Dutch midfielder Ryan Gravenberch has admitted that he is still getting to grips with life at Bayern Munich.
The 20-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Liverpool this summer but ended up in Germany instead. Life hasn’t started smoothly for Gravenberch in Bavaria, though. Starting just two games for Julian Nagelsmann, he’s told Abendzeitung that he’s struggling at his new club.
“The situation is not easy for me, of course I want to play, but I have to stay patient,” he said. “This is not easy at the moment.”
Just months into a five-year deal, there’s no suggestion that Gravenberch is getting cold feet just yet. Regardless, it isn’t exactly a glowing report of his summer move, either. Maybe a situation that Liverpool should keep abreast of.
Gravenberch regretting Bayern choice
On the face of things, Gravenberch moving from Ajax to Bayern looked like a perfectly planned arrangement.
Ajax got £20m for another talented youth product, while the Germans secured one of the most promising midfielders of his generation.
It perhaps didn’t look like it at the time, but Ajax have so far got the better end of that deal.
Upon the deal being finalised, it appeared as though Bayern had got themselves another coup. There was copious interest in Gravenberch, including – according to Calciomercato – from Liverpool.
As a result, the Holland international could have had his pick of sides. It’s easy to see why he picked Bayern, many players would, but there were maybe better options out there.
Had Gravenberch chosen to join Liverpool, he would have no doubt played a lot more football by now. The Reds have been short in midfield a couple of times already this campaign and he would have had a chance to make his mark.
Still decidedly young, he has plenty of time to make things work in Munich. But by the sounds of it, he’s in a hurry to make his way in the game.
Should he become available once more, Liverpool should fight their way to the front of the queue.