Newcastle had no choice but to sell Georgi
Lee Charnley has insisted Newcastle HAD to sell Georginio Wijnaldum – as clubs circle Moussa Sissoko.
Wijnaldum last night joined Liverpool in a £25million deal.
The 25-year-old, who scored 11 goals in 38 league appearances for Newcastle following a move from PSV Eindhoven last summer, had made it clear he wanted to leave in the wake of relegation to the Championship.
And United manager Rafa Benitez sanctioned the sale given the offer on the table – and the need to have only fully committed players at St James’s Park.
Newcastle managing director Lee Charnley said: “We made it very clear at the beginning of the summer that we had no need to sell for financial reasons, despite relegation, and would only consider selling a player if it was in the best interests of the club and the team.
“After discussions with Rafa, it was felt that this particular deal was one such circumstance and would be in the best interests of both parties.”
Charnley added: “Gini leaves with our very best wishes for his future career.”
Wijnaldum told Liverpoolfc.com he is “really excited” to have arrived at Anfield.
“Liverpool is a big club with a great history and it’s always a dream to play for as big a club as Liverpool,” said the Dutchman who is relishing being coached by Jurgen Klopp. “He gives something back to the group [with his passion] so I look forward to working with him.”
Meanwhile, Benitez’s former club Real Madrid are the latest to be linked with unsettled Sissoko, who is due to report back to United on August 1.
Sissoko, rated in the £35million-bracket, has also been linked with Juventus and Everton in recent days.