New Liverpool signing Marko Grujic has revealed that Jurgen Klopp was desperate to bring him to Anfield immediately due to the club’s ongoing fitness concerns.
The Reds confirmed the signing of the midfield starlet last week [via Liverpool’s official site], with the 19-year-old having a medical at Melwood on Monday before signing a contract with the Reds shortly afterwards.
Despite costing a reported £5.1 million according to Sky Sports, Grujic has returned on loan to Red Star for the rest of the campaign and will likely return to Anfield in the summer in order to compete for a first-team place.
The Serbia U-21 international, however, has given a revealing interview on Serbian television in which he intimates that his decision to end the campaign in his homeland may not go down too well with his new boss.
“Klopp wanted me to join Liverpool as soon as possible,” the 19-year-old midfielder began, speaking to Red Star TV [ as per Blic Sport], “because of the club’s injury problems.
“However, I wasn’t keen on leaving Red Star Belgrade before we won the title. I think they can put themselves in my place and understand me.
“After winning the title with my beloved club, I will be full of confidence to succeed with Liverpool.”
Indeed, it’s easy to understand where Klopp’s desire to sign Grujic immediately comes from.
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The German coach is currently overseeing an injury crisis, and was without no fewer than 13 players ahead of the FA Cup bout with Exeter City on Friday evening.
The former Borussia Dortmund manager was forced to play a second-string fixture for that side—fielding a team riddled with youth starlets—and the Reds struggled as a result, only managing a 2-2 draw with the League Two side.