Italian Serie A side Sassuolo have made an enquiry with Liverpool over the signing of Serbian international Marko Grujic. As yet, it is unclear whether the Reds would be open to a departure for the 25-year-old, who spent last season on loan at FC Porto.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Sassuolo view Grujic as a potential replacement for Manuel Locatelli, who made a name for himself at this summer’s European Championships and is expected to leave the club this summer.
Sassuolo Want to Sign Liverpool’s Marko Grujic
Serbia Midfielder Made Significant Impact at Porto
Grujic perhaps envisages himself staying at Anfield and trying to become a permanent fixture in the Liverpool first-team next season. The midfielder, an U20s World Cup winner with his national team, enjoyed a stellar 2020/21 season on loan at Porto.
Grujic made 41 appearances over the course of his loan spell and was part of the Porto side that won the Portuguese Super Cup. Additionally, the player will also be aware of the departure of Dutch international Georginio Wijnaldum to Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer this summer, which frees up space in the Liverpool midfield.
Since signing for the club in January 2016, Grujic has only made 16 appearances for Liverpool so far. However, he has spent the vast majority of that time out on loan, with spells at the likes of Cardiff City and Hertha Berlin accompanying his most recent stint in Portugal.
Manuel Locatelli in High Demand
Sassuolo could struggle badly if they are unable to find a replacement for the seemingly outgoing Manuel Locatelli. The 23-year-old scored twice in his five games for Italy at Euro 2020, with Roberto Mancini’s side going all the way to win the trophy by defeating England in the final at Wembley Stadium.
In the season leading up to the summer showpiece, Locatelli enjoyed perhaps the most productive season in his burgeoning career so far. The midfielder, who has long-established established himself as a mainstay in the Sassuolo midfield, finished the campaign with four goals and three assists in 32 Serie A appearances.
His exploits at Euro 2020 have alerted further clubs to Locatelli’s talents, and Sassuolo are resigned to losing one of their star players in the current window.
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