Report: Rival Xabi Alonso of Liverpool is a fantastic winger who is signing a “realistic” €20 million deal.
Cody Gakpo’s inconsistency adds to the reasons why Liverpool is still considering winger options, despite uncertainty surrounding Salah’s future. Although signing a winger might not be their top priority this summer, recent reports from German outlet Sport Bild suggest Liverpool’s interest in Brajan Gruda from Mainz. Gruda, who had a breakthrough season, primarily operates on the right flank, similar to Salah, but focuses more on technique than pace, though he still possesses strong acceleration. Alongside Liverpool, Bayer Leverkusen, RB Leipzig, Borussia Dortmund, Aston Villa, and Newcastle United are also interested in Gruda. Most of these clubs can offer Champions League football, which is a stage Gruda aims to compete on after helping Mainz remain in the Bundesliga. Bild suggests a possible €20m (£17m) transfer fee for Gruda, with Leverkusen being a significant competitor for his signature.
After all, it’s said that Gruda believes Alonso’s style of play will help him advance to the next level. Even so, Florian Wirtz, the Bundesliga player of the year, would give him a lot of fight for a spot at Leverkusen; nevertheless, they may move Adam Hlozek to make room. Gruda may also find it difficult to establish himself as a Liverpool mainstay right away under Arne Slot. Their primary wingers at the moment are Salah, Diaz, Gakpo, and Diogo Jota, but players like Harvey Elliott can also play there. Gruda is a young athlete who will soon turn 20 and would be a long-term investment for whoever decides to purchase him. He may continue because his Mainz contract is still set to expire in 2026.