Porto Reportedly Interested In Permanent Marko Grujić Deal

Last summer, there was a lot of financial uncertainty for many teams across Europe, which led to a quieter transfer window. This summer, as things get back to some semblance of normal, it seems that the rumors are flying fast and thick again.

For Liverpool, there are expected to be quite a few outgoing players. Georginio Wijnaldum has run down his contract, and seems very close to securing his bag at Paris Saint-Germain. Another midfielder likely on the way out is Marko Grujić.

The Serbian was the first signing under Liverpool FC manager Jurgen Klopp back in January of 2016. He did manage a few appearances for the first team (and most famously made THAT face after a Jordan Henderson wunderstrike), but has spent most of his Liverpool career out on loan. He spent half a season at Cardiff before heading to Germany where he had two very successful years at Hertha Berlin, accruing over 50 appearances. This past season, he went to Portugal to join Porto where he was able to gain Champions League experience, and was a regular contributor in the second half of the season.

Now 25 years old, Grujić has shown he can be an established starter as a holding midfielder or a number 8 for a solid club, but he’s probably not on the level that Liverpool need. Michael Edwards and co are said to value Grujić at £20 million, and it appears that there is a solid market for the player.

According to the Liverpool Echo, there are several teams interested in the Serb’s services, including two of the clubs he spent time on loan with, Hertha Berlin and Porto. The Echo cites a report from Portugal claiming that Porto are considering selling 29 year old Sergio Oliveira to Fiorentina for €20 million (£17) to raise funds for a purchase of Grujić.

It seems like it could be a good deal for all parties involved. Porto would get a player entering his prime who can be a regular starter in midfield. Grujić would play for a team who usually battling for the title in Portugal, and who are a regular in the Champions League. Liverpool would get a tidy sum for a fringe player, and would likely be able to reinvest the funds into a midfielder or attacking player.

With Serbia failing to qualify for Euros this summer, at least it seems like this is a transfer that could move ahead. Of course, logic usually has a habit of going awry during the transfer window.