According to a report by Metro on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, Chelsea have reportedly identified former Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum as a potential solution to their midfield shortage following Enzo Fernandez’s departure to Manchester City.

According to FootMercato, the Blues have made contact with the 35-year-old over the possibility of bringing him to Stamford Bridge on a free transfer. Wijnaldum is currently without a club after leaving Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq when his contract expired earlier this summer.

The move could provide Chelsea with additional experience in midfield after their attempt to sign Monaco’s Lamine Camara fell through dramatically on transfer deadline day.

Chelsea had reached an agreement worth €55 million (£47.1 million) with Monaco for Camara, but the French club reportedly cancelled the deal with just an hour remaining before the transfer window closed.

The situation occurred shortly after Chelsea approved Fernandez’s £125 million transfer to Manchester City, leaving the London club with very little time to secure a replacement before the deadline passed.

However, Chelsea can still sign Wijnaldum because clubs are allowed to recruit free agents even after the Premier League transfer window has closed. His wealth of experience could make him a useful short-term addition to Xabi Alonso’s squad.

Wijnaldum enjoyed a successful spell under Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, playing an important role as the Reds won both the Champions League and Premier League during his five seasons at Anfield.

After leaving Liverpool in 2021, the Netherlands international joined Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent before moving to Saudi Arabia in 2023 to continue his career with Al-Ettifaq.

Despite his age, Wijnaldum showed last season that he can still contribute in attack, scoring 17 goals and providing seven assists in 34 appearances for the Saudi club.

The midfielder has been considering his options since becoming a free agent and has reportedly held discussions with Major League Soccer side Real Salt Lake. Chelsea’s interest, however, could give him the chance to return to the Premier League.

A move to Stamford Bridge would also see Wijnaldum reunite with former Liverpool teammate Jordan Henderson, who joined Chelsea as a free agent in August.

Chelsea’s reported interest in the Dutchman underlines their desire to add experience and depth to the midfield after a hectic transfer deadline day. With the main window now closed, pursuing free agents remains one of the few ways the Blues can still strengthen their squad.