Liverpool squad news: Liverpool’s transfer guru has excelled in the transfer market during his tenure at the club.
Michael Edwards’ ability to identify potential in the market is highly regarded, and he may have unearthed another for Liverpool this summer.
His reinstatement at the club, alongside Julian Ward and new director Richard Hughes, has been widely anticipated by Reds fans. A new manager at the helm is exhilarating, but there is uncertainty in the air, which is understandable given that one of the club’s best managers has left.
As a result, this summer presents an opportunity for the team to make some key signings. Mostly because the squad is already so strong and balanced. Any additions, such as the possible transfer of Mainz’s Brajan Gruda, are likely to be wise decisions. However, with more clubs focusing significantly on the same type of data recruitment that allowed Edwards to succeed, there is more competition for ‘hidden gems’ than ever before. Aston Villa, Bayer Leverkusen, and a number of other clubs are interested in the 19-year-old, indicating that he is a promising young player.
Mainz battled for the duration of last season, lingering in the relegation zone, but a late-season surge propelled them out of trouble. He made 19 starts with Liverpool loanee Sepp van den Berg, although he started six of the final seven games as they stayed unbeaten, missing only one due to a yellow card suspension. He scored in back-to-back victories against Darmstadt and Hoffenheim, and on the final day (he also assisted) in a convincing away win over Wolfsburg.
According to BILD, Leverkusen, RB Leipzig, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, and Villa are all interested in Gruda. His contract expires in 2026, thus this is the final summer in which the club can expect a significant fee. According to one report, the club’s potential value for the German youth international is £43 million. Transfermarkt values him at £17 million, although it’s uncertain whether a team will pay that much after only 28 Bundesliga games.
While that is dubious, his statistics are not. DataMB’s statistics show that he has been as well-rounded an attacker as it gets. He scores well across the board, with only his non-penalty goals (63rd percentile) and assists per 90 (70th percentile) slipping outside of the elite group. This can also be negated by his anticipated goals and assists stats, which rank significantly higher in the 77th. However, given that this was his first complete season, it is really commendable.
His skills include progressive carries, successful dribbles, critical passes, and offensive actions, all of which rank in the 95th percentile or higher, ranking him among the finest players. For example, he engages in more offensive actions than Leroy Sane.
While Liverpool has a strong attacking midfield, it’s questionable whether Gruda would fit in. A move to a little smaller club (with no disrespect) would provide more certainty of game time. However, his talent is undeniable, and he remains an enticing prospect regardless of where he ends up.
