Liverpool's Surprise Reinforcement: Young Maestro Ryan Gravenberch Joins from Bayern Munich in High-Stakes Deadline Day Move
Liverpool complete £342m signing of Dutch midfielder Ryan Gravenberch from Bayern Munich on Deadline Day, securing a five-year deal The Reds' fourth summer signing strengthens their midfield options, while also fending off interest from Manchester United Klopp expresses delight with the club's transfer business, believing Gravenberch possesses immense potential
Liverpool have finalized the signing of midfielder Ryan Gravenberch from Bayern Munich on Deadline Day for a fee of £34.2m.
The 21-year-old has officially agreed to a five-year contract with Jurgen Klopp's team, making him Liverpool's fourth acquisition of the summer. It is noteworthy that all of their summer signings so far have been midfielders.
The Netherlands international has joined Anfield this summer, along with Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Wataru Endo. This move comes after Liverpool let go of Fabinho, Naby Keita, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Fabio Carvalho.
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Gravenberch is eager to reclaim control over his progress, as he has been lacking playing time at Bayern Munich. Despite transferring from Ajax to the German champions last year, he was only given the chance to start in three Bundesliga matches last season. Furthermore, his sole appearance this season occurred when he was substituted in during last Saturday's victorious home game against Augsburg.
Gravenberch, who will don the number 38 shirt, expressed his joy to Liverpoolfc.com, stating, "I'm ecstatic. Delighted that the agreement is finalized and I have finally arrived.
"From an outsider's perspective, it is undeniably one of the largest clubs in the world. The fans, the stadium, everything about it is truly top-notch. That's why it felt like the perfect club for me."
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"I'm really looking forward to [being at Anfield] and I can't wait to hear the You'll Never Walk Alone song.
How Liverpool signed Gravenberch
A Fresh Beginning with Renewed Ambitions"Now we embark on a brand new journey, a rejuvenating start, and I pledge my wholehearted commitment to this esteemed club. My sole focus is to secure victories and claim prestigious accolades. In order to attain triumphs, we will rigorously compete, leaving an indelible mark that showcases our collective strength and my unwavering individual prowess."
How Liverpool signed Gravenberch
Liverpool has had a longstanding interest in Gravenberch, as reported by We News last summer. He was among three options on their shortlist before choosing to join Bayern from Ajax in June 2022. Regular meetings have been held with the player's representative, Jose Fortes Rodriguez from Raiola, since last year.
Liverpool had considered Gravenberch as a potential addition throughout the summer, although Bayern had initially shown reluctance to sell, while the club had other pressing matters to address. However, after losing out on Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia to Chelsea, Liverpool re-engaged in negotiations to secure a deal for Gravenberch, as Manchester United also entered the race for the midfielder.
United manager Erik ten Hag, who successfully elevated the versatile midfielder to the senior squad and maximized his potential at Ajax, has persistently pursued his signature since the winter transfer window.
In January, United inquired about Gravenberch's availability, but their attempts were thwarted by Bayern, leading them to secure a loan deal for Marcel Sabitzer instead.
Carra: I'm not sure Gravenberch is what Liverpool need
We' Jamie Carragher:
"It is intriguing to consider where he will fit in, as I believe he may not be the exact defensive midfielder that Liverpool requires, despite their recent acquisition from Germany.
I perceive him as more of a No 8, a versatile player who excels in both attack and defense. Perhaps this is why Bayern decided to part ways with him, due to Thomas Tuchel's reluctance to deploy him in that particular role."
Jurgen Klopp and the club desired his presence around 12-18 months ago. I am intrigued to witness his role and ascertain whether Klopp deems him suitable as a defensive midfielder.
Given his youth and impressive background at Ajax and Bayern, it is worth noting that the fee required for his acquisition is relatively reasonable.
Klopp: I love this team - we've done good business
Manager Jurgen Klopp revealed in a press conference on Friday morning, prior to Sunday's upcoming home match against Aston Villa, that the team had undergone a significant transformation. He emphasized that the midfield, in particular, had been completely rebuilt to adapt to the new challenges ahead.
We had to undertake this task during a season when we failed to secure qualification for the Champions League, a circumstance that holds considerable significance. While I understand that individuals anticipate a different outcome, the reality remains unchanged. I genuinely believe that we conducted successful transactions and acquired highly capable players who will positively contribute to the team.
Admittedly, we possess less experience, but this is only natural. Nonetheless, we are abundantly motivated and I hold an immense admiration for this team.
Mac Allister and Szoboszlai, who were initially tasked with playing unfamiliar holding roles, have both adapted quickly, as expected since they had a complete pre-season to familiarize themselves with Klopp's techniques.
While the manager believes that Endo, who only joined from Stuttgart in mid-August, may take longer to settle, he still expects all three players to make significant contributions and potentially achieve the same level of success as their predecessors.
Klopp emphasized the undeniable natural talent, but acknowledged the need to replace the highly successful midfield, which has been considered the best in the club's recent history. He mentioned the contributions of Fabinho, Henderson, Milner, and Wijnaldum, highlighting their significant roles within the team. Additionally, players like Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain also played crucial parts in strengthening the midfield.
During our peak moments, you questioned whether our midfield provided enough of a goal threat when all the goals were scored by the forward line.
Currently, our midfield exhibits a significantly higher goal threat. However, it is crucial to acknowledge the incredible work-rate and stability displayed by these individuals, which was unparalleled. This is a standard we must also strive to achieve.
"We will explore our options in terms of playing different systems throughout the season. However, it is evident that the players we have added to our team possess genuine talent. They are young and incredibly enthusiastic about the opportunity to be here, which creates a fantastic blend."
'Gravenberch's potential is huge'
Speaking to We News, European football expert Andy Brassell describes the deal as advantageous, emphasizing the immense potential it holds for Liverpool. Considering the substantial number of midfielders the club lost during the summer, Brassell asserts that the acquisition is crucial to bolster their squad.
The midfield trio of Wataru Endo, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Alexis Mac Allister holds great promise, but it's insufficient to carry them through 60 games this season. They require additional support.
Gravenberch understands that he won't be a permanent starter, but he anticipates a chance to prove himself, unlike his experience at Bayern Munich.
"There were successive coaches in Julian Nagelsmann - as he was the club's signing not the coaches' signing - and Thomas Tuchel who haven't warmed to him."
