Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch could become Liverpool’s fourth signing of the summer with the Reds and Bayern Munich holding talks over a potential deal for the 21-year-old
Liverpool are locked in talks with Bayern Munich in the hope of thrashing out a deal for midfielder Ryan Gravenberch ahead of Friday’s transfer deadline.
As reported by the ECHO on Wednesday, Anfield officials have been long-time admirers of the Holland under-21 international, who made the move to the Allianz Arena from boyhood club Ajax last summer. However, since sealing a £16m switch to the German champions, Gravenberch has started just three Bundesliga games under the managers during that time, Julian Nagelsmann and Thomas Tuchel.
But who is the 21-year-old midfielder who could become the Reds’ fourth signing of the summer?
Who is Ryan Gravenberch?
Gravenberch is a 21-year-old box-to-box midfielder who plays for Bayern Munich and Holland’s under-21 side.
The midfielder has long been touted as one of the brightest prospects on the European scene, and in 2020 was described as “arguably the cream of the crop” in a feature piece by ESPN discussing Ajax’s up-and-coming talents. That list also included Antony – who was sold to Manchester United last summer for £86m – and Mohammed Kudus.
Gravenberch briefly tasted first-team action in the league as a 16-year-old in September 2018, but had to wait more than a year for another Eredivisie outing,” read the profile of the 21-year-old. “The wait paid off, however, as the part defensive, part box-to-box central midfielder is now being monitored by all the top clubs in Europe.
“Exceptionally easy on the eye with his elegant movement and calm, measured passing, his ability to keep the game flowing by moving the ball on with few touches has ensured that the technically brilliant Gravenberch is now an undisputed regular.
“Equipped with quick feet, plus the close control, vision and playmaking skills to help set up chances when cutting inside on his favoured left foot, the trigger-happy youngster is a mixed bag of creativity, unpredictability and explosiveness.”
Why is he leaving Bayern Munich?
Since moving from Ajax to Bayern Munich in 2022, Gravenberch has started just three Bundesliga games under two different managers due to being unable to displace Leon Goretzka and Joshua Kimmich.
In fact, the midfielder has mustered just 568 minutes of action in the Bundesliga since making his debut last August. Divided across his 25 appearances, Gravenberch’s average cameo in the league is just 22.7 minutes.
Where does he play?
Gravenberch primarily plays as a central midfielder with a particular onus on being a creative tool in the attacking areas of the pitch. However, he has also previously played in more disciplined midfield roles during his time at Ajax and at Bayern Munich.
If he is to arrive at Anfield, it is expected the 21-year-old would battle against Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszla for one of the advanced No.8 roles.
However, don’t be surprised to see Jurgen Klopp deploy the Dutchman as a No.6 in some games, as he did with Gravenberch’s compatriot Gini Wijnaldum.
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