Report: Wijnaldum agrees to join Barcelona as free agent

Georginio Wijnaldum has a verbal agreement to join Barcelona on a free transfer, reports Fabrizio Romano of The Guardian.

The deal is reportedly expected to be finalized in the coming days. The midfielder will sign a three-year contract with the Spanish club, Romano adds.

Wijnaldum has long been a target for Barcelona manager - and compatriot - Ronald Koeman. The 30-year-old's contract with Liverpool expires this summer, allowing cash-strapped Barca to complete the free transfer.

The Dutch international confirmed after Liverpool's final match of the Premier League season last week that his time with the Reds was over.

"I'm fighting against tears right now. The people in Liverpool have shown me love during the five years," Wijnaldum said, according to Andy Hunter of The Guardian. "I (hoped) to have played many more years for the club but, unfortunately, things went different. I have to start a new adventure."

Since joining the Reds in 2016, the versatile midfielder has been a durable, consistent contributor. He's made at least 33 league appearances in each of the last five seasons, and he featured in every Premier League contest this past campaign under Jurgen Klopp.

"We will miss him so much," Klopp said of the Champions League- and Premier League-winning star. "With football, it's normal that people leave, but I will miss him so much."

Wijnaldum will join a Barca squad that continues to retool after missing out on the La Liga title for the second consecutive year.