Jurgen Klopp has told Ryan Gravenberch that he’ll be a ‘big player’ for Liverpool.
Gravenberch looks set to join later today, as Liverpool try to wrap up his signing before the 11pm deadline. And according to Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, Klopp has already spoken with the 21-year-old about joining.
“One of the most crazy mornings I have ever seen on the deadline day, so much news and developments,” said the journalist, live on Sky Sports News this morning. “Ryan Gravenberch, there was a big breakthrough. He has arrived in Liverpool now. He was on the list all month and now Bayern is going for Joao Palhinha.
Gravenberch heading for Liverpool
“Ryan Gravenberch is on the verge of joining Liverpool and according to our information it’s 45 million Euro all in, 40 million guaranteed and around five million in add ons but Ajax have a sell on so the money is not all going to Bayern.
“It was a very difficult situation for him at Bayern and I have to be honest, he was number four in midfield at Bayern. Number one was Kimmich, number two was Goretzka and three was Laimer.
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“Tuchel was not planning with Gravenberch, it was a very difficult situation for him. It has been a difficult year for him, Nagelsmann was the coach who was pushing for Gravenberch, Tuchel was not pushing.
“It’s a solid player, it’s a good player and I’m convinced he can improve. It’s a big step now to join Liverpool but to my information, Jurgen Klopp has spoken with Gravenberch and has made clear what he is expecting from him and he has made clear that he is a big player for the project of LFC. But I have to be honest, I’m not quite sure if he has the quality to be a regular starter at the moment.”
New boy set for big role
There’s no question that Gravenberch has been brought in to play a big role at Liverpool. The club have been chasing him for the past six months or so.
Even before that, they were reportedly keen on signing the Dutchman before he joined Bayern last year.
So, there’s obviously a plan there. Despite it being a deadline day signing, this is not a player Liverpool have gone out a bought on a whim.
With news that Thiago Alcantara is injured again as well, Gravenberch will be expected to play a part more-or-less straight away.
It remains to be seen whether he’s available for Sunday’s game with Aston Villa. But after that – and after the international break – he should be slotted in.
From there, it’s really up to Gravenberch how far he goes. At just 21 he’s still got a long future ahead of him. His difficult year at Bayern doesn’t take away from that.
With Klopp as his manager you feel the former Ajax man can reach however high he wants. A big player for now, yes, bit a big one for years to come as well.