Liverpool could face a transfer battle to keep loan star Marko Grujic as Atletico Madrid want to splash €40m to sign the Serbian.
ESPN has reported that Grujic has emerged as a potential replacement for Rodri, who is on Manchester City’s shortlist for a summer move.
The Liverpool starlet is currently coming to the end of his second loan spell away from Anfield – this time with Hertha Berlin.
Grujic is one of the key players in that Hertha squad, and has scored four goals in 19 appearances. They think highly of the ex-Red Star man in Germany’s capitol, and it appears as if his performances have been catching the eye of some of Europe’s elite.
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After joining Liverpool from Belgrade in 2016, the midfielder has only managed to make six appearances under Jurgen Klopp and spent the second half of last season on loan with Cardiff City.
An injury hampered his progress under Pal Dardai this campaign, but Grujic has come back strongly and has been eyeing up a return to Melwood this summer.
But Liverpool have got plenty of options in his position, especially with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to return from injury, and could find it too difficult to turn down a €40m fee.
It would allow the club to fund a summer spree that involves sourcing a replacement for Alberto Moreno, if Klopp decides he doesn’t want to promote Adam Lewis to the first team.
It could also be put towards a new forward, especially as it seems like Daniel Sturridge will leave Anfield at the end of the season.
If the club turns down a big bid from Atletico, or anyone, they have to give Grujic game time. The team can’t be seen as a stockpiler or that’ll damage their reputation for developing youngsters.
The Serbian has proven he can compete at a high level. Klopp should give him the chance to do that with the Reds or sell.