Hertha Berlin are looking to put themselves on the map in the Bundesliga.
In the summer, they received €125m (£105.4m) following new investment from Lars Windhorst, and the arrival of Jurgen Klinsmann has seen an increase in publicity for the club from the German capital. The former Tottenham striker has said that Hertha can have a European presence within three years.
Their transfer dealings, though, indicate that they now have the financial power to back up those quotes. They broke their transfer record in the summer by signing Dodi Lukebakio from Watford – he cost €20m (£16.9m) – and they have now done so again – Lucas Tousart has completed a €25m (£21.1m) move to the Olympiastadion.
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This transfer could have an impact on the future of Marko Grujic. The Serbia international has been with Die Alte Dame since the summer of 2018 on loan, and has since made 37 leagues appearances for the club. During that time, he has eight goals and two assists, and was even called the best midfielder in 20 years at the club by former manager Pal Dardai.
The 23-year-old has himself said that he wants to return to Liverpool, and some Reds fans look like they would welcome him back with open arms. Now, it looks as though this is going to be a crucial moment in the career of the former Red Star Belgrade man. Tousart will be loaned back to Lyon until the end of the season – that means that he could be seen as a replacement for Grujic, and it indicates that the latter will not be there beyond the summer.
Where he ends up remains to be seen. Liverpool, of course, could still move him on, whilst he may also have done enough to earn himself a place in Klopp’s squad. He has just a few months to make certain that it ends up being the latter, rather than the former.
Meanwhile, our writers give their verdict as Jurgen Klopp’s turns down the chance to re-sign one ex-star.