Chelsea consider free agent Wijnaldum to plug midfield gap

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·3 September 2026

Chelsea consider free agent Wijnaldum to plug midfield gap

Chelsea are considering a move to sign free agent midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum as the Blues look to add depth.

Xabi Alonso’s side are seeking a replacement for Enzo Fernandez, following the midfielder’s £125m move to Manchester City on deadline day. Chelsea had agreed a deal to sign Lamine Camara from AS Monaco for around £47m, but saw the deal collapse late on as Monaco withdrew.

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Despite the collapse of that deal, Chelsea opted to proceed with the sale of Fernandez out of ‘good will’ to Manchester City.

However, that decision leaves Chelsea short on depth in central midfield and Footmercato claim Chelsea have contacted Wijnaldum.

The former Liverpool and Newcastle midfielder is a free agent after leaving Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq and a short-term deal is under consideration. The 35-year-old could reunite with former Liverpool and Al-Ettifaq teammate Jordan Henderson at Stamford Bridge .

Wijnaldum made 217 appearances in the Premier League during his previous spell in England and won the Champions League, Premier League, and FIFA Club World Cup with Liverpool.