Marko Grujić May or May Not Return to Cardiff City

The Bluebirds remain in hot pursuit of the Serbian but could cool their interest if a deal isn’t done within on timeline.

While the Liverpool collective have been obsessing about Nabil Fekir, Cardiff supporters seem to have been doing the same about a certain 6-foot-3, 22-year-old Serbian international, who appears to still be a part of Jürgen Klopp’s plans – at least beyond the 2018-19 season.

Many Red supporters may have forgotten about Marko Grujić, but, he has been dominating the summer transfer headlines over at Cardiff City, who will be back in the Premier League this coming season. Having joined the Bluebirds on loan on 17 January 2018 for the remainder of their 2017-18 season in the Championship, it’s evident that he has made an impact on manager and supporters alike.

The first signing of the Klopp era, Marko joined Liverpool on 6 January 2016 on a five-year deal for a reported fee of GBP 5.1 million, after Klopp personally called and convinced him to make the move. Marko had been scouted by several other clubs along with Liverpool, including the likes of Internazioale, Juventus, Chelsea and Milan but hailed Klopp for convincing him to come to Anfield, and told the press upon signing, “I would choose Liverpool over Real Madrid and Barcelona.”

After signing with LFC, Marko was loaned back to Red Star Belgrade, the club he had played for since the age of 9 and went on to win the SuperLiga with the side, finishing the season with 29 appearances (6 goals, 7 assists).

Cardiff City held talks with LFC last month to discuss re-signing the midfielder who made 13 starts for them last season, with a move being dependant on Marko’s return once Serbia exited the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Liverpool were said to have been open to the deal and Neil Warnock reiterated that on Monday but indicated that he was likely to consider other options soon if nothing was forthcoming.

“No updates (on Grujic), not really,” he said. “I think his agent – as they do – thinks he can try and make more money somewhere else but Liverpool want him to come and I think it’ll be good for him. We’ll have to see how it develops. But we won’t wait forever.”

The summer transfer window will close on Thursday, 9 August at 5PM GMT/11AM EST with the Premier League returning the following day. Cardiff will travel to Bournemouth for their first PL clash when they take on the Cherries at Dean Court on Saturday, 11 August 2018.

Marko will return to action for Liverpool when the Reds tour the U.S. later this month.

Up the Reds!

Source: liverpooloffside.sbnation.com