New Liverpool signing Marko Grujic almost pulled out of Reds switch because of claustrophobia

New Reds star had to use an MRI scanner as part of his medical before completing £5.1m switch from Red Star Belgrade

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Liverpool’s new signing Marko Grujić nearly pulled out of his £5.1m switch to Anfield last week because he is claustrophobic.

The 19-year-old signed for the Reds on a four-year contract from Red Star Belgrade, where he has returned on loan for the rest of the season, but the MRI scan during his medical almost scuppered the transfer.

Grujić told the Liverpool Echo: “I am very claustrophobic, so it was very scary for me to lie for one hour in the dark in the MRI scanner.

“When I heard that the MRI scan was compulsory, I was very close to saying that I didn't want to do it! I was really afraid. I couldn't stay inside it for one minute!

“I called the doctor and raised a bit of panic so they were persuading me for around 20 minutes before I finally accepted to go inside it again. Finally, I bit the bullet and I got on with it. They made some special conditions for me.

“After that, I went to Melwood, signed the deals and they took photos of me.”