Liverpool Completes €40 Million Signing of Ryan Gravenberch from Bayern Munich
Liverpool Football Club has officially announced the signing of Ryan Gravenberch from Bayern Munich for a reported fee of around €40 million (£34 million). The 21-year-old midfielder, who is also a Netherlands international, signed a five-year contract with the club after successfully completing his medical examination.
Liverpool’s interest in Gravenberch has been widely known, and negotiations with Bayern Munich were confirmed by The Athletic earlier this week. The completion of this deal marks the club’s latest addition to their midfield rebuild this summer.
Gravenberch, who will wear the No. 38 jersey, expressed his excitement upon joining Liverpool. He stated, “I’m very happy that the deal is done and I’m finally here. If you see it from the outside, it’s one of the biggest clubs in the world. Also, the fans, the stadium, I think everything from the outside is top. So that’s why it was the right club for me.”
The young midfielder only joined Bayern Munich from Ajax last summer but was eager to secure regular first-team football, as he had only started three league matches in the 2022-23 season. Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool’s manager, considers Gravenberch to be the perfect addition to their midfield, which has undergone significant changes this summer.
Notable departures from Liverpool’s midfield include Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, James Milner, Naby Keita, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. However, the squad has been bolstered by the signings of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Wataru Endo. Gravenberch joins this group as a multi-functional midfielder who can play in both the No. 8 and No. 6 roles.
Having come through the renowned Ajax academy, Gravenberch made 103 appearances for the club, scoring 12 goals, before his move to Bayern Munich in 2022 for €25 million. His versatility and tactical flexibility make him a valuable asset for Liverpool’s midfield.
Gravenberch’s ability to play as a No. 6 at the base of midfield or as a No. 8 provides Klopp with various options. During his time at Ajax, he primarily played on the left side of a double pivot but is also comfortable operating on the left of a midfield three in more advanced areas.
One of Gravenberch’s standout attributes is his ability to carry the ball and advance his team up the pitch. His large strides, combined with excellent close control, allow him to drive past opponents. Additionally, his physicality, aided by his 6ft3 (190cm) height, enables him to accelerate away from players while retaining possession effectively.
Gravenberch’s ability to draw players towards him and commit them with driving runs will be a valuable asset for Liverpool, especially when facing compact defensive blocks.
Liverpool’s midfield has seen significant improvements with the addition of Gravenberch, combining youth, experience, and availability. Although the club may not have addressed all their squad issues during the summer transfer window, securing Gravenberch’s signature undoubtedly enhances their midfield options.
With the signing of Ryan Gravenberch, Liverpool continues to strengthen its squad ahead of the new season. The club’s ambition to compete at the highest level is evident, and fans can look forward to seeing Gravenberch in action alongside his new teammates.
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