Liverpool midfielder Marko Grujic is still hoping his future is at Liverpool despite joining Bundesliga outfit Hertha Berlin on loan this season.
The player stated that he hopes to develop further while in Germany in order to be a first-teamer at Liverpool one day.
Does Grujic have a future at Liverpool? Five key things to know…
- Grujic joined Liverpool in 2016 from Red Star Belgrade.
- He made his Premier League debut in 2016 in a loss to Burnley.
- The 23-year-old had a spell with Cardiff in 2017-18.
- He spent time on loan with Hertha last season but struggled with injuries.
- Jurgen Klopp wants him to develop further in the Bundesliga next season.
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The Serbian international has only featured in eight Premier League games since Liverpool paid £5.1m for him in 2016, spending several spells out on loan.
Last year he was at Hertha Berlin, where he impressed in the 22 appearances he made, netting five times. He will be heading back to the Bundesliga again this season hoping he can continue to improve.
The 23-year-old will re-join Hertha for the 2019-20 season as Jurgen Klopp looks to see the player develop his game with the aid of regular minutes.
The Serbian enjoyed watching Liverpool win the Champions League last season but admitted it was with mixed emotions.
“When I see such games, I always realise that I belong to such a big club and it’s where I want to be,” Grujic told Sport Bild.
“If I play 34 very good games for Hertha, the chance to be a true Liverpool player next year is great.”
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If he remained at Anfield, it is unlikely that he would get many games such is the quality within the Reds squad. The midfielder recently returned to Liverpool where he sat down with Klopp to discuss his future.
The player revealed that the German would like him to spend another year in the Bundesliga because it would be better for his development.
“I was in Liverpool for a few days after last season, did some medical tests,” Grujic added. “We [Klopp and I] sat together and talked about my plans.
“My contract at Liverpool runs until 2023. We both saw it in a similar way: I only managed to make the most of 50 per cent of my opportunities in Berlin. Minor injuries knocked me back.
“He also found that it is better for my development to stay in the Bundesliga for another year.”
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Liverpool will be looking to improve on a season where they finished second in the Premier League and also won the Champions League.
Klopp will aim to use his best squad as much as possible which could see a player like Grujic remain on the periphery.
The Reds are back in pre-season training although Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Alisson will not join up with the squad until later in the summer due to their involvement in international competitions this summer.
Liverpool face newly-promoted Norwich City on the opening day of the season as they look to win their first title since 1990.