Report: Barcelona and Koeman want to give La Masia star prominence next season

According to a report from the ever-reliable Moises Llorens, Barcelona have officially set into motion to prepare for life without Georginio Wijnaldum. They are planning on giving tremendous prominence to La Masia graduate Ilaix Moriba in order to fulfill a similar role that Gini could have.

The Dutch midfielder was set to rejoin with his former national team coach, Ronald Koeman, at Barça. Having cleared his medical, come to an agreement, and requiring all but the final signature, the move seemed finalised.

However, Paris-Saint Germain have now swooped in with a lavish offer for the 30-year-old. With hopes of hijacking Barça’s ‘Gini’ operation, PSG’s head coach Mauricio Pochettino has already spoken to the former Liverpool player.

Seemingly enticed by Les Parisiens’ higher offer, Gini is set to ditch the Camp Nou for a move to France instead, with Fabrizio Romano’s ever-reliable ‘here we go!’ having stamped the change of direction.

Now, Barça’s plan B sets into motion. They will negotiate with Ilaix Moriba’s agents with much more caution in order to ensure his continuity at the club. Ronald Koeman and his staff want to count on the player tremendously, given that Wijnaldum is most likely not joining the club anymore.

He will be counted on thoroughly throughout the campaign, and one can hope to see the young starlet continue to improve and learn, as his breakout campaign in the first team has already been a spectacular one.