Published on 01.09.2023
In a significant move, Liverpool has struck a deal worth around €40 million (£34.2 million) to secure the services of Bayern Munich’s talented midfielder, Ryan Gravenberch.
The agreement includes a five-year contract for Gravenberch, who is expected to travel to Merseyside on Friday morning to finalize the transfer, with a medical assessment planned for later the same day.
Gravenberch was absent from Bayern’s training session on Thursday, underscoring his eagerness to proceed with the move to Liverpool.
Bayern’s intention was to recoup their initial £20 million outlay, incorporating add-ons, which they had spent to acquire Gravenberch from Ajax. They also sought to make a profit on the transaction. Reportedly, Ajax holds a 7.5% sell-on clause within the agreement.
Crucially, Bayern aimed to secure a replacement before greenlighting Gravenberch’s departure.
The midfielder’s eagerness to regain his development momentum was a driving force behind his desire to move, given his limited playing time at Munich.
Liverpool’s interest in Gravenberch had been well-documented since last summer, with discussions between the player’s representative, Jose Fortes Rodriguez from Raiola, a recurring feature since then.
While Gravenberch remained on Liverpool’s radar throughout the summer, other priorities delayed their pursuit. Only after missing out on other targets did Liverpool reignite their efforts to secure Gravenberch’s signature.
However, even as Liverpool moves to finalize the deal, sources suggest that Manchester United’s interest in Gravenberch remains active.
Erik ten Hag, the architect behind Gravenberch’s rise at Ajax, has maintained his pursuit of the versatile midfielder. United’s inquiries into Gravenberch’s availability were previously thwarted by Bayern, leading them to loan Marcel Sabitzer instead.
