Aston Lukoye
The latest reports suggest that Liverpool is keen on signing Ryan Gravenberch, a 20-year-old midfielder from the Netherlands, as they seek to bolster their midfield options.
According to The Times, a representative from Liverpool held talks with Gravenberch’s father, who is actively involved in managing the player’s career, during a visit to the Netherlands on Tuesday.
Gravenberch emerged as a highly coveted prospect in Europe when he made his breakthrough as a 16-year-old talent at Ajax. He quickly became the youngest-ever debutant in the Eredevisie and the sixth-youngest Dutch international after earning his first cap in 2021. However, his playing time has been limited since his move to Bayern Munich in a £21m deal last year, which has prompted him to consider his future options.
Liverpool had been tracking Gravenberch long before they withdrew from the race to sign Jude Bellingham last week. The club reportedly had doubts about entering a bidding war for the highly-rated Birmingham midfielder, given the high fees involved and the intense competition from Manchester City and Real Madrid. Instead, Liverpool has turned their attention to Gravenberch, who they believe could be a valuable addition to their midfield ranks.
The Dutch midfielder’s technical ability, vision, and passing range have impressed many observers, and his physical attributes make him a robust and dynamic presence in midfield. Liverpool is reportedly willing to pay around £25m for his services, which would represent a significant outlay but could prove to be a shrewd investment for the long term.
If Liverpool manages to secure Gravenberch’s signature, it would be a significant boost to their midfield options. The club has struggled with injuries and lack of depth in midfield this season, and the addition of a talented youngster like Gravenberch could add more creativity, energy, and goals to their game. It remains to be seen whether Liverpool can convince Bayern Munich to part ways with the Dutch midfielder, but it’s clear that the club is keen on strengthening their midfield and could be willing to pay a substantial fee for the right player.
