Marko Grujic could be carving out a future at Liverpool with his performances on loan at Hertha Berlin this season, but if not, he is not short of big-name suitors.
Grujic has made a major impact since joining Hertha for the season in August, despite two ankle injuries limiting his appearances for the Berlin side to 15.
In that time, he has scored three and assisted one, and has been nominated for the Bundesliga’s Rookie of the Month award on three consecutive occasions, most recently for February.
Hertha even caught the eye on social media on Tuesday when they posted a ‘Change My Mind’ meme with the caption “Marko Grujic is the best midfielder in the world”:
Straight facts ?? pic.twitter.com/MI8A9owdND
— Hertha BSC (EN) (@HerthaBSC_EN) March 5, 2019
The Serbian is clearly hugely popular at the Olympiastadion, with manager Pal Dardai describing him as “the best midfielder we have had in the last 20 years” back in December.
His position next season remains up in the air, and while there is a possibility he could take up a place in Jurgen Klopp‘s squad, he is also being considered for another loan.
Grujic’s preference, if that is the case, would be the remain with Hertha, but Liverpool could have their hand forced by their Champions League opponents if he becomes available.
According to the Mirror‘s David Maddock, in an opinion piece suggesting Grujic could be a long-term solution for the Reds, both Bayern Munich and Lazio are regularly scouting the 22-year-old.
This should come as no surprise given the midfielder’s profile, with Grujic an eight-cap Serbia international who has already shone at Red Star Belgrade, Cardiff City and now Hertha.
But fortunately, Maddock adds that “there is an excitement at Anfield about what he can achieve in the future,” with Klopp “in regular touch,” including inviting him to undergo his injury rehabilitation back at Melwood.
He reveals that Liverpool have “had several offers for the player, one thought to be for around £15 million, but have turned them all down flat,” with the plan to “see if he is ready in pre-season.”
It can be argued that Grujic has already done enough in pre-season friendlies, with a header in the 4-0 win over Barcelona in 2016 still fresh in the memory.
But it will be his influence on the squad as a whole, and Klopp’s options in midfield, that will determine the next move.
With James Milner and Adam Lallana both likely coming to the end of their spells on Merseyside, it could be that Grujic serves as a readymade alternative who would be the envy of Munich.
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