Marko Grujic Reportedly Being Shopped by Liverpool

Having arrived at Anfield with great promise in 2016, new manager Jürgen Klopp’s first signing for Liverpool, Marko Grujic has struggled. Struggled for minutes, struggled with injuries, struggled to make his mark when he’s been fit and given a chance.

Still just 21 years of age, it’s hardly the end of the line for the talented Serbian, but after 18 months on Merseyside it’s clear something needs to happen or Grujic’s career risks stagnating beyond repair. Queue reports the club are actively shopping him to Championship sides.

According to The Liverpool Echo’s James Pearce, Liverpool have rejected approaches from both West Ham and Huddersfield Town for the midfielder, with both Premier League clubs having inquired into taking Grujic on loan for the next six months.

Despite the appeal of sending Grujic to another Premier League side, neither was willing to commit to giving the player regular minutes. So, with the January window half way done, Liverpool have begun to look for a side that will commit to that.

Unsurprisingly, a number of Championship sides are said to be willing to give Liverpool what they seek—a commitment that Grujic will start when fit. If true, then it would seem a case where the sooner Grujic is sent out, the better it is for all involved.

Grujic’s case, though, does speak to the difficulty top clubs have bringing in promising players on the cusp of being able to contribute. Grujic, Divock Origi, and Lazar Markovic make a noteable trio of players who have struggled to take the next step in limited minutes.

Even someone like Dominic Solanke, who has managed to wrest second on the striker depth chart, might be better off playing week in and week out elsewhere, while Joe Gomez and Trent Alexander-Arnold are getting minutes mainly due to Nathaniel Clyne’s injury.

Still, it’s clear in Grujic’s case that the talent is there—and that Jürgen Klopp still has high hopes for the midfielder. Hopefully a spell on loan in the Championship will be enough to get him to the point where he can contend for a regular place at Anfield.