best interests of the club and the team," said Newcastle managing director Lee Charnley. "After discussions with Rafa it was felt that this particular deal was one such circumstance and would be in the best interests of both parties.
"Gini leaves with our very best wishes for his future career."
Wijnaldum will now bring his goals and versatility to Anfield. He can play as a No. 10 and in a holding role as well, allowing Klopp the flexibility to choose his formations according to the situation.