Al-Jazira eyes veteran Wijnaldum as midfield boost

Gini Wijnaldum is now a free agent after his contract with Al-Ettifaq expired, and the veteran Dutch midfielder appears to have secured a new destination: Al-Jazira, a club competing in the United Arab Emirates league. The move follows a three‑season spell in Saudi Arabia where he delivered 17 goals and seven assists.

Al-Jazira, active in the competition of the Verenigde Arabische Emiraten, are looking to reinforce their midfield with a player of Wijnaldum’s calibre. The club’s interest follows the midfielder’s availability on the transfer market.

Midfield pedigree and recent form

During his three seasons with Al-Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League, Wijnaldum recorded 17 goals and seven assists in 34 official matches across the league and the King’s Cup. Those numbers placed him among the standout performers in Saudi Arabia.

His résumé also includes spells at Feyenoord, PSV, Newcastle United, Liverpool, Le Paris Saint-Germain and a loan at AS Roma.

On paper, moving from the Saudi-Arabische competition to the VAE Liga appears to be a step back. Nevertheless, a substantial salary offer may persuade Wijnaldum to sign for Al-Jazira.

Gini Wijnaldum has been a free agent for a short period after his contract with Al-Ettifaq ended.

Journalist Santi Aouna was the first to report Al-Jazira’s interest in the former Dutch international.

If the agreement is reached, Wijnaldum will add veteran leadership to Al-Jazira’s midfield in the upcoming season.