Chelsea have opened talks with free agent Georginio Wijnaldum as they look to address a midfield shortage following Enzo Fernandez’s £125 million move to Manchester City.
The 35-year-old Netherlands international is available after leaving Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq and could still join Chelsea despite the closure of the Premier League transfer window.
Reports in France say Chelsea have contacted Wijnaldum’s representatives about a possible return to English football. The club have not publicly confirmed the approach.
Chelsea turn to Wijnaldum after deadline-day frustration
The move follows a dramatic end to Chelsea’s transfer business. Fernandez completed his switch to Manchester City on a five-year contract, while the Blues were unable to finalise a deal for Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara.
Chelsea had reportedly reached a written agreement with Monaco for Camara, but the French club withdrew from the proposed transfer as the deadline approached. The setback left head coach Xabi Alonso without the replacement he had been seeking for Fernandez.
Chelsea’s own transfer summary confirms that Fernandez has left Stamford Bridge permanently after making 170 appearances and scoring 31 goals for the club.
Wijnaldum is now being considered as an immediate short-term solution. The former Newcastle United and Liverpool midfielder would not necessarily be expected to become a regular starter, but could provide additional cover and experience during the first half of the season.
His availability also makes the proposal financially less demanding than a late permanent transfer. Chelsea are understood to be exploring the possibility of a one-year contract, with no transfer fee required.
Wijnaldum offers Premier League experience
Wijnaldum spent five seasons at Liverpool, winning the Premier League and Champions League before leaving for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021. He later had a loan spell at Roma and moved to Al-Ettifaq in 2023.
Al-Ettifaq confirmed in June that his contract would not be extended. Dutch publication Voetbal International reported that Wijnaldum had worn the captain’s armband during his final season and recorded 16 goals and seven assists in 33 competitive appearances.
He has won 96 caps for the Netherlands and remains one of the most experienced midfielders currently available without a club. His previous Premier League career means he would require less time to adapt than a player arriving from another competition.
However, Chelsea would have to assess whether he can still cope with the pace and physical demands of English football at 35. The club’s priority is understood to be dependable squad depth rather than a direct attempt to replicate Fernandez’s role.
With Camara’s move having collapsed and the next conventional opportunity to recruit a midfielder not arriving until January, Wijnaldum’s experience and free-agent status have made him an option Chelsea are now examining closely.
