Lothar Matthaus suggests £43m player could be leaving after he’s linked with Liverpool

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Germany legend Lothar Matthaus has claimed that he’s ‘sure’ reported Liverpool target Ryan Gravenberch will be leaving Bayern Munich.

Gravenberch has been heavily linked with a move to Anfield as he looks to bounce back from a poor debut season in Munich. And writing for Sky Sports via Sport Bild, Matthaus has claimed that the 21-year-old will be playing for a different club next season.

“I’m sure that five to six players from the current squad won’t be wearing the Bayern jersey next season,” said the 62-year-old. ” [Yann] Sommer, [Alexander] Nubel, [Ryan] Gravenberch, [Marcel] Sabitzer and [Sadio] Mane are candidates for me.”

That could be good news for Liverpool. But it’s also sad to see Mane’s name in there. The Reds legend had a disastrous year with Bayern, with Matthaus saying the 31-year-old ‘stood out negatively.’

“Mane was an attractive transfer in terms of name, but unfortunately it didn’t work out,” said the pundit. “Two good games, a serious injury and then he stood out negatively towards a teammate and his coach. Of course, that doesn’t exactly increase the market value.”

Liverpool still looking at Gravenberch

When you look at the signings of Gravenberch and Mane, it’s no real surprise that Bayern struggled like they did last season. Yes, they still won the Bundesliga – just – but they were humiliated by Manchester City in the Champions League.

12 months on from their arrivals at the Allianaz Arena, both player could now be moving on.

Although there have been some reports linking Mane with a return to Liverpool, Gravenberch is the one of most interest to Reds fans.

The Dutchman has been one of the names most regularly associated with them this summer. The player himself has been vocal of his desire to change clubs, but has confusingly walked back that stance only today.

Up until now, it has appeared unlikely that Bayern would allow Gravenberch to leave this summer. Even if Liverpool paid £43m and doubled the price the Germans paid Ajax for him, it seems they won’t let him go.

Matthaus obviously feels otherwise, though. Whether that means anything or not is up for debate, but the Reds don’t appear to have given up just yet.

Other targets do seem to be being pursued with a little more vigour. But don’t count Gravenberch out just yet. If he does leave Bavaria, it’ll likely be for Merseyside.