Despite Jurgen Klopp's protestations to the contrary, it appears that Liverpool are considering new players during the January transfer window, and Red Star Belgrade midfielder Marko Grujic is the latest name to enter the fray.
According to the Liverpool Echo this week:
* Liverpool have held 'productive talks' with Grujic, and Klopp is 'keen to sign' him during the January transfer window.
* Klopp is allegedly a 'big admirer of the 19-year-old', who has also been monitored by assistant manager Zeljko Buvac.
* The Reds had Reps in Serbia to watch Grujic score in Red Star’s 7-2 thrashing of Cukaricki on Sunday, and spoke with him after the game.
On Monday, Grujic confirmed the discussion with Liverpool:
“I had a talk with Liverpool but I did not receive yet any agreement.”
Some info about €10m-rated Grujic:
* Central midfielder, who can also players as a DM. Current contract expire: 2018
* Nicknamed ‘the new Matic’ in Serbia, and ‘the new Pogba’ in Italy.
* Jun 2015: Part of the Serbia squad that won the FIFA Under-20 World Cup.
* According to Serbian journalist Vlastimir Stevanovic: "Klopp has called Grujic a couple of times to express his desire to bring him to LFC. I’d compare him to Gerrard".
* Serbia U19 coach Zeljko Paunovic's assessment: “Great mentality. Much more than a playmaker or attacking midfielder. He [is] better suited as a winger or behind the striker. He should play on the flanks and closer to goal.”
* Paunovic also added: "He [Grujic] would also be great at playing a deeper role, much like Pogba. He is tall and great at aerial duels. He has excellent vision, a great passing game and he possesses great game intelligence".
This all sounds very promising, but bringing in another teenager could conceivably stunt the development of several academy players, including Jordan Rossiter.
Additionally, how will Grujic get in the team (in midfield) with Can, Henderson, Lucas, and Allen already in the squad? Grujic has even stated that game-time is his number one consideration:
"I have to choose the best environment where I get the chance to play and where I work with good coaches in good conditions".
In my view, Grujic is better off staying at Red Star Belgrade and developing as a regular starter for another 2+ years. Where's the fire? He's only 19, and if he's good enough, Liverpool will come calling again.
Author: Jaimie K
According to the Liverpool Echo this week:
* Liverpool have held 'productive talks' with Grujic, and Klopp is 'keen to sign' him during the January transfer window.
* Klopp is allegedly a 'big admirer of the 19-year-old', who has also been monitored by assistant manager Zeljko Buvac.
* The Reds had Reps in Serbia to watch Grujic score in Red Star’s 7-2 thrashing of Cukaricki on Sunday, and spoke with him after the game.
On Monday, Grujic confirmed the discussion with Liverpool:
“I had a talk with Liverpool but I did not receive yet any agreement.”
Some info about €10m-rated Grujic:
* Central midfielder, who can also players as a DM. Current contract expire: 2018
* Nicknamed ‘the new Matic’ in Serbia, and ‘the new Pogba’ in Italy.
* Jun 2015: Part of the Serbia squad that won the FIFA Under-20 World Cup.
* According to Serbian journalist Vlastimir Stevanovic: "Klopp has called Grujic a couple of times to express his desire to bring him to LFC. I’d compare him to Gerrard".
* Serbia U19 coach Zeljko Paunovic's assessment: “Great mentality. Much more than a playmaker or attacking midfielder. He [is] better suited as a winger or behind the striker. He should play on the flanks and closer to goal.”
* Paunovic also added: "He [Grujic] would also be great at playing a deeper role, much like Pogba. He is tall and great at aerial duels. He has excellent vision, a great passing game and he possesses great game intelligence".
This all sounds very promising, but bringing in another teenager could conceivably stunt the development of several academy players, including Jordan Rossiter.
Additionally, how will Grujic get in the team (in midfield) with Can, Henderson, Lucas, and Allen already in the squad? Grujic has even stated that game-time is his number one consideration:
"I have to choose the best environment where I get the chance to play and where I work with good coaches in good conditions".
In my view, Grujic is better off staying at Red Star Belgrade and developing as a regular starter for another 2+ years. Where's the fire? He's only 19, and if he's good enough, Liverpool will come calling again.
Author: Jaimie K
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