Bayern Munich changed their mind on selling Ryan Gravenberch after a weekend of discussions with Liverpool.
The Reds are seemingly advancing their move to sign the 21-year-old with hope that an agreement can be reached before tomorrow’s transfer deadline. Gravenberch is a long-standing target for Liverpool, who have tracked him throughout the summer.
Detailing that pursuit today via Football Daily, journalist David Ornstein reports that the Reds made a breakthrough in the last day or so.
“This would be the culmination of a lengthy pursuit,” Ornstein says. “The story was broken back in April that Liverpool were stepping up the hunt and some of their executives were dispatched to Amsterdam to hold talks with his representatives. There’s been moments where it’s looked like it might happen then it’s gone quiet again.
“There were some discussions over the weekend, but Bayern were insinuating that he’s not for sale. But today there’s been some progress, some club to club negotiations. They’ve been throwing around figures, discussing their respective valuations.
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“If it gets to the point where Liverpool feel that the finances are affordable, then I think they’re going to make a formal offer and try and bring him in.
“It’s not done yet, but there are some significant developments.”
Bayern make Gravenberch U-turn
We have to be a little careful with this one. With news breaking last night that Bayern are now open to selling Gravenberch, there may be an assumption from many that this is done.
But listening to Ornstein, it seems that this isn’t the case at all.
Although the two clubs may be closing in on an agreeable valuation for the Dutchman, his move may also be contingent on Bayern finding a successor.
The latest reports have made Joao Palhinha their number one target. But with Fulham desperate to keep hold of the Portugal international, that doesn’t look like an easy deal to do.
Over the past days and weeks there has been an assertion that any deal for Gravenberch could go right down to the wire. With Bayern relenting just before deadline day, there is still plenty of time to get things sorted.
But any hitch, and Liverpool should quickly look elsewhere. It’s good that they are addressing a big weakness in the squad, but it can’t be Gravenberch or no one. If things are dragging on with Bayern, they need to be ready to go for an alternative.
Still, this is very positive news. Go and work your magic Herr Schamdtke!