Liverpool join transfer race for Mainz winger Brajan Gruda

Mainz winger Brajan Gruda is attracting interest from a host of clubs including Liverpool ahead of the summer transfer window.

The German under-21 international emerged as one of the breakout stars in the Bundesliga in the recently concluded 2023/24 campaign. Regardless of Mainz narrowly avoiding relegation following a fantastic late-season run, the teenager earned himself praises with his technical attributes, pace and dynamism. He bagged four goals and three assists in 28 games and helped Mainz maintain their Bundesliga status on the final day of the season.

A strong finish to the campaign saw Brajan Gruda, who is of Albanian descent, rewarded with a call-up to the German national team for preparations ahead of next month’s European Championships. Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen from Germany have been keeping tabs on the youngster. Liverpool are reportedly the latest club to join the transfer race for the highly-rated Gruda, who is also on the radar of English outfits such as Aston Villa and Newcastle United.

It is believed that Mainz value Gruda at around €20m, but with many European bigwigs vying for his signature, that price is expected to go up as we head into the summer transfer window.

Liverpool interested in Brajan Gruda

After Jurgen Klopp’s exit and the arrival of Arne Slot as his successor, massive changes are expected at Liverpool on and off the field. They plan to bolster their attack ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, with a new wide-forward topping their agenda. The Reds have been linked with a move for Brajan Gruda, who has been tremendous for Mainz this past season.

A tricky winger, Gruda can also operate centrally and has demonstrated his rapid pace, trickery and energy to terrify Bundesliga defences. The German under-21 international plays with swagger and youthful exuberance, making him one of the nation’s most prodigious talents. He is a player who would be ideal for Arne Slot’s high-octane style of football at Anfield. The 19-year-old has the technical attributes in his locker but must develop the physical side of his game to do well in the Premier League.

Liverpool hopes to do well in Slot’s first season and they need a few quality additions through the door this summer. A young wide attacker is required to compete with the likes of Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah, and Gruda, who will add depth to the squad and chip in with goals and creativity.

So, the Merseyside outfit must do their best to sign Gruda from Mainz.