Georginio Wijnaldum: I almost joined Tottenham

Posted Wednesday, October 31, 2018 by squawka.com

Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum has admitted he almost joined Tottenham Hotspur, before a meeting with Jurgen Klopp convinced him to join the Reds.

Wijnaldum has been a solid presence in midfield this season and has acted as a buffer for Liverpool's notorious attacking trident.

The Dutchman has played in all 10 of the Reds' Premier League fixtures this season, but the 27-year-old has revealed that he almost moved to north London before ending up on Merseyside.

"I had a really good conversation with Pochettino," Wijnaldum revealed (via the Liverpool Echo). "But we didn't come to an agreement. Not just me – Newcastle also didn't come to an agreement with Tottenham."

Wijnaldum left Newcastle after they were relegated in 2016 and headed to Anfield after a positive conversation with Klopp, who gave the Netherlands international a lot of confidence.

Georginio Wijnaldum: I almost joined Tottenham

"When I spoke with Jurgen he made me feel really good. He gave me a lot of confidence because he said he liked my way of playing football.

"Three days after our meeting they had reached a deal and I didn't think twice.

"This is one of the biggest clubs in the world. I wanted to make the transfer and I'm happy that I did."

The midfielder began life at the club as an attacker, but has migrated into midfield where has thrived under the guidance of Klopp. Only Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino notched up more appearances than Wijnaldum's 50 last campaign and the Dutchman reached 100 games for the Reds against Chelsea in September.

Liverpool are currently undefeated in the league and level on points with champions Manchester City – only behind due to their inferior goal difference – two points ahead of Chelsea.

The Reds' unbeaten streak will be tested next Saturday when they head to the Emirates to take on Arsenal who have found their form after suffering a shaky start to the Premier League campaign.