Bundesliga starlet eyed by Liverpool & Aston Villa reveals transfer stance

Tom Weber

Updated: 10 Jun 2024 09:40 CDT
2 min read

Bundesliga wonderkid is not expected to be on the move this summer despite significant interest, according to German media.

The Mainz youngster is coming off a breakout season in the Bundesliga in which he played an outsized role in ensuring his side's survival. Gruda ended his first campaign of top-flight football with four goals and three assists to his name and did enough to catch the eye of Julian Nagelsmann.

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The German national team boss invited the 20-year-old to train with the senior side ahead of Euro 2024, though Gruda was never officially part of any preliminary squad. He eventually departed after picking up a minor knock, but Nagelsmann revealed that he would be part of future camps, with the attacker having left a positive impression.

A tricky dribbling machine, Gruda is an exciting left-footed right winger who plays with youthful exuberance and has the technical ability to be a real game-changer. His performances have attracted the attention of the likes of Liverpool, Aston Villa and Bayern Munich, who have been keen on Gruda for months.

STATS

Brajan Gruda

M, AM, F (R)

Mainz 05

Brajan Gruda

M, AM, F (R)

Mainz 05

29

Games
4

Goals
3

Assists

Gruda unlikely to move

However, despite the high-profile interest in his services, it seems unlikely that the 20-year-old will be on the move this summer. According to Sky Germany's Florian Plettenberg, Mainz are not planning for a potential sale of their wonderkid and Gruda himself has hinted that he is not yet ready to play for a big club.

Speaking to Sky while away with the national team, Gruda made it clear that financial considerations are secondary when thinking about his future; he first and foremost wants to get on the pitch.

"For me, it's important that I play a lot. If I transfer somewhere and don't play, it would destroy me. Money comes eventually. The important thing is that I play a lot and continue to develop," Gruda said.

Mainz, Plettenberg reports, have not a set price tag for the youngster and there are no talks with any clubs as things stand. Mainz are hoping it stays that way.