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Georginio Wijnaldum snubbed Everton to join Liverpool

Klopp has been re-shaping his squad this summer, with Georginio Wijnaldum becoming his sixth new signing on Friday, following Loris Karius, Joel Matip, Sadio Mane, Ragnar Klavan and Alex Manninger.

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Wijnaldum has linked up with Liverpool in a deal which could cost the Reds up to £25m, while he has taken the number 5 shirt at Anfield.

“The Dutch worldwide midfielder joined the Magpies in July 2015 from PSV Eindhoven and made 40 appearances, scoring 11 goals, during his time on Tyneside”.

The Merseyside club also confirmed that Wijnaldum has signed a long-term contract with the Reds.

“Everyone wants to play, we need to train well and then he will decide on the line up”, he explained.

“But it was the right decision for the club and the player”.

Furthermore, Wijnaldum revealed that Rafael Benitez had a strong desire to keep him at Newcastle United.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp enjoyed a moderately successful playing career. “He gives something back to the group [with his passion] so I look forward to working with him”.

As far as we know, Jurgen Klopp won’t be venturing onto the field of play in any of those matches.

“On the prospect of working with Klopp, Wijnaldum told liverpoolfc.com: “(He seems) a great man – from the outside – because I don’t know how he works yet and I have to work with him. He has already shown some really good moments in his career but the most exciting and important thing for me and my staff is that there is still so much extra to come from him.

“Something like that is always good to hear”.

“He showed how good he is at [Borussia] Dortmund with all the success he had”.

“He didn’t want to sell me but he said that if a great offer came in they would think about it. He wanted to keep me there”.

An in-demand talent this summer, Wijnaldum’s signing can be seen as something of a coup for Liverpool, particularly given Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino’s interest. “It’s always great when a trainer of that kind of ability says he needs you in his team”.

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As quoted by The Liverpool Echo, Wijnaldum told reporters; “In that conversation he made me feel really good”. That’s one of the things I really like about him.

Rafa Benitez Confirms Talks with Liverpool Over Georginio Wijnaldum Transfer