Could Liverpool lose Marko Grujic to the Bundesliga?
Reports coming from Germany suggest that Hertha Berlin have set their sights on the Serbian after missing out on Schalke midfielder Weston McKennie.
Bild have written an article that outlines their ambition to try and bring their former loan player back for a third, but this time permanent, spell.
Marko Grujic spent two seasons with Hertha but returned to Liverpool for preseason training with his future up in the air. The abundance of midfield options that manager Jurgen Klopp has, coupled with the seemingly imminent arrival of Thiago, will push the former Red Star starlet down the pecking order.
He’s already enjoyed two productive campaigns in Berlin, now the only thing left to agree is the asking price. According to Bild, Grujic is valued at £13 million but you can imagine sporting director Michael Edwards would ask for a little more than that.
Liverpool should be keen to a do a deal for the 24-year-old, who looks barely likely to get a look in during the forthcoming Anfield campaign.
It would allow them to raise money for their next transfer market move, and could help smooth the deal for Thiago or a fourth central defender.
In normal circumstances, perhaps Grujic would go for nearer to £20 million. He’s had two excellent Bundesliga seasons and is young enough that he could still develop and improve further. He could certainly leave Berlin at a profit to Hertha.
As Bild say at the conclusion of their piece, ‘now everything depends on Klopp’. We know the transfer team are keen to get best value for their players, but there should be an understanding of the financial situation around the globe and a desire for a quick turnaround.
They’ll be few shed tears if the Serb does leave this transfer window, as long as Liverpool get a good deal.