Gini Wijnaldum named 'Ligue 1 Flop Signing of the Year'

Former Liverpool midfielder Gini Wijnaldum has been named the fans' 'Ligue 1 Flop Signing of the Year'.

The Dutchman left Anfield and joined Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer last summer.

However, Wijnaldum's move to France is yet to pay dividends. The 31-year-old averaged a WhoScored player rating of 6.64 across the 2021-22 campaign (38 appearances).

Therefore, we weren't surprised to hear that Wijnaldum has been titled the 'Ligue 1 Flop Signing of the Year'.

Get French Football News said the following about the midfielder's 2021-22 season: ‘This was another tough category but Wijnaldum comfortably won the fans’ vote by a wide margin after a season in which the Dutchman did little more than look lost in PSG’s midfield as his team played around him.

‘Mauricio Pochettino should take some blame for the former Liverpool man’s under-performance, often using him out of position as a nominal wide forward or attacking midfielder, seemingly leaving the player at a loss over what his exact role was supposed to be.

‘A brace against RB Leipzig in the Champions League was his only meaningful contribution.'

Anfield Watch Verdict

Liverpool signed Wijnaldum from Newcastle United for a transfer fee of £24.75 million back in the summer of 2016.

The midfielder scored 22 goals and registered 16 assists in 237 appearances for the club's first-team. Wijnaldum helped the club win the Champions League, Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and Premier League title.

In other words, he was a fine servant for Liverpool. So, it was a sad day when he departed Anfield. It is also quite sad to see Wijnaldum struggling at PSG.

He was a fan favourite during his time at Liverpool. Hopefully Wijnaldum can turn things around. Once a Red, always a Red.