Wijnaldum’s next chapter takes shape as Al-Ittihad edge out Chelsea in transfer race
A familiar name back in the headlines
Georginio Wijnaldum’s post-Liverpool career keeps producing fresh twists, and the latest one looks close to being resolved. The 35-year-old, out of contract since leaving Al-Ettifaq, is reportedly in Saudi Arabia undergoing a medical ahead of joining Al-Ittihad on a deal covering this season with an option for another.
According to Ben Jacobs, the move is effectively done bar the formalities, with the Dutchman set to commit his near-term future to the Saudi Pro League rather than test whatever interest existed elsewhere in Europe.
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
Why Chelsea never got there
There had been noise linking Wijnaldum with a shock return to England, with Chelsea reportedly weighing him up as a squad option in midfield. On paper it was an eye catching story, a player synonymous with one of Liverpool’s greatest nights potentially lining up for a London rival. In practice it never gathered real momentum, and the interest cooled without an approach turning into anything concrete. That left the door open for Al-Ittihad to move decisively.
It is not hard to see the appeal from Wijnaldum’s side either. He already knows the division well, having joined Al-Ettifaq from Paris Saint-Germain back in 2023, and last season did plenty to suggest he still has the legs and the football brain for regular first team football. Sixteen goals and six assists in the Saudi Pro League last term is a productive return for a player whose reputation was built more on positioning and control than end product.
The Anfield years that made him a cult figure
None of this changes how Wijnaldum is remembered on Merseyside. Arriving from Newcastle in 2016, he went on to make 237 appearances and score 22 goals across five seasons, but the numbers barely tell the story of his influence. He was a constant in midfield through the run to the 2019 Champions League triumph and the long awaited Premier League title the following season, playing every single minute of all 38 league fixtures in that 2019/20 campaign.
One night in particular secured his place in Anfield folklore forever. Sent on at half time against Barcelona in the 2019 semi-final, he scored twice inside two minutes to help engineer one of the most remarkable comebacks European football has seen. It remains the moment most supporters picture whenever his name comes up.
Moving on, but never forgotten
Wijnaldum left for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 and has since taken in stops in France and Saudi Arabia, with this switch to Al-Ittihad looking like the next stage of a career winding down gracefully rather than dramatically. There will be no shortage of Liverpool fans wishing him well wherever he ends up, Chelsea links or not. His Anfield legacy was secured a long time ago, and nothing happening in Jeddah changes that.