Barcelona contact Thiago Alcantara, but Koeman would prefer to sign Gini Wijnaldum

Barcelona are reportedly considering a move for ex-player Thiago Alcantara this summer, but new boss Ronald Koeman prefers a pursuit of Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum.

Bayern Munich playmaker Thiago, who is currently on international duty with Spain, has just a year left on his contract and has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League, with Liverpool and Manchester United interested.

But Barca, where Thiago came through the famed youth system at before leaving in 2013, are also keeping an eye on the Spaniard’s situation yet new boss Koeman prefers a move for Wijnaldum due to their time together with the Holland national team, according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo.

The report details that with Wijnaldum’s contract also set to expire next summer, Barca think they can nab the Dutchman at an affordable price, around the £22m (€25m) mark.

Koeman is particularly keen on strengthening his midfield, given the departure last week of Ivan Rakitic to Sevilla and the likely hole left by Arturo Vidal leaving the club in the coming weeks.

Barcelona have already brought in Miralem Pjanic from Juventus, in exchange for Arthur, but are seeking further reinforcements in midfield.

Wijnaldum, 29, worked under head coach Koeman with the Holland national team from 2018-2020.

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