Liverpool are set to pip Manchester United to a transfer with Bayern Munich for Ryan Gravenberch. So here is everything you need to know about their deadline day arrival.
According to the Mirror (01/09, 15:30), Liverpool are now only waiting for Bayern Munich to sign a replacement for Gravenberch. Der FCB landing his successor is the only facet holding up his move to Merseyside. The two teams have already agreed on a £35m fee for a transfer.
Gravenberch has also now passed a medical with Liverpool as his deadline day switch edges ever closer. The Reds put the midfielder through some fitness tests earlier this Friday ahead of finalising a move. Jurgen Klopp is now waiting for Allianz Arena chiefs to give the final ok.
Bayern Munich hope to reach an agreement with Fulham to replace Gravenberch with their star midfielder, Joao Palhinha. Once the Bundesliga powerhouse have their latest technician, Gravenberch will be clear to put pen to his contract and become Klopp’s latest midfield star.
Liverpool have overcome rival interest from Manchester United to secure his signature. The Sunday Times’ Jonathan Northcroft notes that Gravenberch rejected a move to Old Trafford in favour of heading to Anfield as the Reds have been targeting his signature since this April.
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The Red Devils, on the other hand, stepped forward much more recently. Erik ten Hag’s club were not as clear with their pitch as Klopp had been, too. Liverpool convinced Gravenberch early on after declaring their intentions to go ‘all in’ with a big offer and a five-year contract.
Klopp’s personal proposal had a powerful impact on Gravenberch, who then only wanted to transfer to Liverpool over Manchester United. Now, the German boss is set to get his man to the AXA Training Centre with a deadline day deal. So, here is everything you need to know…
Who is Ryan Gravenberch and how good is he?
Ryan Gravenberch is a player for the Bundesliga giants, Bayern Munich, and is a late transfer target for Liverpool and Manchester United. The midfielder only moved to the Allianz Arena in June 2022 after Der FCB agreed to an initial £16m, rising to £20m, transfer with AFC Ajax.
Bayern Munich swooped to sign Gravenberch as he was one of the most sought-after young players in Europe. He had also already won the Dutch Eredivisie title three times for Ajax. De Godenzonen also won the KNVB Cup twice with the Dutchman in the side in 2019 and 2021.
Gravenberch joined Ajax at an early age after leaving the academy ranks at AVV Zeeburgia in 2010. He progressed to earn his senior debut with the Amsterdam outfit aged just 16 years, four months and seven days. Gravenberch broke through in September 2018 under Ten Hag.
Following a promising youth career with De Godenzonen, Gravenberch recorded 103 senior appearances before moving to Germany. He also recorded 12 goals and 13 assists across all competitions. But his life in Bavaria was not as fruitful as he would have initially dreamed of.
Bayern Munich had high hopes, too. Their ex-sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic said, via Bundesliga.com: “Ryan will give our team a lot. He’s one of Europe’s best young players, has excellent technique, always finds solutions in tight space, is very dynamic and a goal threat.”
Ten Hag had also sung the Dutchman’s praises while still together with Ajax. Bundesliga.com also quotes the Manchester United boss noting of Gravenberch: “He has a lot of capabilities, especially in an attacking sense. But he understands hard work.”
Where and when was Ryan Gravenberch born?
Ryan Gravenberch was born in Amsterdam, the capital city of the Netherlands, on May 16 in 2002. The 21-year-old has also represented his nation on the international stage at a variety of levels. He has earned caps at the U15, 16, 17, 19, 21 and senior levels since January 2017.
What position does Ryan Gravenberch play?
Managers have traditionally played Ryan Gravenberch as a central midfielder by he can also occupy a deeper position. He has appeared as a holding midfielder in the past and sparingly as an attacking midfielder. Coaches have even rarely utilised him on the wing or as a striker.
Ryan Gravenberch’s stats at Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich are open to selling Ryan Gravenberch to Liverpool in a deadline day transfer as he has struggled to cement his role with the Bavarian outfit. He has started just six times.
First-team, Bayern Munich: 34 appearances, 1 goals, 1 assists