Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Wijnaldum's plan for the 2021-22 season has not been fully realized. After joining the Ligue 1 giants from Liverpool, the Dutch international unsurprisingly found himself at a disadvantage in a squad packed with star players in a race for playtime and influence. In fact, in PSG's first 19 league games of the season, Wijnaldum has only started nine. In the Champions League, the midfielder started just three of the club's six games. So did the January transfer window give Wijnaldum a chance to reverse his current predicament and move to a club that would give him normal playing time?
Arteta's Arsenal certainly look better than they did at the start of the season, but they will certainly sign another midfielder in January. After selling Joe Willoc and renting out Lucas Torreira and Guendouzi, the London club has been somewhat weak in midfield – especially with a lack of Premier League experience. If Arsenal can meet Wijnaldum's salary requirements, Arteta's side could provide the Dutchman with plenty of playing time. That's probably what he's been looking for since he left Liverpool.
Like other players in Europe's top flight this month, Wijnaldum inevitably associated his name with a move to Newcastle. But in many ways, the move to St. James' Park makes sense for the midfielder. Eddie Howe's squad desperately needs an all-round midfielder, like Wijnaldum, who are eager to sign a player with a lot of experience and talent to pull them back to the league table. Of course, Wijnaldum also has close ties to Newcastle, as he has previously played for the Magpies, so returning to the Northeast with his salary doubled may not be a bad idea for the midfielder.
Sometimes, the best results are achieved when both parties let go of their pride and do the right thing. Perhaps that's exactly what Liverpool and Wijnaldum need to do in the next few weeks' transfer windows. The Netherlands international claimed he left because he felt he was not needed by Liverpool, but the past six months have proven that Klopp's side can still use players like Wijnaldum in midfield. With injuries and coronavirus on the rise at Anfield, Wijnaldum's return to the club will be a smarter move than leaving the club and an opportunity for players to get back on track in their careers.