Exclusive: Coventry City set sights on signing 17-goal star who left Liverpool in 2021

Coventry City are exploring a deal to sign Liverpool legend Georginio Wijnaldum, sources have told Football Insider.

The Championship outfit are weighing up a one-year deal for the 35-year-old Al-Ettifaq captain, as they prepare for their return to the Premier League.

Sources have confirmed that the midfielder is “still very fit” and is interested in a shock Premier League return.

Wijnaldum, whose contract is set to expire in the summer, has netted 17 goals and picked up six assists for the Saudi side in all competitions this season.

At Liverpool, the former Netherlands international won four major trophies, including a Champions League and Premier League title, before leaving in 2021 when he headed to Paris Saint-Germain.

Despite his move to Al-Ettifaq in 2023, Wijnaldum has continued to put in some excellent performances.

While he is yet to win a trophy in Saudi Arabia, his stats have been superb.

According to Fotmob on 16 May, he is averaging 0.51 goals, 0.47 xG, 2.40 shots, 0.86 successful dribbles and an 81.4 per cent passing accuracy.

On top of this, many players have moved back to the Premier League from Saudi Arabia and still managed to make a big impact.

Jordan Henderson is perhaps the best example, who was once Wijnaldum’s teammate at Al-Ettifaq, with the midfielder having a big impact at Brentford this season.

🔴🏆 Liverpool 4-0 Barcelona. 7 years ago today. One of the GREATEST Champions League comebacks. Goals: Origi (7′), Wijnaldum (54′), Wijnaldum (56′), Origi (79′). ✨ pic.twitter.com/AVgA94a5k4

However, it remains to be seen if Wijnaldum can have a similar impact at Coventry City if they can get a deal over the line.

Former Manchester United scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider that Coventry City could make a move for Zian Flemming.

Frank Lampard is reportedly keen on adding player with Premier League experience to his squad.

Flemming has been a sole bright spark for Burnley this season, and has netted 10 goals in the top-flight in 27 matches. However, this was not enough to prevent their relegation.

The striker is also wanted by Leeds United, after an impressive campaign to date.

However, it remains to be seen where Flemming will end up for the 2026-27 campaign, as Coventry prepare for their top-flight return.

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