Football journalist Duncan Castles has been sharing some insight into a potential transfer concerning Liverpool midfielder Marko Grujic.
This comes after Castles co-hosted a recent edition of The Transfer Window Podcast, where he discussed a variety of transfer-related topics.
On the subject of Grujic and a potential permanent move away from Anfield this summer, Castles had this to say.
He said: “They know Porto want to sign him, but there’s a feeling that their asking price in a [pandemic] market of €20m is steep. My understanding from sources close to Grujic is that he would see €10 million as being a more realistic fee.
“Porto, as I said, would like to sign him, but they have other priorities; they have to get a striker in first, and like most clubs, need to raise money to get deals done.
“Interestingly, there is competing interest in Portugal for Grujic. Sporting, I am told, have contacted Grujic, and sounded him out about a move, and I believe that that is something that would appeal to the Serbian midfielder if Porto aren’t able to do a deal and that’s definitely a plus for Liverpool.”
Liverpool signed Grujic back in the 2016 January transfer window from Red Star Belgrade.
Since then, the 25-year-old, who is currently valued at £13.5 million, has been on numerous loan spells at clubs such as Red Star, Cardiff City, Hertha Berlin and most recently, FC Porto themselves.
TIF Thoughts on Duncan Castles comments on Grujic…
Overall, the midfielder has only made 16 senior appearances for Jurgen Klopp’s side across all competitions, in which he has managed to score one goal and provide one assist in the process (per Transfermarkt).
What should Liverpool do with Grujic this summer?
Keep him in the squad for next season
Loan him out again
Sell him
Taking into account the lack of regular game time Grujic has been given since joining the Reds, perhaps a permanent move away from the Merseyside club this summer could be beneficial for all parties, in our view – especially if Grujic goes somewhere he’ll be appreciated and play regularly, and if Liverpool can gather a decent fee for him.
However, with Georginio Wijnaldum now having departed the club for a move to Paris Saint-Germain, perhaps now could be the chance for Grujic to stake a claim in becoming a regular squad player for Liverpool in their midfield.
In other news: Journalist issues claim on potential Danny Ings return to Liverpool