Georginio Wijnaldum joins Al-Ittihad after Chelsea interest

Al-Ittihad have signed Netherlands midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum on a free transfer, beating competition from Chelsea to secure the experienced player.

Wijnaldum, 35, has agreed a one-year contract with the Saudi Pro League club, who are known as the Tigers. Chelsea had targeted the midfielder in recent days, but Al-Ittihad completed the deal after he became a free agent.

The move follows Wijnaldum’s departure from Al-Ettifaq at the end of last season. He had been without a club since leaving the Saudi side, but will now continue his career with Al-Ittihad.

Wijnaldum joined Al-Ettifaq three years ago and made 34 appearances for the club last season, scoring 17 goals. His departure came after the conclusion of the most recent Saudi league campaign.

The midfielder previously spent six seasons in the Premier League with Newcastle United and Liverpool, making 217 appearances in the competition between 2015 and 2021.

He joined Newcastle United in 2015 before moving to Liverpool, where he became an important member of the side that won a number of major honours. During his time at Anfield, Wijnaldum helped Liverpool win the Premier League, the UEFA Champions League, the FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA Super Cup.

After his Liverpool contract ended, Wijnaldum moved to Paris Saint-Germain. He later spent a period on loan at Roma before moving to Al-Ettifaq.

His arrival makes Wijnaldum the seventh signing made by Al-Ittihad. The club’s other new recruits are Jan-Carlo Simic, Dion Lopy, Richard Rios, Mokhtar Ali, Rakan Kaabi and Faris Abdi.

Al-Ittihad currently sit fourth in the Saudi Pro League table with 11 points. They are four points behind leaders Al-Hilal.

Wijnaldum brings extensive experience of top-level European football to a squad that has already been strengthened by several additions. His career has included domestic success in England, major European honours with Liverpool and international experience with the Netherlands.

The one-year agreement means his immediate future has been settled after his spell with Al-Ettifaq ended. Chelsea’s interest had provided an alternative route back into European football, but the midfielder will instead remain in Saudi Arabia and represent Al-Ittihad.