In a recent report, Liverpool Echo has revealed that Liverpool are looking to recoup around £20m for Marko Grujic this summer. There were reports in Portugal last weekend which claimed that the Reds midfielder is being tracked by FC Porto along with other clubs from Italy and Germany ahead of a potential move in this off-season (via Liverpool Echo).
Grujic’s Solid Loan Spell In Portuguese Football
Grujic enjoyed an impressive loan spell at Porto last season as he caught the eye by producing some solid performances at the centre of the park. The Serbian midfield ace participated in 39 matches for the Portuguese outfit in the previous campaign, registering two goals in the process across all competitions.
The 25-year-old played his best football in Europe where he averaged 1.4 tackles, 0.6 interceptions, 1.0 clearances, 0.9 shots and 0.6 dribbles per game in the UEFA Champions League. Grujic has even distributed the ball relatively well after completing 80.9% of his attempted passes in European football (stats via whoscored).
The Belgrad-born talent has shown some promising signs during his loan spell in Portugal but he is still nowhere near good enough to feature regularly in Jurgen Klopp’s first team at Liverpool next season.
Should The Reds Cash In On Grujic This Summer?
Grujic can use his strong frame to make some powerful runs with the ball from midfield. He has a good leap in him that allows him to win some important aerial duels for his team at the centre of the park. The ex-Red Star Belgrade youngster is primarily a defensive midfielder but can also play as a box-to-box midfielder if needed.
The Serbian sensation can also get stuck in with a few crunching tackles and is not shy of putting his foot through the ball when in danger of being caught out at the back. He can even contribute by scoring the odd goal from midfield but needs to work on improving his productivity if he wants to taste success at the highest level.
The ten-time Serbia international can benefit from securing regular first-team minutes which Klopp doesn’t have the luxury to offer him in the coming seasons. Therefore, the Reds should make it a priority to cash in on Grujic during this summer transfer window so that they can raise some funds for other incoming acquisitions.
At 25, the best is yet to come from the Serbian midfielder but for now, the Merseysiders have no need to keep him beyond this summer as he is not good enough to challenge for a starting spot at Anfield and is far too inconsistent to become a useful presence in Klopp’s match-day squad next season.
