Exclusive: Liverpool in Advanced Talks to Sign Bayern Munich's Exciting Midfield Prodigy, Ryan Gravenberch, for Anfield Switch

Liverpool are currently in talks with Bayern Munich regarding the potential signing of Ryan Gravenberch, according to We News. The talented midfielder was previously under consideration by Jurgen Klopp last summer but eventually chose to join the Bundesliga champions instead of making a move to Anfield.

In April, we also reported that Gravenberch was excited about the chance to revive his progress at Liverpool. Discussions with Bayern are being held to determine their assessment of the 21-year-old's value before making a formal offer if all parties agree. Liverpool is considering various midfield options before the transfer window closes.

The Premier League club aimed to bolster their midfield for the current season, considering various options such as Aurelien Tchouameni, Enzo Fernandez, Nicolo Barella, and the then-unavailable Jude Bellingham. Notably, the Netherlands international was also included in the shortlist.

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Enzo Fernandez was previously on Liverpool's radar

Bayern swiftly secured a deal for Gravenberch from Ajax, outmaneuvering Liverpool and other European rivals. However, since joining, he has only been given 711 minutes of playing time, as Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka are the preferred choices.

In January, Gravenberch's representative, Rafaela Pimenta, considered loan options. Nevertheless, Bayern, unwilling to allow a mid-season departure, declined.

Pimenta encountered Liverpool earlier this year, and recently the club approached Ryan senior, Gravenberch's father, who still manages his career.

Erik ten Hag, who promoted the versatile midfielder to the senior squad at Ajax and maximized his potential, inquired about his availability for Manchester United before ultimately choosing to loan Marcel Sabitzer from Bayern in January.

Bayern, who are planning to acquire RB Leipzig midfielder Konrad Laimer this summer, are willing to sell Gravenberch and aim to recover the £20m fee - along with additional payments - they initially agreed upon, while also making a modest profit.

Although Bayern publicly claim they won’t entertain offers for the player, they are unable to provide him playing time as his representatives seek a resolution.

Ajax also has a sell-on clause of seven and a half percent.

Liverpool is not the sole club inquiring about Gravenberch. However, aware of the fierce competition they will encounter in the upcoming summer and the extensive rebuilding they have in store, the club has taken initiative in advancing their recruitment goals.

Gravenberch is one of several midfield options the club are exploring, with at least one defensive signing also expected.

Analysis: 'He's a better version of Pogba'

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Gravenberch has featured in 27 matches across all competitions for Bayern this season. Ten Hag has previously praised his attacking prowess and work ethic, which succinctly encapsulates his abilities.

He possesses a strong physical presence and is exceptionally agile, making him an outstanding ball carrier and receiver. Gravenberch has primarily functioned on the left side of a double pivot but can adeptly perform across the midfield, showcasing great involvement in the link-up play during the attacking phase.

An astute passer with a forward-thinking approach, he skillfully utilizes his body to either deceive opponents about his intended pass or to maintain possession.

Gravenberch's capacity to protect, evade his opponent and penetrate open areas has caught the attention of new Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel, who emphasized that the young talent can "execute sharp turns and exceptional dribbles". Brian Tevreden, the person responsible for promoting Gravenberch to Ajax U15s when he was just 12 years old, believes that he possesses similar qualities to Paul Pogba in his style of play.

In terms of physical attributes, Ryan resembles Frank Rijkaard due to his height and remarkable strength. However, when it comes to technical skills and on-field impact, Ryan surpasses even the best days of Pogba at Juventus. Ryan's technique and influence during matches are reminiscent of Pogba's dominance, which is the quality that stands out in him.

With extensive experience in major international tournaments, outstanding performances in the Champions League, innate leadership qualities, and nearly a hundred appearances at a young age, it comes as no surprise that Gravenberch is eager to return to regular playtime.

In an interview with Ajax Showtime, the Amsterdam native, who made history as the youngest debutant in the Eredevisie under Ten Hag at the age of 16, expressed his sentiments, stating, "Throughout my career, I have never encountered any setbacks until this season. I have always been recognized as a promising talent and joined Ajax's first team at a tender age. However, this season marks the first time I have faced challenges and experienced limited playing opportunities."

"As a player, these experiences also serve as opportunities for personal growth. Being at a young age, I am grateful for the chance to go through such situations now rather than encountering them later in my career.

I possess a strong mental fortitude and continue to take even greater strides amidst this challenging circumstance. This is my way of transforming this experience into something positive. I remain resilient and determined."

"I prefer to achieve success at Bayern. Nevertheless, if that proves unsuccessful and opportunities do not arise, perhaps I should consider other options.

"However, currently, I am not overly worried about that and remain hopeful that I can improve my situation at Bayern. I remain confident in my decision and have no regrets whatsoever."

“I had certainly hoped and also expected I would play more at Bayern. So far it has not gone as expected. For me that’s a pity, but I’m dealing with it well.”