Chelsea have contacted former Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum about a possible free transfer after their late attempt to sign Lamine Camara from Monaco collapsed.
The move is being considered after Chelsea sold Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City and failed to secure a replacement before the summer transfer deadline. Chelsea have confirmed that Fernandez has completed a permanent move to their Premier League rivals.
Sky Sports reported that Fernandez joined City in a deal worth £125 million, while Camara had been expected to move to Stamford Bridge for about £47 million before Monaco withdrew from the agreement after the deadline had passed. ([chelseafc.com](https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/article/enzo-fernandez-leaves–chelsea-on-permanent-transfer?utm_source=openai))
Chelsea explore Georginio Wijnaldum deal after Camara collapse
According to Foot Mercato, Chelsea have opened discussions with Wijnaldum as they assess options for strengthening Xabi Alonso’s midfield. The Dutchman is available without a transfer fee after leaving Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq.
Although the English window has closed, Chelsea would still be able to sign a free agent. The club are understood to be considering Wijnaldum as a short-term solution rather than a direct long-term replacement for Fernandez.
Camara’s proposed transfer unravelled in the final hours of deadline day, despite Chelsea having reached an agreement for the Senegal international and begun the formal steps towards completing the deal. Monaco subsequently reversed their decision, according to Sky Sports. ([skysports.com](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11668/13580189/lamine-camara-monaco-pull-out-of-selling-midfielder-to-chelsea-in-lb47m-deal-after-blues-agreed-deal-for-enzo-fernandez-replacement?utm_source=openai))
Wijnaldum, 35, offers extensive Premier League experience after successful spells with Newcastle United and Liverpool. He was part of the Liverpool side that won the Champions League in 2019 and the Premier League title a year later under Jürgen Klopp.
The midfielder later played for Paris Saint-Germain before joining Al-Ettifaq in 2023. Dutch outlet Voetbal International reported in June that the Saudi club would not renew his contract, leaving him a free agent. ([vi.nl](https://www.vi.nl/nieuws/wijnaldum-vertrekt-na-dit-seizoen-transfervrij-bij-al-ettifaq?utm_source=openai))
Foot Mercato also reported that Wijnaldum made a significant contribution during his final season in Saudi Arabia, scoring 17 goals and registering seven assists in 34 appearances.
A move to Chelsea could see him reunite with Jordan Henderson, his former Liverpool team-mate and captain. Henderson joined the London club earlier this summer and is among the experienced players now available to Alonso in midfield.
For Chelsea, the immediate priority is to add depth after the late failure to land Camara. Wijnaldum’s availability and familiarity with English football make him one of the options being examined as the club responds to a chaotic end to the transfer window.
